Digital talent shaping local media
Broadcast TV stations seeking to compete online are creating new Web producer positions, hiring Web-savvy individuals to help shape content for online distribution, and adding digital duties to existing positions. Broadcasters are bidding for their share of the estimated $8.5 billion in advertising spending directed at local online media. Broadcasting & Cable

Netflix lifts cap on films, shows watched online
Netflix has removed its limit on the number of hours its subscribers can watch movies and TV programs online. The change in policy was announced Monday, a day before Apple CEO Steve Jobs reportedly was set to outline the specifics of its new iTunes video download rental service during his scheduled keynote at the Macworld convention. The Hollywood Reporter

Fox gives “American Idol” extra push on Clear Channel sites
Fox is promoting the return of “American Idol,” via an online campaign that will take over the ad space on the Web sites of 250 Clear Channel radio outlets in 40 major markets. Mediaweek

FCC said to begin probe into whether Comcast is blocking file-sharing
The FCC reportedly has launched an investigation into Comcast’s network management practices following complaints against the cable operator for allegedly interfering with peer-to-peer file sharing. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau is said to be looking into whether Comcast is conforming to its August 2005, policy statement outlining four user-oriented principles designed to ensure “that broadband networks are widely deployed, open, affordable, and accessible to all consumers.” Multichannel News

MySpace commits to making site safer for kids
Under a new agreement with U.S. attorneys general for all states except Texas, News Corp’s MySpace is beefing up its efforts to shield underage users from sexual predators. The pact calls for stricter security measures, including automatically setting user profiles of minors to “private” and allowing parents to prevent their children from setting up accounts. The New York Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer/Associated Press

Other News

• Judge rules in favor of Kucinich; candidate can join MSNBC debate
  Las Vegas Review-Journal

• Chyron buys AXIS Graphics; acquisition valued at $3M
  Broadcasting & Cable

• With stars absent, Globes ratings tumble 71%
  Los Angeles Times

• CBS lines up new unscripted shows to air this year
  The Hollywood Reporter