Striking scribes could be back to work on Wednesday
Many striking movie and television writers are expected to be back on their sets on Wednesday, pending the outcome of a guild membership vote on Tuesday on a new three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers. The agreement reportedly gives writers 2% of whatever fee a TV show’s producer is paid to permit streaming of the program on the Web, with this condition kicking in starting in the final year of the contract. The New York Times,  The Wall Street Journal (free content),  Advertising Age

Yahoo! to rebuff Microsoft’s $44.6B buyout bid
Yahoo!’s board of directors has agreed to turn down Microsoft’s buyout bid, citing the $31-per-share offer as insufficient, sources report. San Francisco Chronicle,  The Washington Post/Associated Press 

David Shuster suspended by MSNBC for “pimped-out” remark
Cable network correspondent David Shuster was suspended from his duties by NBC News for suggesting on-air that Chelsea Clinton was being “pimped out” by her parents in the service of the presidential campaign of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Broadcasting & Cable

Analysis: Political season drives up ad prices
Politicians are projected to spend about $3 billion on televised advertising during the current election cycle. This infusion of cash is benefiting local TV stations but is making a more competitive marketplace for non-political advertisers who are paying higher rates for air time. BusinessWeek

NBC wants Nielsen to move up 2009 February sweep
Nielsen Media Research should consider moving next year’s February sweep up a few weeks to avoid a possible disruption of the switch to all-digital broadcasts on Feb. 17, 2009, according to NBC. While ABC, CBS and Fox have not requested such a move, most are said to be in favor of the change. Mediaweek 

WHAT?! When Avid dropped out of NAB last year, people talked about this being the trend. But I said that it would take a few years and several large companies dropping out before any kind of trend was started. But I never expected Apple to drop out the very next year! weren’t they supposed to show the Final Cut Server in full working mode and available to everyone this year?

The official statement goes like this:

“Apple is participating in fewer trade shows this year,” said Anuj Nayar, senior manager of PR at Apple. “Often there are better ways to reach our customers. The increasing popularity of our retail stores and Apple.com Web site allows us to directly reach more than 100 million customers around the world in innovative new ways.”

You can read a little more about this story over at the TVtechnology site.

YEAH! Almost 3 weeks after Quicktime 7.4 killed rendering on all my copies of After Effects and Premiere Pro (on all of my machines), Apple has now released a fix with QuickTime 7.4.1. The cause of the problem is outlined in this article here that says:

“Apparently the issue is with QuickTime’s support of Digital Rights Management technology for downloaded movies in iTunes. QuickTime checks movies at regular intervals for DRM violations and since the Adobe products don’t write the headers until it renders the movies, this is seen as a violation.”

This update is a must if you want to get your rendering right, so launch Software Update and go get this puppy! (or click here)

Tracking Super Bowl buzz online
If the preponderance of Web chatter is to be believed, ads for Budweiser and Audi generated the most buzz the day after the Super Bowl. This info comes via TNS Media Intelligence unit Cymfony, which tracks product mentions on blogs, message boards and social media. Game advertiser Victoria’s Secret received the largest uptick in its daily Web-site traffic during the same period, Nielsen Online reports. USA TODAY

Time Warner to divide AOL, trim work force
New Time Warner CEO Jeffrey L. Bewkes Wednesday said the company will divide AOL’s advertising-supported Web unit from its Internet access business and trim 100 positions from its corporate unit. The company also is exploring plans that include streamlining its feature film production units and possibly selling its remaining stake in Time Warner Cable, Bewkes said. The New York Times, Financial Times (free content)

Bill: Churches could screen Super Bowl without risk of lawsuit
Churches and other houses of worship would be allowed to air football games on their big-screen TVs, under a new measure sponsored by U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa. The Washington Post on Friday reported on churches pulling the plug on Super Bowl parties because of the threat of copyright infringement lawsuits by the NFL if the games were viewed on big-screen TVs. The NFL is reviewing the bill, according to a spokesman. The Washington Post

Report: TV warnings, sirens credited with preventing additional tornado deaths
Dozens of communities in the southern U.S. are cleaning up today in the wake of the deadliest tornadoes seen in the U.S. since 1985. Weather forecasters were able to broadcast advance warnings, giving residents in many hard-hit areas time to seek shelter. Google/Associated Press

Obituary: John McWethy, 61, retired ABC News correspondent
Retired ABC News correspondent John McWethy, who was in the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001, attack and reported live from the scene afterwards, died Wednesday in Colorado, following a skiing accident. He was 61. TVNEWSDAY/Associated Press (free registration)

Review: Super Tuesday results defied easy conclusions
Although the TV networks were ready to use their roster of seasoned analysts, polling data and dazzling graphics to give viewers a complete story from Super Tuesday’s results, the returns themselves didn’t allow for “easy analysis,” according to this review of the coverage by David Bauder. “Often, all the information seemed to add up to nothing,” Bauder writes. Google/Associated Press

Indie digital nets pitch broadcasters on carrying their signals
Broadcasters have mixed views on whether independent digital networks such as Retro Television Network and LATV are the best use of the broadcast spectrum, according to this article. At least five such networks were pitching their programming to TV stations at last week’s NATPE convention. TVNEWSDAY (free registration)

“Late Late Show” host to perform at White House Correspondents Dinner
CBS late-night talk-show host Craig Ferguson will perform at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner, on April 26 in Washington, D.C. Broadcasting & Cable

Study: Talk radio doesn’t impact how listeners vote
Only 1% of talk radio listeners are strongly influenced by the medium when they vote, according to a survey by the Benchmark Company. Of those surveyed, 9% reported “very little influence” from talk radio at the ballot box and 86% said there was no influence. “Our findings do nothing to damage the credibility of any one talk host; rather, they suggest that preaching from the bully pulpit can be very tedious to talk listeners,” Benchmark CEO Rob Balon said. Radio Online

Analysis: Local TV stations see a future in Net syndication
Local TV stations are looking online for growth opportunities. One increasingly popular option is Web streaming of ad-supported syndicated and original shows, according to this article. The New York Times

Survey: 80M Americans watched TV programming online in ‘07
An estimated 80 million Americans, or 43% of the country’s online population, screened a prime-time TV show on the Web last year, according to a study by Solutions Research Group. Among the most-watched online programs are “Heroes,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dancing With the Stars,” “Ugly Betty,” “Chuck” and “CSI.” The Hollywood Reporter

Nielsen: Super Bowl XLII most-watched ever
Sunday’s Super Bowl ranks as the most-popular edition of the big game yet, as well as the second-most-watched measured entertainment or sports broadcast of all time, according to Nielsen Media Research ratings. An average of 97.5 million viewers watched the game, with a record 148.3 million people catching at least part of the contest. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.), New York Daily News

FCC sued by six cable nets over must-carry rule
The FCC’s requirement that cable systems must carry all analog and digital broadcast signals after the DTV transition violates the First Amendment, argues a federal lawsuit filed by C-SPAN, Discovery Communications, The Weather Channel, TV One, A&E Television and Scripps Networks. “Today’s lawsuit by a handful of self-serving pay TV programmers represents yet another attempt by cable interests to block a successful digital television transition,” said NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton. The Hollywood Reporter, TVNEWSDAY (free registration)

Super Bowl spots get second life online
Marketers are getting extra bang for their Super Bowl ad bucks through views of their spots on dozens of general and niche Web sites, as well as via playbacks on DVRs, according to this article. A number of online communities, video sites and Web portals also have jumped onto the Super Bowl bandwagon by hosting polls and forums about ads that aired during the game. The New York Times

Cabler hits tornado victim with $2,000 bill for new equipment
A woman in Wheatland, Wis., whose home was hit by a tornado initially was charged $2,000 by Time Warner Cable to replace damaged equipment. When she inquired about the charges, a company manager reportedly told her she would have to submit the bill to her insurance company. However, a Time Warner Cable spokeswoman said anyone who explains the circumstances of the tornado can have the charges waived. Associated Press

Bud comes up big with ad viewers
Sunday night’s Super Bowl saw the coronation of a dynasty — Anheuser-Busch won “best-liked” honors in the influential USA TODAY Ad Meter ratings for the 10th year in a row. The ad featured a Dalmatian training a Clydesdale to try out for the Budweiser beer wagon team. Spots for FedEx, Bridgestone and Doritos also scored high. You can see ALL 55 SUPERBOWL ADS by clicking over to this page at USA TODAY (2/4)

Writers’ strike could be settled this week
The writers’ strike reportedly could be headed toward a settlement as early as this week after the union and major studios reached a new, tentative proposal that would follow a similar compensation model for online streams as one adopted by the directors’ guild. The final contract could be presented to the Writers Guild leadership by Friday, sources said. Both sides, citing a media blackout, would not comment. The Washington Post (2/3), The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (2/4), Los Angeles Times (free registration) (2/3)

Report: Super Bowl ratings could set a record
According to preliminary reports, Sunday night’s Super Bowl telecast on Fox garnered a 44.7 rating and a 66 share. When all the numbers are in, the game could hold the record as the most-watched Super Bowl, and possibly the second-most-watch TV broadcast ever after the 1983 finale of “M*A*S*H.” CNNMoney.com/Associated Press (2/4)

Obama campaign made regional ad buy for Super Bowl
Barack Obama’s camp bought ad time on the Super Bowl in a bid to reach voters in Super Tuesday states. The presidential hopeful’s campaign paid a reported $250,000 to air the 30-second spot in select markets. The Washington Post/Associated Press (2/3)

Special House panel to hold hearing on Microsoft-Yahoo! merger
The House Judiciary Committee’s Task Force on Antitrust and Competition Policy is scheduled on Friday to hold a hearing on Microsoft’s $44.6 billion bid to acquire Yahoo!, Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., said. “Microsoft’s bid to acquire Yahoo is certainly one of the largest technology mergers we’ve seen and presents important issues regarding the competitive landscape of the Internet,” Conyers said. Multichannel News (2/3)

• Google reaches out to Yahoo! to thwart Microsoft bid: Google reportedly is offering to assist Yahoo! in any effort to fend off a $44.6 billion unsolicited takeover bid from Microsoft. It’s not clear what kind of help Google is offering, but Google could help Yahoo!’s bottom line by taking on search advertising functions for the beleaguered portal, or by encouraging other companies to submit competing bids. It’s unlikely that Google would bid to acquire Yahoo! on its own, because of anti-competitive issues. The Wall Street Journal (free content) (2/4), The Washington Post/Reuters (2/4)

So I went to a Super Bowl Party at Scott’s house last night… man does this guy know how to do Super Bowl right! Sony HD projector beaming beautiful football images to a 100 inch screen in a completely dark room with 5.1 surround sound and most everyone sitting in all leather recliners with built-in drink holders. And then there was the food! Four XLarge pizzas with all the toppings you can dream of, 8 foot-long sandwiches that ranged from Philly Cheese Steaks to smothered Ham and Cheese, party platters of cheeses and vegetables and little sandwiches, and cake and probably 100 other things I’m forgetting about. And most importantly… Premium Pigs in a Blanket.

Most of the usual Photoshop Guys were there: Matt Kloskowski, Corey Barker, RC and Jason “the Scriv” Scrivner with their wives, of course Scott and his wife Kalebra, and many others. So during halftime I decided to take a few pictures with my iPhone while everyone was refilling their plates in the kitchen. Here’s what I captured:

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Canadians crossing border into U.S. prime time
Seeking new, scripted shows to fill the programming gap resulting from the writers strike, top broadcast TV networks reportedly are looking to program creators to the North to supply them with shows. “Canada is the next big thing,” one U.S. agent said. The Hollywood Reporter

Microsoft bids $44.6B for Yahoo!
Microsoft has proposed to acquire struggling Web portal Yahoo! for $44.6 billion, or $31 per share — a significant premium over yesterday’s closing price. The offer was contained in a letter sent Thursday to the Yahoo! board by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. In an accompanying statement, Ballmer wrote, “We believe our combination will deliver superior value to our respective shareholders and better choice and innovation to our customers and industry partners.” Yahoo! issued a statement saying it intends to “evaluate this proposal carefully and promptly in the context of Yahoo’s strategic plans and pursue the best course of action to maximize long-term value for shareholders.” The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

Martin: $1.4M fine against ABC appropriate
A collective $1.4 million indecency fine leveled against ABC stations for airing a particular episode of the “NYPD Blue” series was an appropriate measure, notwithstanding the fact that the series is no longer on the air, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said Thursday. “The commission has an obligation to enforce its indecency rules. This was a decision that was made 5-0,” Martin said. Radio Ink

Wireless spectrum bidding reaches record $15.6B
Bidding in the FCC’s wireless spectrum auction stood at a record $15.6 billion on Thursday. Bidding on the “C block” of open access spectrum passed the $4.6 billion threshold triggering an “open access” provision that will require the winning bidder to create a wireless network that allows consumers greater choice in their handsets and software. Yahoo!/Associated Press

Analysis: Opportunities, challenges ahead for TV station business
Following a “watershed” year in which nearly 300 TV stations were bought and sold in transactions valued at $4.6 billion, the U.S. TV station sector should remain in a strong position in 2008, helped by the revenue-generating Olympics and presidential election, but it could slow down next year, analysts say. The threat of a recession and new competition from broadband video pose challenges for TV stations both in terms of viewership and ad revenue, according to this article. The Hollywood Reporter

It’s the Super Bowl Edition!

E*Trade Financial has two Super Bowl commercials that will feature a baby talking on a Webcam about stocks and savings.

Super Bowl XLII to show off the lighter side of advertising
This year’s crop of Super Bowl ads promises to be the sunnier and sweeter than last year’s, which favored the dark and sardonic, according to this article. David Lubars, chairman and chief creative officer at BBDO North America, speculated that the new trend may owe to the current tough economic climate. “Maybe people want something lighter and less aggressive,” he said. The New York Times

Sources: Fox could reap $260M in ad sales from Super Bowl
Fox reportedly could ring up $260 million in ad sales from the Super Bowl, including $225 million in national ads and $35 million worth of local spots on its owned-and-operated stations. Fox officials did not comment for this article. Mediaweek

HDTV provides gridiron fans the best seat in the house
The experience of watching the Super Bowl and other high-profile sporting contests on a home theater system complete with HDTV is so lifelike that almost half of the fans polled for a recent survey reported they would rather watch the big game at home, rather than attend in person, this article says. Los Angeles Times (free registration)

Will February sweeps suffer due to writers strike?
The absence of fresh episodes from some top scripted series, due to the writers strike, could take the wind out of the February sweeps, according to this article. Despite major event programming, including the Super Bowl and telecasts of the Grammy and Oscar awards, media watchers are expecting the writers strike to take its toll on prime-time ratings, with a notable exception being Fox, whose “American Idol” series remains wildly popular. USA TODAY