Deal allows striking writers to work on Grammys
The Writers Guild of America West has agreed to permit striking writers to work on the Grammy Awards. The move follows the guild’s decision not to picket the Feb. 10 ceremony, which is slated to air on CBS. The New York Times, Broadcasting & Cable

Study: Writers strike not stopping TV viewers from tuning in
Although about 72% of TV viewers continue to screen the same amount of prime-time shows since before the writers strike, many now are watching different shows, according to a survey from media agency Carat. The poll found viewers are trying out different program genres, opting for repeat episodes or channel surfing, as well as looking at other forms of entertainment, including the Web, DVDs, magazines and video games. Multichannel News

Daytime drama to be seen in new light
In a bid to reclaim viewers and attract a younger audience to the venerable daytime drama “Guiding Light,” Procter & Gamble Productions is introducing the use of hand-held cameras, tripling the number of indoor sets and adding more outdoor locations. “This is all about continuing the evolution of the show so that it will have longevity,” said Barbara Bloom, CBS’ SVP for daytime programs. Los Angeles Times (free registration)

How cable soaks subscribers
In this excerpt from his book, “Gotcha Capitalism,” writer Bob Sullivan details how major cablers allegedly use their near-monopoly power to attract new subscribers with special offers and then repeatedly raise their fees. “It’s all about squeezing more and more out of your wallet, enrolling you in more services, and about making you a bigger and better ARPU — average revenue per user,” he writes. MSNBC

Startup LX.tv becomes part of NBC
Startup content producer LX.tv has been acquired by NBC’s Local Media Division, which will use the company to create cultural and lifestyle content for NBC’s local stations, as well as for out-of-home unit NBC Everywhere. The financial terms were not made public. The Hollywood Reporter

Talk-radio hosts face down McCain candidacy
Conservative talk-show hosts, including Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham, are devoting a great deal of air time to criticizing Republican John McCain’s race for the presidency. While some have questioned whether the hosts are compromising their credibility by taking on McCain, Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers magazine, said ratings — not election results — drive talk radio, and the campaign is fueling strong listener interest. The Washington Post/Associated Press