ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

TV

Streaming rise Networks ‘bank’ on reboots, franchises

By David Bauder and Lynn Elber verything old is new again on network television, Eand without apology. As the TV industry rushes into the future with streaming services, traditional broadcasters unveiled 2021-22 schedules that rely heavily on familiar series brands and reboots of decades-old shows. There’s even a two-fer based on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” the Las Vegas-set forensics drama that dazzled viewers when it arrived in 2000. Get ready for “CSI: Vegas,” a CBS remake complete with original stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox and, in a sign of diversity progress, Black actor Paula Newsome as the lead investigator. The annual network tradition of wooing potential ad buyers with lavish New York City presentations of up- coming shows and their stars was reduced by COVID to a virtual presentation for the sec- ond year. But a deeper disruption came with the announcement that Discovery and Warner- Media plan to merge, adding yet another media behemoth with streaming services — Discovery+ and HBO Max Kimmel — to the fray that began with Netflix. The broadcast networks aren’t merely on the sidelines. Most are aligned with streaming services through their corporate owners, such as Disney’s ABC and Disney+, which means they’re both competing and cooperating. The strategy to double-down on standard network fare comes as lavish streamed shows including “The Crown” draw critical acclaim, Emmy Awards and subscribers. But it’s ad dollars that the networks need, and they’re uniquely positioned to provide the mass Maneskin from Italy celebrate with the trophy after winning the Grand Final of the at Ahoy arena in , Netherlands, May 22. (AP) audiences that justify them. Here are the key takeaways from last week’s an- nouncements by ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. Rough Waters Music Tuning in to some of the broadcast network’s on- line presentations felt like watching a phone company show off its new collection of landlines. With rotary dialers! It’s interesting. Maybe even helpful. But it doesn’t CMA board limits Wallen’s award eligibility refl ect the world of , or tomorrow. Streaming un- deniably draws the buzz now — the hot programs that get critical attention or awards, and the format is what business leaders concentrate on. Italy’s rock band wins Eurovision During the 1995-96 television season, 56% of peo- ple watching television in the evening were seeing the ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May try. The band, which honed its musi- Ahead of the show, crowds gathered live output of network affi liates — primarily CBS, 23, (AP): A four-piece band of Italian cal style busking in Rome, won with a outside the arena in the Dutch city of NBC, ABC and Fox. This year, that was down to 26%, rockers won the Eurovision Song Con- total of 529 points from second-placed Rotterdam. Drag queens mingled with according to the Nielsen company. test in the early hours of Sunday, giv- France. Switzerland, which led af- families as a man in a gold suit waited The always caustic Jimmy Kimmel referred to ing one of the countries hit hardest in ter national juries had voted, finished to get into the venue. ABC as “Disney minus.” He torpedoed the network’s Europe by the coronavirus pandemic third. Milo Mateo and Carlo Sossa, wear- show “Big Sky” as “the #1 new drama that no one has reason to cheer. United Kingdom singer James New- ing matching sequin-covered hats and ever heard of or seen.” Maneskin’s win was only Italy’s man’s song, “Embers,” failed to ig- draped in Italian flags, came from It- The unveiling of a new fall schedule at CBS - for two third victory in the immensely popular nite any love at all and did not score a aly for the show and were hoping for decades generally America’s most-watched television contest and the first since Toto Cutug- single point, finishing last, just as the a Maneskin victory since that would network - used to be the week’s centerpiece. This year Senhit, (left), from per- no took the honor in 1990. UK did at the previous Eurovision two bring next year’s contest to Italy. it was rushed through, almost an afterthought. Instead, forms Adrenalina with rapper The music festival was cancelled years ago. “If we win, it will be very, very nice, CBS and its Viacom corporate partners emphasized at the Grand Final of the Eurovision last year amid the pandemic but this US rapper Flo Rida didn’t manage because the next year will be in Italy. all of the content available on multiple platforms. Song Contest at Ahoy arena in Rot- year’s event in Rotterdam’s Ahoy are- to translate his star power into points That’s very good. Let’s hope. Fingers “We talk about literally looking at our company terdam, Netherlands, May 22. (AP) na with its regime of testing and strict for tiny San Marino’s entry that was crossed,” Mateo said as he waited to holistically, and where these shows end up, where hygiene protocols was seen as a step get into the arena. they seem to fit best,” said CBS entertainment chief sung by Senhit. They finished with just toward a post-COVID-19 return to live 50 points. The popular Icelandic band Dadi Kelly Kahl in an interview. “That’s the goal of what og Gagnamagnid, known for its kitsch we’re trying to do. We’re trying to get the best entertainment. “We think that the whole event was Victory dance moves and green leisurewear shows in front of viewers, however they decide to costumes, could not perform live be- watch.” a relief. We think that we were really For lovers of kitsch, German singer thankful ... to have had the chance to Jendrik played a sparkling ukulele and cause one member tested positive for Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier sounded the virus earlier in the week. Instead, almost plaintive in talking to advertisers about his be part of this huge event,” Maneskin danced with a woman dressed in a gi- lead singer Damiano David said. ant hand costume optimistically show- viewers saw a recording of one of the network’s shows: “These are not built for subscribers, band’s dress rehearsals. they’re built for you, to help your brand.” “This Eurovision means a lot, I ing the victory sign. He finished close That’s as close as you’ll get a television executive think, to the whole of Europe. It’s go- to last. Also: ing to be a lighthouse. So thank you, Lithuanian band danced to saying they’re making material to be played in be- NASHVILLE, Tenn: Country singer tween commercials. everybody. Really,” he added. in bright yellow costumes in a tongue- Italy, the bookmakers’ favorite, in-cheek homage to 1980s synth pop. Morgan Wallen will be eligible for It’s a business. And while executives may be on Hawkins Cuomo multiple awards at this year’s CMA their heels, advertisers committed to some $18.6 trailed Switzerland, France and Pravi’s song. “Voilà,” was a re- Awards but not the show’s top prize, a billion in spending for commercials last year on after the national juries delivered their strained ballad that built to a swirling sign of the continuing fallout after he broadcast and cable networks after hearing their votes but were propelled to victory by crescendo on a largely darkened stage, was caught on camera using a racial plans, even with uncertainty caused by the pandem- Variety votes from the viewing public. but there was still plenty of the over- slur. ic, according to Media Dynamics, Inc. Ad spending “The audience is the most important the-top spectacle that has become Eu- The Country Music Association’s hasn’t dropped the way viewership has, since the thing, of course,” said bassist Victoria rovision’s trademark. Board of Directors voted that Wallen programming is still among the few opportunities MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala: Roger Hawk- De Angelis. Norwegian singer Andreas Hauke- will not be eligible for individual art- to reach a large audience. ins, the original drummer for the studio “So the fact that so many people land, whose is a refer- ist categories, such as entertainer of So while the rise of streaming makes this feel like a band immortalized as “The Swampers” vote for us, it’s the most meaningful, ence to growing up with Tourette syn- the year and male vocalist of the year, business in transition, it’s not entirely clear what lies in the rock hit “Sweet Home ,” because that means that those people drome, sang “Fallen Angel” in a pair according to Catharine McNelly, a ahead. died. are coming to our gigs, they are listen- of giant white wings while chained to CMA spokeswoman. Hawkins, who was 75, died after an ing to our music. And this has much four prancing devils. The board decided that Wallen could Want Fries With That? extended illness, said Ana Hyde, studio more value than a jury” At the other end of the spectrum — still be nominated for awards that rec- The term “franchise” applies to the fast-food indus- and operations manager at Muscle Shoals A crowd of 3,500 fans, who all Finland’s hard-rocking ognize an artistic work, such as try and to TV, with some networks making the adapt- Sound Studio. tested negative for the coronavirus, played their song “Dark Side” amid of the year, song of the year, single of Hawkins was the drummer for the watched the finalists perform live. bursts of pyrotechnics and Ukraine’s able series formats it describes as a central part of their legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Sec- the year, musical event and music vid- schedules. tion, also known as “The Swampers.” He Maneskin is Danish for moonlight, Go_A performed surrounded by skel- eo, “so as to not limit the opportunity A key producer is Dick Wolf, whose series will fi ll was a founder of Muscle Shoals Sound a tribute to De Angelis’ home coun- etal white trees. for other credited collaborators.” nine prime-time hours on two networks this fall: The Studio, along with his partners, Jimmy new “Law & Order: For the Defense” is joining long- Johnson, David Hood and Barry running “Law & Order: SVU” and recently introduced Beckett. Cuomo had joined a series of conference Time” encouraged his brother to take a of the calls that the newspaper did not “Law & Order: Organized Crime” on NBC, which A Facebook post from the studio paid calls with aides and advisers. defi ant position and not resign, the Post identify. already airs Wolf’s three “Chicago”-set dramas, and tribute to Hawkins whom Jerry Wexler The host of CNN’s “Cuomo Prime said, quoting two people present on one CNN said in a statement that Chris CBS is adding “FBI: International” to make it a trio of called “the greatest drummer of all time” Cuomo has not been involved in the his “FBI” shows. “We love you Roger. Rest in Peace network’s coverage of the allegations, CBS is expanding its “NCIS” family (from another and watch over us as we are all better either on the air or behind the scenes, producer) with a Hawaii-set newcomer added to the for having known you. We will think because he could not be objective and franchise that includes the original series starring of you as we listen to your many hits often serves as a “sounding board” for Mark Harmon and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” including, “,” “Mustang his older brother. “If you look at what is working these days on broad- Sally,” “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “However, it was inappropriate to cast television, it’s impossible to escape that franchis- “Chain of Fools,” “I’ll Take You There” engage in conversations that included es help you on several levels,” said CBS executive and so many more,” the post read. members of the governor’s staff, which Kahl. A brand name helps launch a series and viewers Roger played on hundreds of hit Chris acknowledges,” the network said. like to watch franchise shows — and thus the com- recordings. His session credits include “He will not participate in such conversa- recordings with , tions going forward.” mercials — as they air, he said, adding, “our bread and Bob , , The network did not announce any butter is still selling ad time.” Seger, Clarence Carter, The Staples disciplinary action against its show host. The shows also do surprisingly well on streaming. Singers, , , There are 350-plus episodes of durable “NCIS” on , Otis Redding, James On his show, Chris Cuomo said Netfl ix, and the show had the second-most minutes Brown, , , being involved in the calls was “a streamed in the last week of April against such buz- Alicia Keys and many more. mistake.” zworthy competition as “The Falcon and the Winter In lieu of fl owers, the family suggested “I put my colleagues here (at CNN), Soldier.” donations be made to the Muscle Shoals who I believe are the best in the business, Music Foundation or the Alabama Music in a bad spot,” the anchor said at the top More Diversity Hall of Fame. (AP) of his show. “I never intended for that, The network plans refl ected notable efforts at ❑ ❑ ❑ I would never intend for that, and I am promoting diversity and social activism, in the year sorry for that.” following the murder of George Floyd and the wide- NEW YORK: CNN has said it was “inap- Asked about the Post story, Cuomo spread demonstrations afterward. propriate” for anchor Chris Cuomo to press secretary Richard Azzopardi said have been involved in phone calls with that “there were a few phone conversa- Fox will televise “Our Kind of People,” a series tions, with friends and advisers giving about upper-middle-class Black professionals who the staff of his brother, New York Gov Andrew Cuomo, where strategies on the governor advice.” vacation on Martha’s Vineyard. CBS will premiere how the governor should respond to The New York Democrat is facing “The Activist,” a reality show about people looking to sexual harassment allegations were alleg- In this May 13, 1968 file photo, singer John Lennon appears during a press allegations that he abused his power by bring change in the areas of health, education and the edly discussed. conference in New York. Lennon is featured in ‘1971: The Year That Music inappropriately touching and sexually environment. (AP) The network was responding to a story Changed Everything’, an eight-part documentary series that premiered Friday harassing women who worked with him in The Washington Post that said Chris on the Apple+ streaming service. (AP ) or met him elsewhere. (AP)