Business

Monday, November 22, 2010

Another new talent search site launches

Former “American Idol” Judge, Paula Abdul, just launched a new website today,  that’s looking for folks with talent who want to audition. The site, auditionbooth.com, not only encourages wannabe stars to visit, but also talent scouts, according to The Wrap. Last week, Sony Pictures kicked off an online casting service. Apparently, the success of all of those television reality shows is now fueling […]
Friday, November 19, 2010

Another MSNBC TV host is suspended

Here we go again. MSNBC TV Host, Joe Scarborough, was suspended today for making donations to eight political campaigns from 2004-to-2008. MSNBC President, Phil Griffin, announced a two-day suspension without pay for Scarborough saying he “… will return to the air on Wednesday, November 24th.” Scarborough is a former Republican congressman from Florida. His punishment was similar to that received by […]
Friday, November 19, 2010

Sony’s new online casting service aims to turn fans into stars

Sony Pictures just launched a search for fans with the right stuff to be in some of its productions. The kick off of this virtual talent search from the entertainment giant was announced in a PRNewswire release today. Sony’s new motto, “turning today’s fans into tomorrow’s stars.” The search is through casting calls and contests on a new Sony website faceofthefan.com   The ongoing […]
Thursday, November 18, 2010

New NBC Universal management team announced

Details coming out today about the management structure of the new NBC Universal. The NBC Universal Comcast marriage has not received the approval of the Feds yet, but certain business operations are moving ahead as if it’s a done deal. The new CEO of NBCU, Steve Burke, made the announcement in an internal memo today and it’s posted over on Nikki Finke’s […]
Tuesday, November 9, 2010

“Conan” debuts with solid ratings

Former “Tonight Show” Host/Comic, Conan O’Brien, appears to have made a triumphant return to late night TV. “Conan” debuted late night on TBS and according to The Wrap whipped the competition. In the Nielsen’s 56 metered markets, Conan rated a 2.8, Leno got a 2.7 , and Letterman a 2.5. On the TBS website today, the comedy network crowed about the late […]
Monday, November 8, 2010

Breaking News: A new Michael Jackson song — is it real or fake?

A cut from a new soon-to-be-released Michael Jackson album hit the airways and the Internet today and already there’s a controversy.  The song, “Breaking News,” has the funky beat and sound of a King of Pop track — but is the voice that of the late superstar?  That is the much-debated question today. Sony Records is releasing the album,”Michael,” next month on December 14, and reportedly has […]
Sunday, November 7, 2010

SAG & AFTRA reach a tentative agreement with Hollywood producers

           Some good labor news in Tinseltown. Early this morning it was announced a tentative deal on a new contract had been reached with the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Hollywood producers. Talks began on Monday, September 27, between the actors’ representatives and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. During a marathon bargaining session over […]
Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Another big bucks deal for Magic Johnson

Ex-NBA Star, Magic Johnson, must have some major plans in the works. The Los Angeles Times is reporting Johnson recently sold his 105 Starbuck franchises back to the parent company. Earlier this week it was announced, the former Laker superstar, unloaded his ownership interest in the Lakers. Both deals are worth around $100 million, according to the Times. More on Johnson’s wheeling and dealing here.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Lakers lose some magic

Former Laker Superstar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, is no longer part owner of the NBA champion Lakers.  Sad, but true. Yesterday, the team announced Johnson had sold his ownership share to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a 25-year season-ticket holder, local businessman, and philanthropist.   Johnson reportedly bought his share for $10 million in 1994. No official word on what it sold for, but according to […]