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MARY TYLER MOORE TELEVISIONWEEK April 20, 2009 11 THE TV ICON GETS NAB’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD … PAGE 20 RTNDA@NAB SPECIAL SECTION

NewsproTHE STATE OF TV NEWS

2009 VENUE The Las Vegas Hilton will host this year’s RTNDA@NAB conference. TV NEWS’ WEB TAKES FRONT SEAT AT RTNDA 1010MOST Event Aims to Assist in Digital Transition By Daisy Whitney The news directors and journal- ists who convinced their bosses to pony up for even a half-price ticket to this year’s RTNDA’s Cochran POWERFULPOWERFUL Radio and Televi- looks back, sion News Direc- KEY EXECUTIVES MUST STEER ahead. Page 16 tors Association Hearst-Argyle’s conference in Las MEDIA THROUGH ECONOMIC TURMOIL Young honored. Vegas will be Page 18 treated to a heavy BY ELIZABETH JENSEN dose of Web reali- It’s time again for TelevisionWeek’s list of the 10 Most Powerful in TV News. ty at the group’s annual gathering. The gist of this year’s RTNDA This year’s report card comes at an awkward time: Election-year performances can’t be ignored, and yet they already conference, which runs April 19-22, seem a distant memory, as the industry is roiled by the same economic turmoil as the rest of the nation. concurrent with the National Asso- While there are plenty of new characters heating up the airwaves, this year we’ve opted for executives over on-air tal- ciation of Broadcasters convention, ent for the list; they are the ones trying to navigate the downturn in advertising revenues, anticipate where and how fickle is 100% practical—it’s about the viewers want to get their news, and find the programming and personalities that appeal to the national zeitgeist. Web, the Web and more of the Web. Before we jump in, let’s conduct a quick review. The criteria? It’s highly subjective. Ratings count, and so do revenues The actual theme of the confer- ence is “Remodeling the Model: (not that anyone is freely handing out those numbers, but there are plenty of whispers). So does the ability to instill fear in Get Ready for Tomorrow’s Digital competitors or to spark a national conversation no matter how inane (the collective Wikipedia minds define power as “the Platforms,” and most of the ses- measure of an entity’s ability to control the environment around itself, including the behavior of other entities”). And it’s sions center on how news man- worth noting that power can be used for ill as well as good, as has been reminding CNBC executives. agers and journalists can reinvent Continued on Page 12 Continued on Page 17

NEWSPRO ONLINE: Newspro, TelevisionWeek’s signature section highlighting the state of broadcast , is also available online. Check TVWeek.com’s Newspro section for expanded versions of stories, and use our interactive features to leave feedback and thoughts on these stories along with your story tips and suggestions for future sections. TW MAIN 04-20-09 A 12 TVWEEK 4/16/2009 4:26 PM Page 1

12 April 20, 2009 TELEVISIONWEEK NEWSPRO

Continued from Page 11 1. NBC News Team Jeff Zucker, president and chief executive officer, NBC Universal , president, NBC News , president, MSNBC Mark Hoffman, president, CNBC It’s increasingly impossible to sep- arate the parts from the whole at NBC News, so the top spot this year goes to the team led by Jeff Zucker, president and CEO of NBC Universal. With the NBC primetime sched- ule struggling and pilot needs cur- tailed by the move of late-night talk Jeff Zucker Steve Capus show host to 10 p.m., it’s no wonder that Mr. Zucker, a former Roger Ailes “Today” show executive producer, would take a hands-on interest in NBC News: It’s much more fun when have many wondering if the place is ABC News. strategies are having success. about to go off the rails. And then there is the phenome- Under his uber-direction, the non that is Glenn Beck. After a news parts of the empire seem to be decent but far from breakout run sorting themselves out after years of 2. Roger Ailes, on CNN’s HLN, Mr. Beck’s January ill-defined boundaries. president, Channel, and move to Fox has turned out to be a The company adroitly recovered chairman, Fox Television Stations perfect match of the times and the from the untimely death of Tim Group network; his apocalyptic foaming is Russert, which was both a personal What a difference a few months drawing in the crowds even at the tragedy for his colleagues and a make. Post-election, perhaps the unlikely hour of 5 p.m., and the potentially business-threatening blow temptation would have been to put show is finishing second only to in an election year during which he Fox behind CNN, what with the lat- the mighty Bill O’Reilly. Can Mr. was expected to star. Phil Mark ter’s strong political year. But Fox Beck sustain the intensity, or at this MSNBC has finally gained its own Griffin Hoffman has, quite predictably, roared back. time next year will he prove to be a identity, after taking the full plunge The naysayers who thought FNC -ian one-issue wonder? into partisan primetime. Keith Olber- over ABC’s “World News” in the and White House correspondent wouldn’t fare well in an Obama Gawker throws around words like mann’s championing of Rachel Mad- March sweeps. “Today” keeps Chuck Todd is quietly getting queued world obviously aren’t old enough “unhinged” and “mental break- dow paid off, giving the network a steamrollering on: At the end of up, just in case. Attempts to integrate to remember just how much the down” to describe Mr. Beck’s recent fresh if now-verging-on-overexposed March it marked its 55th consecu- reporters from the Weather Chan- network and its viewers reveled in performances, but if there’s anyone voice. “Morning Joe” now regularly tive quarter—more than 13 years— nel—NBC’s newest acquisition—into every Bill Clinton misstep. who can manage on-the-edge per- bests CNN’s “American Morning.” as the top-rated morning show. “Nightly News” are sometimes just Last year, the Fox lineup was as sonalities, it’s Mr. Ailes. Now if he Meanwhile, the broadcast side All this is not to say there aren’t jarring. CNBC, meanwhile, undeni- dependable as ever, if feeling a bit could only figure out what to do of NBC News hums along. Brian some worrying signs on the horizon. ably continues to rake in the money, predictable. But just a few tweaks— with Fox Business News. Williams’ “NBC Nightly News” has filled in ably on “Meet but the combination of Jim Cramer’s Alan Colmes’ departure, Bret Baier fended off the ABC News challenge the Press” after Mr. Russert’s death in antics and the departures of Senior in for Brit Hume—have livened and sits comfortably in first place, June, but permanent replacement VP Jonathan Wald and high-energy things up without upsetting the 3. CNN Team with a solid million-viewer lead David Gregory appears vulnerable, “Fast Money” host Dylan Ratigan essential formula. Still to play out Jim Walton, president, CNN is a potentially bigger change, as Worldwide John Moody, who has overseen Fox Jon Klein, president, CNN/U.S. News’ editorial content for more Ken Jautz, executive VP, CNN than a decade, moves up to a cor- Worldwide, responsible for HLN “I call on all Americans to porate post and is replaced by Michael Clemente, recently in from Can a network be classified as bipolar? Despite the overstuffed pundit panels and Wolf Blitzer’s stand up and do what they can “best political team on television” tic, CNN’s election coverage was singled out for a Peabody Award and boosted the network to its best to serve their communities.” year ever in 2008; likewise for CNN HLN (formerly Headline News) and – President Obama, March 31, 2009 CNN.com. If only the flagship net- on passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act work had been able to entice those viewers to stick around. The network’s March numbers were still slightly ahead of last year, Join so CNN is seeing some benefit from the pre-election tune-in. But com- Miss America 2009 Stam petitively, CNN’s primetime stand- Jim Walton ing has plummeted as Fox and and AmeriCorps members Continued on Page 14 for interviews on the importance of volunteering in this time of economic crisis. Monday, April 20

Interviews: RTNDA Booth R413 (Hilton) 10:15-12:15 Photos: NAB Public Service Pavilion (LVCC) from 3:00-5:00

Jon Klein Ken Jautz MISS AMERICA 2009 KATIE STAM NationalService.gov TW001513 3/27/09 1:33 PM Page 1 TW MAIN 04-20-09 A 14 TVWEEK 4/16/2009 4:14 PM Page 1

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appears to have lost some of Ed Bradley and momentum. Meanwhile, Diane was noticeable. Sawyer’s contract at “Good Morn- landed a one-two ing America” is due for renewal, punch with the first post-election which has sparked the usual spec- interviews of both the victorious ulation about whether she wants a Obama team and the president- change. elect himself. drew out Elsewhere on the schedule, Ben Bernanke in the first TV inter- ABC News is coming on strong. view given by a sitting Federal George Stephanopoulos’ “This Reserve Board chairman in more Week” has been able to profit from than two decades. the settling-in period over at “Meet wrenched away hero pilot Chesley the Press” and just notched the Sullenberger, the feel-good get of show’s best first-quarter numbers the year, from her former “Today” in a decade, as it vies with CBS’ colleagues. “Face the Nation” for second-place donned a bathing suit to swim with bragging rights. Olympian Michael Phelps and ven- Most impressive—perhaps not tured to the front lines of Mexico’s to the Ted Koppel fans, but cer- deadly drug wars. David Westin tainly to the poohbahs at Disney Viewers have noticed, and the HQ—is “Nightline.” The reinvent- program has been in the Nielsen ed show still finds time for hard News appeared to be bungling on Top 10 for the week more often news—it won a duPont Award this all fronts. No debates, and confi- than not, averaging nearly 15 mil- Jon Stewart POWERFUL year for its brave reporting from dantes of star anchor Katie Couric lion weekly viewers season-to-date, Continued from Page 12 Afghanistan—but its incorporation were whispering that she most 11% ahead of last year. MSNBC have seen their numbers of lighter chef profiles and stunts likely would leave after the inaugu- another of Mr. Stewart’s illuminat- surge. It frequently finishes fourth such as a recent debate about the ration, making her a lame duck. ing deconstructions of the news in key demos in some timeslots, the existence of Satan have proved the But Mr. McManus brought the run- 7. Comedy Central Team establishment. only consolation being that one of right touch to propel it to a solid away train under control, and Ms. Jon Stewart, host, Comedy Spinoff correspondent Mr. Col- those it’s losing to is HLN. No. 2 ranking in late night. The Couric’s Sarah Palin interviews Central’s “The Daily Show” bert, meanwhile, is off to Iraq, CNN argues that it’s the only higher numbers should be a were an impressive demonstration Stephen Colbert, host, Comedy ostensibly to entertain the troops, pure-play hard-news network, and potent arguing point when the of restraint, allowing the Republi- Central’s “The Colbert Report” but there’s sure to be some real shouldn’t be compared to Fox and network’s entertainment execu- can VP candidate to fumble her headlines that follow. MSNBC with their delineated poli- tives come calling for the post- way through even the most benign In the genre of faux news with tics in primetime. That might res- local news timeslot this summer, of questions. real newsmaking impact, “Satur- onate more if only Mr. Klein didn’t as NBC makes its Jay Leno- Today, “CBS Evening News” is day Night Live’s” Amy Poehler and 8. undercut the argument by O’Brien transition. more news- and investigative- Tina Fey had their shining Local news everywhere is in a promptly answering “Roger Ailes” focused and regularly turns out moments last year portraying Sen. tailspin, as automotive advertising when asked at a recent forum to quotable interviews with Obama Hillary Clinton and Republican VP in particular dries up. Even groups name the “single most important 5. Sean McManus, administration officials. There are candidate Sarah Palin, and the such as Belo that take justifiable problem” facing his network. president, CBS News and CBS Sports no longer daily rumors that Ms. show is being rewarded with a pride in their award-winning local While the primetime lineup still Couric plans to bolt. Peabody Award. But the women investigative and political report- suffers from an identity crisis, What’s more important to a Unfortunately, none of that has are on to primetime, while Jon ing are feeling the squeeze as their there are signs of hope elsewhere news network than an election been enough to help the ratings. Stewart remains reliably at his parent companies’ market values on the schedule, including John year? Four months into 2008, CBS “CBS Evening News” remains in “Daily Show” cable post. plunge. Anchors who have been King’s new Sunday morning show, third place, as does “The Early Again and again, he has proven longtime fixtures at stations across which has had a promising debut. Show.” But Bob Schieffer’s “Face his prowess at cutting through the the country are being cut loose to Meanwhile, HLN is stronger than the Nation” is holding its own in hyperventilation and hype else- save their high salaries and ever, and any pain of seeing for- the demos with ABC’s “This Week,” where. Some critics of CNBC’s mer HLN-er Glenn Beck break out and “CBS Sunday Morning” and blustering “” host Jim on Fox has been ameliorated by “48 Hours” remain reliable money- Cramer just choose not to watch; the surprising success that his makers. As for “,” it Mr. Stewart took the replacement, Jane Velez-Mitchell, seems newly energized and has the tack that Mr. Cramer has shown in his slot. ratings to prove it. and the network needed to be called out for elevating 4. David Westin, 6. Jeff Fager, entertainment over president, ABC News executive producer, responsibility. Mr. With Mr. Westin’s leadership, “60 Minutes” Cramer whines ABC navigated its way through a The country is in a serious about being successful election year, piling on mood, and “60 Minutes” has ably ambushed when the debates and pulling in the responded. The Sunday night he went on the viewers on Election Night, when it newsmagazine stalwart has always show to counted. managed to turn out some journal- defend him- LOCAL FLAVOR KMEX The post-election decompres- istic gems even in off years, but this self, but anchors Fabiola Kram- sion seems to have taken its toll, season the program feels as though much of the Sean sky, left, Raul Peimbert however: Charles Gibson’s “World McManus it has found its footing again after a world saw the and Teresa Quevedo are News” is still a solid No. 2 but transition period when the absence exchange as yet among Univision’s stars.

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TELEVISIONWEEK April 20, 2009 15

gories, which makes it easy to navigate to the soundbite du jour. The site has quickly become a powerful player in the Web video world, giving a major boost to those TV news outlets that know how to package their material into bite-size clips. But HuffPo also ran into some trouble BLOGOSPHERE The Huffington in February when it Post Web site is capitalizing AGENCY The staff of N.S. had to apologize for Bienstock represents the on the growing popularity of linking to a doctored online video. top talent in the TV news video of Fox News’ world. John Gibson, raising the Huffington Post’s video page questions about just what Internet. The rival Drudge is particularly eye-catching and kind of editorial safeguards it Report has video links, too, but smartly organized into cate- had in place. ■

Stephen Colbert

replaced with inexperienced and cheaper names. Univision isn’t immune to the financial pressures of dwindling local ad sales, but its local news continues to thrive in major markets. For the first quarter of the year, its Los Angeles station, KMEX, remained No. 1 nation- wide—English- or Spanish-lan- guage—in 18-to 49-year-old ear- ly local news viewers. Its WXTV in New York was the top station in its market in the same demo, and second nationwide. The company had a strong election year, sponsoring three debates, and has benefited from the Obama administration’s widen- ing media outreach: The presi- dent himself recently recorded a message to the audience watch- ing the “Premio Lo Nuestro” music awards show. 9. N.S. Bienstock Back in 1980, Richard Leib- ner was lauded for his role in helping make CBS News’ Dan Rather the $8 million man. Nearly 30 years later, the TV business has undergone radical changes, but Mr. Leibner and his wife, Carole Cooper, the powers behind Bienstock, are still changing with the times, exhibiting a nimbleness and longevity that some of their clients would do well to learn from. They still represent some of network news’ heavy hitters, including “60 Minutes” man Steve Kroft and his boss Jeff Fager, and established cable stars Bill O’Reilly and Anderson Cooper. But year after year, as new talents rise to the top, Bien- stock is right there as well. Fox News breakout Glenn Beck? Check. HLN’s Jane Velez- Mitchell? Check. Bienstock’s flexibility will serve the agency well as it deals with the chal- lenge of the moment: Cutbacks in the local news talent business nationwide. 10. Huffington Post What’s a blog/aggregator doing on a TV list? It’s an acknowledgment of the blurring of the lines between TV and the