Category: media

Why did PBS choose Paula Kerger, a top executive at New York’s Thirteen/WNET to be the network’s new president? “She’s someone who we felt would be a great unifier of the system. Because she knows the system well — knows both newcomers and seasoned participants and brings a respect for the accomplishments of all — she will have a very unifying influence, which will be very constructive.”

NBC’s having a terrible year. The network is trying anything, and recently had a hit with podcast episodes. “Could it be that video iPods are helping decide prime-time winners? You can never prove anything for sure, but it hasn’t hurt and probably helped quite a bit.”

“The studios’ business nowadays is entirely driven by one or two huge franchises that serve as worldwide licensing platforms. And the most predictable producers of these windfalls, such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Tom Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Peter Jackson, are all gross players represented by savvy lawyers and agents who know all the ropes of the movie business.”

Disney is in talks to buy Pixar. But the two companies have very different styles, and there is some concern about whether the two cultures can mix. “Pixar is known for its egalitarian ways where the lowest-ranking animator can share ideas with the bosses while Disney has a reputation for making creative decisions from the top down.”

Paula Kerger has been named new president of PBS, replacing Pat Mitchell. “Kerger is executive vp and chief operating officer at the Educational Broadcasting Corp., which holds the license to Thirteen/WNET and WLIW in New York. Her job, which she has held since 2004, includes responsibility for the editorial content of both stations.”

“The management change comes at a challenging time for PBS, which supplies programs to 348 stations. In recent years, cable has encroached on the documentary, nature, drama and children’s programming for which PBS is known. Even so, PBS has struggled to get its stations, which prize their autonomy, to agree on a common strategy to compete for viewers or even a consistent nationwide schedule.”

“Hollywood took 7% less at the box office in 2005 than in 2004 and growth in sales of DVDs has slowed. Internet video threatens the satellite and cable systems of companies such as News Corporation and Time Warner. Dozens of advertisers are shifting budgets from television to such places as the internet and billboards. Brand-owners hate it that people are using digital video recorders to avoid their pitches. And if media firms move on to the internet themselves, they risk losing their films and television programmes to pirates. No wonder that on media island they are downcast. Yet, if Hollywood teaches one thing, it is that stories can be re-made and dreams can come true.”

Google’s deal last week to acquire dMarc Broadcasting for up to $1.24 billion is a good signal about where the TV industry model may be headed. In one scenario, viewers ought to be able to get any programming they like whenever they want, however they want it…

So movie theatre attendence is down. Hollywood’s financiers have noticed, and have a plan to do something about it. “The major media companies are significantly reducing their financial commitment to the motion picture sector. Substantially fewer films will be produced over the next year or two. And a significant portion of the production costs of the reduced slate will be borne by hedge funds and other investment groups.”

After seven seasons, NBC is canceling “The West Wing.” “There’s a point when you look at the ratings and say, it feels like it’s time.”