Jo Ann Ross, the first woman to run a broadcast TV network’s ad-sales efforts and one of the last senior ad-sales executives in the TV industry to hold direct relationships with advertisers when primetime broadcast programs were seen as the primary venue for Madison Avenue’s dollars, is leaving the industry, stepping down from her role as chairman of Paramount Global’s ad sales division at the end of April.
Ross had already stepped back from day to day duties, ceding that role to John Halley, who was named president of ad sales for the company in 2022. But her relationships with key sponsors were seen as valuable, as were the ties many of her senior executives had with media agencies and marketing executives. She has stayed on at Paramount in a key advisory role.
“Jo Ann has steered our advertising business from one milestone to the next. She oversaw...
Ross had already stepped back from day to day duties, ceding that role to John Halley, who was named president of ad sales for the company in 2022. But her relationships with key sponsors were seen as valuable, as were the ties many of her senior executives had with media agencies and marketing executives. She has stayed on at Paramount in a key advisory role.
“Jo Ann has steered our advertising business from one milestone to the next. She oversaw...
- 4/23/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Charles Osgood, the longtime host of CBS Sunday Morning and the radio program The Osgood File, died today at his home in New Jersey, the network said. He was 91.
His family said that the cause of death was dementia, according to the network where he’d worked for 45 years.
With a folksy demeanor, calming voice and wit, the bowtie-wearing Osgood anchored Sunday Morning from 1994-2016, succeeding its original host, Charles Kuralt. He won a Peabody Award and a pair of Daytime Emmys for the show in the mid-2010s and received the News & Documentary Emmys’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
“I cannot think of anything that gives me more pleasure than Sunday Morning,” he told an interviewer, “because, first of all, it feels great to be part of something that people love, and I know that they do.”
He retired in 2016 and handed the reins over the Jane Pauley, and the show,...
His family said that the cause of death was dementia, according to the network where he’d worked for 45 years.
With a folksy demeanor, calming voice and wit, the bowtie-wearing Osgood anchored Sunday Morning from 1994-2016, succeeding its original host, Charles Kuralt. He won a Peabody Award and a pair of Daytime Emmys for the show in the mid-2010s and received the News & Documentary Emmys’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
“I cannot think of anything that gives me more pleasure than Sunday Morning,” he told an interviewer, “because, first of all, it feels great to be part of something that people love, and I know that they do.”
He retired in 2016 and handed the reins over the Jane Pauley, and the show,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Can “King Charles” rule in the heady, competitive world of cable news? CNN will soon find out.
The new weekly one-hour program will debut Wednesday, November 29, at 10 p.m., and will be co-anchored by the unlikely duo of Gayle King, who still has her long-running day job at rival CBS News, and Charles Barkley, the outspoken sportscaster who remains a key element in the NBA coverage provided by CNN’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery. CNN executives are counting on the pair to have freewheeling conversations about the biggest stories in the news cycle. “King Charles” is viewed as a limited-run series that will last at least through the first quarter of next year.
“‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” says Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, in responses to questions provided by email. “It’s not a newscast,...
The new weekly one-hour program will debut Wednesday, November 29, at 10 p.m., and will be co-anchored by the unlikely duo of Gayle King, who still has her long-running day job at rival CBS News, and Charles Barkley, the outspoken sportscaster who remains a key element in the NBA coverage provided by CNN’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery. CNN executives are counting on the pair to have freewheeling conversations about the biggest stories in the news cycle. “King Charles” is viewed as a limited-run series that will last at least through the first quarter of next year.
“‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” says Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, in responses to questions provided by email. “It’s not a newscast,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Throughout its eleven season run, "M*A*S*H" was one of the best-written shows on television. The beloved Korean War-set sitcom effortlessly blended genres in a way that was rare for its time, balancing uproarious comedy with gut-wrenching tragedy. The show won an Emmy for its writing and was nominated for eleven more, even taking over two thirds of the nominations in 1974.
Even the best shows have some weak moments, though, and not every episode or story beat in "M*A*S*H" is a winner. Some of the show's plot points have aged poorly, especially in the early seasons, when jokester playboy Hawkeye's (Alan Alda) treatment of head nurse Margaret (Loretta Swit) crossed over into sexual harassment. Other bits are just silly, like a season 1 gag involving a gold spray-painted car that Alda often references as his and Wayne Rogers' barometer for how kooky the show could possibly get. "Wayne Rogers and I said to each other,...
Even the best shows have some weak moments, though, and not every episode or story beat in "M*A*S*H" is a winner. Some of the show's plot points have aged poorly, especially in the early seasons, when jokester playboy Hawkeye's (Alan Alda) treatment of head nurse Margaret (Loretta Swit) crossed over into sexual harassment. Other bits are just silly, like a season 1 gag involving a gold spray-painted car that Alda often references as his and Wayne Rogers' barometer for how kooky the show could possibly get. "Wayne Rogers and I said to each other,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
It’s easy to envision Robin Roberts sitting down for an in-depth interview with a hard-to-nab celebrity or landing a “get” with an inspirational newsmaker. How about Robin Roberts helping to solve a mystery ripped from the headlines?
Such a notion is a distinct possibility thanks to a new ABC News Studios production unit that Roberts will lead. The move is the latest by ABC News to increase the number of projects it creates not just for the Disney broadcast network, but for streaming outlets such as Hulu and Disney+
“The creation of this unit offers a unique opportunity to tell new and compelling stories in a wide range of formats, and we’ll also explore genres people might not expect from me,” Roberts tells Variety via e-mail.
ABC News has steadily ramped up its production efforts in recent months, launching ABC News Studios in a bid to increase work in new content areas,...
Such a notion is a distinct possibility thanks to a new ABC News Studios production unit that Roberts will lead. The move is the latest by ABC News to increase the number of projects it creates not just for the Disney broadcast network, but for streaming outlets such as Hulu and Disney+
“The creation of this unit offers a unique opportunity to tell new and compelling stories in a wide range of formats, and we’ll also explore genres people might not expect from me,” Roberts tells Variety via e-mail.
ABC News has steadily ramped up its production efforts in recent months, launching ABC News Studios in a bid to increase work in new content areas,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Licht is being let go by CNN, Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Wednesday. Licht replaced Jeff Zucker at the cable news network (which used to be called the Cable News Network), assuming the titles of chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide in May 2022. The tenure was short-lived.
“I have great respect for Chris, personally and professionally,” David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said on Wednesday morning. “The job of leading CNN was never going to be easy, especially at a time of huge disruption and transformation, and he has poured his heart and soul into it. While we know we have work to do as we look to identify a new leader, we have absolute confidence in the team we have in place and will continue to fight for CNN and its world class journalism.”
Zaslav hand-picked Licht to turn the struggling CNN around. One of their first items of business?...
“I have great respect for Chris, personally and professionally,” David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said on Wednesday morning. “The job of leading CNN was never going to be easy, especially at a time of huge disruption and transformation, and he has poured his heart and soul into it. While we know we have work to do as we look to identify a new leader, we have absolute confidence in the team we have in place and will continue to fight for CNN and its world class journalism.”
Zaslav hand-picked Licht to turn the struggling CNN around. One of their first items of business?...
- 6/7/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
CNN CEO Chris Licht will leave his post after a little more than a year at the helm after losing the support of staff and enacting a series of chaotic editorial changes under the direction of parent company Warner Bros. Discovery.
David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, told staffers Wednesday of the decision during CNN’s regular editorial call, according to three people familiar with the matter. These people said Zaslav and his team informed Licht as early as Tuesday that he could no longer stay in the role, which he assumed in May of last year. Licht was the subject of a disastrous profile in The Atlantic last week that depicted him as being aloof from staff, thin skinned in regards to press coverage, and annoyed by comparisons to his predecessor, Jeff Zucker.
In his place, a team of three executives will run CNN’s editorial operations for an interim period: Amy Entelis,...
David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, told staffers Wednesday of the decision during CNN’s regular editorial call, according to three people familiar with the matter. These people said Zaslav and his team informed Licht as early as Tuesday that he could no longer stay in the role, which he assumed in May of last year. Licht was the subject of a disastrous profile in The Atlantic last week that depicted him as being aloof from staff, thin skinned in regards to press coverage, and annoyed by comparisons to his predecessor, Jeff Zucker.
In his place, a team of three executives will run CNN’s editorial operations for an interim period: Amy Entelis,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
On Tuesday, performers Lea Michele and Myles Frost presented the nominees for the 76th annual Tony Awards live on “CBS This Morning” before finishing the list from the heart of Broadway at the Sofitel New York.
Recognizing the best in live theatre, the Tony Awards cap off a strong year for Broadway, which bounced back during the 2022-2023 season with a number of acclaimed and groundbreaking productions. In total, there were 38 eligible shows, including 17 original plays and nine new musicals as well as six play revivals and six musical revivals.
Earning the most of any production, Some Like It Hot came out on top, with a total of 13 nominations. The most nominated play, meanwhile, is Ain’t No Mo’, which garnered six. Additionally, Sweeney Todd and A Doll’s House were the two most recognized revivals of the year, collecting eight and six nominations, respectively.
When it comes to the acting prizes,...
Recognizing the best in live theatre, the Tony Awards cap off a strong year for Broadway, which bounced back during the 2022-2023 season with a number of acclaimed and groundbreaking productions. In total, there were 38 eligible shows, including 17 original plays and nine new musicals as well as six play revivals and six musical revivals.
Earning the most of any production, Some Like It Hot came out on top, with a total of 13 nominations. The most nominated play, meanwhile, is Ain’t No Mo’, which garnered six. Additionally, Sweeney Todd and A Doll’s House were the two most recognized revivals of the year, collecting eight and six nominations, respectively.
When it comes to the acting prizes,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Don Lemon is leaving CNN after 17 years of pushing its boundaries.
The anchor, who had become one of the Warner Bros. Discovery network’s most popular faces in recent years, announced on social media Monday that he had been ousted from CNN.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon said. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business,...
The anchor, who had become one of the Warner Bros. Discovery network’s most popular faces in recent years, announced on social media Monday that he had been ousted from CNN.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon said. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Twenty-nine years ago, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne were celebrating their Academy Award nominations for portraying Tina Turner and Ike Turner in 1993’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” This year, Bassett is nominated for the best supporting actress Oscar for her commanding performance as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and her longtime collaborator couldn’t be more thrilled.
Calling in between interviews for “John Wick: Chapter 4,” Fishburne tells Variety, “It’s what’s in my heart that I’d like to talk about more than what’s on my mind. I’m just really, really happy about all of the accolades that have been coming Angela’s way for this performance.”
Fishburne sought out “Wakanda Forever” early in its theatrical run, interested to see what the Marvel sequel had in store.
“I was just blown away by a couple of things,” he says, recounting the experience.
Calling in between interviews for “John Wick: Chapter 4,” Fishburne tells Variety, “It’s what’s in my heart that I’d like to talk about more than what’s on my mind. I’m just really, really happy about all of the accolades that have been coming Angela’s way for this performance.”
Fishburne sought out “Wakanda Forever” early in its theatrical run, interested to see what the Marvel sequel had in store.
“I was just blown away by a couple of things,” he says, recounting the experience.
- 3/4/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
CNN’s morning show isn’t peeling away from Don Lemon.
The anchor will return to “CNN This Morning” on Wednesday, despite delivering a set of controversial remarks last week, the latest maneuver in what has become a more difficult than expected effort by the Warner Bros Discovery-backed outlet to shake up its programming.
“I sat down with Don and had a frank and meaningful conversation. He has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously,” CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a memo Monday night. “It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes. To that end, Don will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday.”
Lemon, who has become one of CNN’s best-known anchors after leading a late-evening program...
The anchor will return to “CNN This Morning” on Wednesday, despite delivering a set of controversial remarks last week, the latest maneuver in what has become a more difficult than expected effort by the Warner Bros Discovery-backed outlet to shake up its programming.
“I sat down with Don and had a frank and meaningful conversation. He has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously,” CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a memo Monday night. “It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes. To that end, Don will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday.”
Lemon, who has become one of CNN’s best-known anchors after leading a late-evening program...
- 2/21/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Don Lemon will be absent from “CNN This Morning” for a second consecutive broadcast as CNN continues to grapple with backlash to comments he made last week about the abilities of women over 40 — a crucial demographic for any morning-news program.
Three people familiar with the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed network say CNN staffers got word around 3 p.m. on Sunday that Lemon, who had been expected to return to his morning duties after taking a previously-scheduled day off on Friday, would not be on air Monday. Sara Sidner, an anchor who has been getting more screen time over the past year, is expected to fill in for him, sitting alongside co-anchor Poppy Harlow while the third member of CNN’s morning show team, Kaitlan Collins, will report from Poland. Some CNN staffers have begun to wonder, according to these people, whether the network may be considering a shake-up of the “CNN This Morning” team.
Three people familiar with the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed network say CNN staffers got word around 3 p.m. on Sunday that Lemon, who had been expected to return to his morning duties after taking a previously-scheduled day off on Friday, would not be on air Monday. Sara Sidner, an anchor who has been getting more screen time over the past year, is expected to fill in for him, sitting alongside co-anchor Poppy Harlow while the third member of CNN’s morning show team, Kaitlan Collins, will report from Poland. Some CNN staffers have begun to wonder, according to these people, whether the network may be considering a shake-up of the “CNN This Morning” team.
- 2/20/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN typically devotes its daily morning editorial call to hashing out the news cycle, lining up “rundowns” for its various programs; and internal housekeeping. On Friday’s call, according to three people familiar with the matter, anchor Don Lemon took time out for something different — an apology.
Lemon sought to tamp down internal and external backlash to polarizing comments he made on Thursday’s “CNN This Morning” about when women are in their prime, though it remains unclear whether all staffers will let the matter drop.
Speaking for a few minutes, one of these people said, Lemon said he regretted saying that women who are past their 40s are no longer in their prime, a comment that appeared to be off the cuff and inspired by coverage of Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who recently declared her candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential race. “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime,...
Lemon sought to tamp down internal and external backlash to polarizing comments he made on Thursday’s “CNN This Morning” about when women are in their prime, though it remains unclear whether all staffers will let the matter drop.
Speaking for a few minutes, one of these people said, Lemon said he regretted saying that women who are past their 40s are no longer in their prime, a comment that appeared to be off the cuff and inspired by coverage of Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who recently declared her candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential race. “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Meghan Trainor showed off her acting chops recently with a guest role on How I Met Your Father. She played Ramona in season 2 episode 2, “Midwife Crisis,” an expectant mother who was about to give birth early and needed Sophie’s (Hilary Duff) help. But how did the “All About That Bass” hitmaker land a part in the Hulu series? Trainor dished on her role in a recent interview, revealing that it all began with a “mom class” with Duff.
Meghan Trainor as Ramona in ‘How I Met Your Father’ | Patrick Wymore/Hulu Meghan Trainor appeared in ‘How I Met Your Father’ Season 2
“Midwife Crisis” saw Trainor as Ramona, Sophie’s neighbor who hired Sophie to take photos of her home birth. But there was one problem: Sophie had zero experience photographing home births. She lied to Ramona to get the job, telling the mom-to-be, “I’ve shot so many home births,...
Meghan Trainor as Ramona in ‘How I Met Your Father’ | Patrick Wymore/Hulu Meghan Trainor appeared in ‘How I Met Your Father’ Season 2
“Midwife Crisis” saw Trainor as Ramona, Sophie’s neighbor who hired Sophie to take photos of her home birth. But there was one problem: Sophie had zero experience photographing home births. She lied to Ramona to get the job, telling the mom-to-be, “I’ve shot so many home births,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will be presented in 2023, and there’s a lot to keep in mind regarding who will be recognized, when, and how. Here’s what we know so far.
SEE2022 Grammy predictions: Album of the Year
When are the awards?
The 2023 Grammys date is Sunday, February 5, 2023. As usual, the Premiere Ceremony and the prime time telecast will take place on the same day.
Who’s hosting the awards?
Former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah is back as emcee for the third year in a row.
Who’s performing at the awards?
See the complete list of performers here.
Who’s presenting at the awards?
First Lady Jill Biden; Grammy winner Cardi B; actor, producer, writer, and host James Corden; current Grammy nominee Billy Crystal; current Grammy nominee Viola Davis; actor Dwayne Johnson; three-time Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo; and five-time Grammy winner Shania Twain will take the stage as presenters.
SEE2022 Grammy predictions: Album of the Year
When are the awards?
The 2023 Grammys date is Sunday, February 5, 2023. As usual, the Premiere Ceremony and the prime time telecast will take place on the same day.
Who’s hosting the awards?
Former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah is back as emcee for the third year in a row.
Who’s performing at the awards?
See the complete list of performers here.
Who’s presenting at the awards?
First Lady Jill Biden; Grammy winner Cardi B; actor, producer, writer, and host James Corden; current Grammy nominee Billy Crystal; current Grammy nominee Viola Davis; actor Dwayne Johnson; three-time Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo; and five-time Grammy winner Shania Twain will take the stage as presenters.
- 2/3/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
CNN’s new chief hopes primetime anchor Don Lemon can help the network gain ground in some of TV news’ toughest terrain.
Chris Licht, who has vowed to tone down some of the more aggressive commentary at the network since taking its reins earlier this year, has enjoyed an eyebrow-raising streak in morning news. He launched the durable MSNBC franchise “Morning Joe” in 2007 and then helped CBS gain new momentum in the a.m. in 2012 by starting “CBS This Morning.” Neither program was the most-watched of its brethren, but Licht gained new viewership for the networks that backed him by providing more substantial conversation among anchors and ignoring some of the frillier elements of the time period, like cooking demonstrations or street interviews with passersby.
Now he’s betting he can do the same for CNN, even as TV networks are seeing new challenges to their sunrise efforts.
“People are...
Chris Licht, who has vowed to tone down some of the more aggressive commentary at the network since taking its reins earlier this year, has enjoyed an eyebrow-raising streak in morning news. He launched the durable MSNBC franchise “Morning Joe” in 2007 and then helped CBS gain new momentum in the a.m. in 2012 by starting “CBS This Morning.” Neither program was the most-watched of its brethren, but Licht gained new viewership for the networks that backed him by providing more substantial conversation among anchors and ignoring some of the frillier elements of the time period, like cooking demonstrations or street interviews with passersby.
Now he’s betting he can do the same for CNN, even as TV networks are seeing new challenges to their sunrise efforts.
“People are...
- 9/20/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN is hoping to wake up its morning schedule.
The Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet unveiled a new lineup for its morning block, installing Don Lemon, Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow in place of the current hosts, John Berman and Brianna Keilar. Chris Licht, CNN’s chairman and chief executive, has had some of his greatest career success in morning news, having launched MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and retooled the program once known as “CBS This Morning.”
The new CNN program, retitled and with a new set, is expected to debut later this year — and looks to emulate some of the formats Licht has led in the past. Both “CBS This Morning” and “Morning Joe” hinged on spirited conversation among a broader group of panelists, some of whom talk more to each other than they do directly to viewers at home.
“There is no stronger combination of talent than Don,...
The Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet unveiled a new lineup for its morning block, installing Don Lemon, Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow in place of the current hosts, John Berman and Brianna Keilar. Chris Licht, CNN’s chairman and chief executive, has had some of his greatest career success in morning news, having launched MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and retooled the program once known as “CBS This Morning.”
The new CNN program, retitled and with a new set, is expected to debut later this year — and looks to emulate some of the formats Licht has led in the past. Both “CBS This Morning” and “Morning Joe” hinged on spirited conversation among a broader group of panelists, some of whom talk more to each other than they do directly to viewers at home.
“There is no stronger combination of talent than Don,...
- 9/15/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Jo Ann Ross, the TV industry’s first female ad-sales chief, will take a new chairman role at Paramount Global, while John Halley will take on the position of president, overseeing U.S. sales — a major transition at the media company that aims to merge Ross’ close contact with clients with Halley’s expertise in new forms of digital advertising.
Halley will report directly to Paramount Global’s CEO, Bob Bakish, while Ross will “provide her expertise and experience in a strategic advisory role to ensure a smooth transition,” the company said in a statement.
Ross has been a trailblazer in the TV industry, taking over ad sales for the former CBS Corp. after the departure of Joe Abruzzese in 2002, when he exited to join Discovery Communications. Since that time, Ross has formed one of the most durable ad-sales teams in TV, with executives like Chris Simon, John Bogusz, Linda...
Halley will report directly to Paramount Global’s CEO, Bob Bakish, while Ross will “provide her expertise and experience in a strategic advisory role to ensure a smooth transition,” the company said in a statement.
Ross has been a trailblazer in the TV industry, taking over ad sales for the former CBS Corp. after the departure of Joe Abruzzese in 2002, when he exited to join Discovery Communications. Since that time, Ross has formed one of the most durable ad-sales teams in TV, with executives like Chris Simon, John Bogusz, Linda...
- 9/13/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In August 2022, tennis superstar and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams announced plans to evolve from the sport she loved her whole life (she doesn't like the word retirement). The following month, a third-round loss at the US Open essentially ended her illustrious career ... until she eventually (fingers crossed) pulls a Michael Jordan.
In a post-match interview with "CBS This Morning" anchor Gayle King, Williams said the next chapter of her life would be "Serena 2.0," and she would "still be around." Could that new version of the tennis champ send her to Hollywood? After all, she grew up just around the corner in Compton, California. In 2021 she signed a first-look deal with Amazon Studios to create scripted and unscripted TV content and received an executive producer credit on "King Richard," the biopic about her father's influence on her and her sister Venus Williams' careers.
Frankly, I wouldn't rule out the...
In a post-match interview with "CBS This Morning" anchor Gayle King, Williams said the next chapter of her life would be "Serena 2.0," and she would "still be around." Could that new version of the tennis champ send her to Hollywood? After all, she grew up just around the corner in Compton, California. In 2021 she signed a first-look deal with Amazon Studios to create scripted and unscripted TV content and received an executive producer credit on "King Richard," the biopic about her father's influence on her and her sister Venus Williams' careers.
Frankly, I wouldn't rule out the...
- 9/6/2022
- by J. Gabriel Ware
- Slash Film
The typical evening-news program give viewers all the news they need to know in less than 30 minutes. John Dickerson’s take on the format aims to unpack the headlines of the day and offer something most news programs don’t — perspective.
Dickerson will lead CBS News’ step into an emerging frontier, an evening-news program that doesn’t air on a TV network, but streams instead, presumably for a younger, more tech-savvy audience. “CBS News Prime Time With John Dickerson,” a new hour-long program, debuts tonight at 7 p.m. eastern on CBS News’ streaming outlets, and will appear live Monday through Thursday. The goal is for Dickerson, a former host of “Face The Nation” and a longtime political journalist and analyst, to provide insight and historical context around the events of the day so viewers gain a deeper understanding of the news cycle.
Dickerson intends to use the program to “to explore the world,...
Dickerson will lead CBS News’ step into an emerging frontier, an evening-news program that doesn’t air on a TV network, but streams instead, presumably for a younger, more tech-savvy audience. “CBS News Prime Time With John Dickerson,” a new hour-long program, debuts tonight at 7 p.m. eastern on CBS News’ streaming outlets, and will appear live Monday through Thursday. The goal is for Dickerson, a former host of “Face The Nation” and a longtime political journalist and analyst, to provide insight and historical context around the events of the day so viewers gain a deeper understanding of the news cycle.
Dickerson intends to use the program to “to explore the world,...
- 9/6/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Ryan Kadro, formerly the executive producer for “CBS This Morning,” has been tapped as CNN’s senior vice president of content, strategy and development.
He will report to Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide. Among his duties, Kadro will help revamp CNN’s morning news program. He will also help brainstorm new programming for the cabler.
Kadro is a former deputy to Chris Licht, who is now CEO of CNN, and took over as executive producer of “CBS This Morning” after Licht departed to work on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Also Read:
Brian Stelter Out at CNN, ‘Reliable Sources’ Canceled
His appointment at CNN is yet another indicator of a larger shift in the network’s news programming strategy, following the ouster of Brian Stelter and the cancellation of “Reliable Sources.” Last week, CNN parted ways with longtime legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin as well.
He will report to Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide. Among his duties, Kadro will help revamp CNN’s morning news program. He will also help brainstorm new programming for the cabler.
Kadro is a former deputy to Chris Licht, who is now CEO of CNN, and took over as executive producer of “CBS This Morning” after Licht departed to work on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Also Read:
Brian Stelter Out at CNN, ‘Reliable Sources’ Canceled
His appointment at CNN is yet another indicator of a larger shift in the network’s news programming strategy, following the ouster of Brian Stelter and the cancellation of “Reliable Sources.” Last week, CNN parted ways with longtime legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin as well.
- 8/18/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
CNN has enlisted a new executive to help it generate programming ideas.
Ryan Kadro, a veteran of “CBS This Morning” and several digital ventures, is set to join CNN as a senior vice president of content strategy, overseeing the development of new programming such as a revamped morning show and other new concepts, according to a spokesperson for the network and two other people familiar with the matter.
Kadro is a former lieutenant to Chris Licht, the CEO of CNN, and succeeded him as executive producer after he left the CBS morning program to work with Stephen Colbert on CBS’ “Late Show.”
His hire puts a trusted executive in place to create programming in which Licht is said to have a strong interest. Licht, who helped launch “Morning Joe” and the most recent iteration of “CBS This Morning,” is said to be eager to revamp to play more robustly against the A.
Ryan Kadro, a veteran of “CBS This Morning” and several digital ventures, is set to join CNN as a senior vice president of content strategy, overseeing the development of new programming such as a revamped morning show and other new concepts, according to a spokesperson for the network and two other people familiar with the matter.
Kadro is a former lieutenant to Chris Licht, the CEO of CNN, and succeeded him as executive producer after he left the CBS morning program to work with Stephen Colbert on CBS’ “Late Show.”
His hire puts a trusted executive in place to create programming in which Licht is said to have a strong interest. Licht, who helped launch “Morning Joe” and the most recent iteration of “CBS This Morning,” is said to be eager to revamp to play more robustly against the A.
- 8/18/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Olivia Newton-John, the top female pop vocalist of the 1970s who starred in movies including “Grease” and “Xanadu,” died Monday. She was 73.
Her husband, John Easterling, posted the news on her official Facebook page, writing: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
A cause of death was not given, but Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer that surfaced for a third time in 2017. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
Her “Grease” costar and hit duet partner John Travolta was quick to weigh in with a tribute on social media.
Her husband, John Easterling, posted the news on her official Facebook page, writing: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
A cause of death was not given, but Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer that surfaced for a third time in 2017. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
Her “Grease” costar and hit duet partner John Travolta was quick to weigh in with a tribute on social media.
- 8/8/2022
- by Chris Morris
- Variety Film + TV
The CNN image for the past few years has been embodied by passionate on-air personalities like Don Lemon or Brianna Keilar. These days, it might best be symbolized by beat reporters like Jamie Gangel or Kaitlan Collins.
Gone in recent weeks (for the most part) are what had become the network’s signature red-versus-blue showdowns between hot-talking contributors or segments that hinge on an anchor scolding an interviewee. This is the kind of stuff that typically gives cable-news a viral boost. In its place, CNN is trying something else: the news.
And it could guide what three people familiar with the network say will be some sort of recalibration of on-air talent that could become more apparent this fall.
“CNN seems to be moving back more toward straight news and away from some of the blatant opinion-mongering by its anchors that characterized its past few years,” says Mark Feldstein, chairman...
Gone in recent weeks (for the most part) are what had become the network’s signature red-versus-blue showdowns between hot-talking contributors or segments that hinge on an anchor scolding an interviewee. This is the kind of stuff that typically gives cable-news a viral boost. In its place, CNN is trying something else: the news.
And it could guide what three people familiar with the network say will be some sort of recalibration of on-air talent that could become more apparent this fall.
“CNN seems to be moving back more toward straight news and away from some of the blatant opinion-mongering by its anchors that characterized its past few years,” says Mark Feldstein, chairman...
- 8/3/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Wallace left a Sunday show on Fox News Channel to jump into the world of streaming at CNN. But now he’s going back to a weekend format for which he is best known.
Wallace will take the reins of a new Sunday program on CNN, the network announced Wednesday during an upfront presentation for its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. He will essentially reprise the program he had been doing for CNN+, a one-on-one talk program called “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” that will also appear on the company’s large HBO Max streaming service. Wallace will continue to serve as an anchor for CNN, which he joined in January 2022 after anchoring Fox News Sunday for nearly two decades.
The show is intended to serve as part of a new “CNN Sunday” premium block that will also include a new program devoted to longer-form enterprise journalism from...
Wallace will take the reins of a new Sunday program on CNN, the network announced Wednesday during an upfront presentation for its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. He will essentially reprise the program he had been doing for CNN+, a one-on-one talk program called “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” that will also appear on the company’s large HBO Max streaming service. Wallace will continue to serve as an anchor for CNN, which he joined in January 2022 after anchoring Fox News Sunday for nearly two decades.
The show is intended to serve as part of a new “CNN Sunday” premium block that will also include a new program devoted to longer-form enterprise journalism from...
- 5/18/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN+ is gone, but some of the big-name anchors who were hired for the service appear to be sticking around for a while.
Chris Licht, the new chairman and CEO at the Warner Bros. Discovery news operation, gave indications at a town hall meeting on Thursday that he intended to find places for some of the popular names that were lured to the company with the promise of new programs for CNN.+ The subscription-based streaming service was scuttled abruptly by the company’s new parent after it completed its acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T. Three people familiar with the conversations at the meeting said Licht indicated he wanted to find places for Chris Wallace, the one-time Fox News anchor, and Audie Cornish, the NPR veteran, appearing in parts of the company’s portfolio. He also said Kasie Hunt, who was hired from NBC News, has been appearing in current CNN programming.
Chris Licht, the new chairman and CEO at the Warner Bros. Discovery news operation, gave indications at a town hall meeting on Thursday that he intended to find places for some of the popular names that were lured to the company with the promise of new programs for CNN.+ The subscription-based streaming service was scuttled abruptly by the company’s new parent after it completed its acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T. Three people familiar with the conversations at the meeting said Licht indicated he wanted to find places for Chris Wallace, the one-time Fox News anchor, and Audie Cornish, the NPR veteran, appearing in parts of the company’s portfolio. He also said Kasie Hunt, who was hired from NBC News, has been appearing in current CNN programming.
- 5/5/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CBS shareholders have reached a 14.75 million settlement in their securities lawsuit against Leslie Moonves and the network regarding how it dealt with the sexual misconduct allegations against the disgraced former chairman-ceo and how his previous #MeToo comments affected the company’s financial performance.
In a legal filing obtained by Variety on Monday, investors in CBS Corp. — which now, re-merged with Viacom, is called Paramount — wrote, “Lead Plaintiff and Defendants have negotiated, at arm’s length and with the assistance of an experienced and neutral mediator, a proposed settlement of all claims in this Action for 14,750,000 in cash. This resolution, which falls well within the range of possible approval, involved a thorough investigation, extensive motion practice, consultation with an expert on damages and loss causation, and a formal mediation involving rigorous and extensive negotiations.”
Representatives for CBS declined to comment on Monday.
The initial lawsuit was filed in August 2018, one month...
In a legal filing obtained by Variety on Monday, investors in CBS Corp. — which now, re-merged with Viacom, is called Paramount — wrote, “Lead Plaintiff and Defendants have negotiated, at arm’s length and with the assistance of an experienced and neutral mediator, a proposed settlement of all claims in this Action for 14,750,000 in cash. This resolution, which falls well within the range of possible approval, involved a thorough investigation, extensive motion practice, consultation with an expert on damages and loss causation, and a formal mediation involving rigorous and extensive negotiations.”
Representatives for CBS declined to comment on Monday.
The initial lawsuit was filed in August 2018, one month...
- 4/18/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Norah O’Donnell and CBS News have come to terms on a new deal that will keep the anchor at “CBS Evening News” beyond the 2024 election, according to four people familiar with the matter.
A a spokeswoman for O’Donnell declined to make the anchor available for comment. O’Donnell disclosed her new contract Friday evening while having a toast with some producers at CBS News’ Washington, D.C., facility, according to three of these people. CBS News confirmed it had signed the anchor to a new deal on Saturday, after details, some previously reported by Puck, began to surface.
The deal was cemented despite growing speculation that CBS News, under the direction of co-president Neeraj Khemlani, might seek to replace the anchor, who has seen her profile grow during a stint co-anchoring the formerly-titled “CBS This Morning” and a tenure at a “CBS Evening News” that has moved its main...
A a spokeswoman for O’Donnell declined to make the anchor available for comment. O’Donnell disclosed her new contract Friday evening while having a toast with some producers at CBS News’ Washington, D.C., facility, according to three of these people. CBS News confirmed it had signed the anchor to a new deal on Saturday, after details, some previously reported by Puck, began to surface.
The deal was cemented despite growing speculation that CBS News, under the direction of co-president Neeraj Khemlani, might seek to replace the anchor, who has seen her profile grow during a stint co-anchoring the formerly-titled “CBS This Morning” and a tenure at a “CBS Evening News” that has moved its main...
- 4/9/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Licht has a thing for the underdog. The future head of CNN Global helped Stephen Colbert snatch the late-night viewer crown right off of Jimmy Fallon’s messy spikes. Now he’s been cast in a similar role for CNN, which is currently in third place out of three.
Licht is a well-respected producer who launched “Morning Joe” on MSNBC and spearheaded “CBS This Morning” before buoying “The Late Show.” Against Fox News Channel and MSNBC, Licht faces — to put it kindly — an uphill battle.
In 2022, Fox News nearly triples CNN’s overall viewership throughout the entire day (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.). If that sounds bad, don’t look any closer: Fox’s primetime (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) advantage is nearly 3.5 times the typical CNN audience. Runner-up MSNBC has a 20 percent advantage over CNN in total-day viewership and a 41 percent lead in primetime.
The news isn’t entirely grim.
Licht is a well-respected producer who launched “Morning Joe” on MSNBC and spearheaded “CBS This Morning” before buoying “The Late Show.” Against Fox News Channel and MSNBC, Licht faces — to put it kindly — an uphill battle.
In 2022, Fox News nearly triples CNN’s overall viewership throughout the entire day (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.). If that sounds bad, don’t look any closer: Fox’s primetime (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) advantage is nearly 3.5 times the typical CNN audience. Runner-up MSNBC has a 20 percent advantage over CNN in total-day viewership and a 41 percent lead in primetime.
The news isn’t entirely grim.
- 3/3/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
CNN and Fox News Channel are fierce rivals, and their anchors regularly take pot shots at each other. But there is at least one thing on which they agree: how much a new subscriber to their streaming outlets ought to pay.
CNN will charge $5.99 per month for its new CNN Plus, a subscription-video streaming outlet that is expected to launch in late March, according to a person familiar with the matter, confirming information previously reported by The Los Angeles Times. That is the same monthly fee sought by Fox News for its Fox Nation outlet. Early-bird customers who sign up for CNN Plus during an initial four-week offer will get 50% off that price for life, for as long as they subscribe.
With the launch, CNN will enter a crowded fray. Many of the nation’s big TV-news outlets have already launched streaming counterparts. And except for Fox Nation, they are...
CNN will charge $5.99 per month for its new CNN Plus, a subscription-video streaming outlet that is expected to launch in late March, according to a person familiar with the matter, confirming information previously reported by The Los Angeles Times. That is the same monthly fee sought by Fox News for its Fox Nation outlet. Early-bird customers who sign up for CNN Plus during an initial four-week offer will get 50% off that price for life, for as long as they subscribe.
With the launch, CNN will enter a crowded fray. Many of the nation’s big TV-news outlets have already launched streaming counterparts. And except for Fox Nation, they are...
- 3/3/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
If it wasn’t for Chris Licht, you might not see Gayle King on TV every weekday morning.
King wasn’t the typical host of a national morning-news show. She had worked for nearly two decades at a Hartford TV station before trying her hand at daytime TV. When Licht, who was starting a new morning program for CBS News, gave her a call, King was in her 50s and hadn’t worked the same ladder as most of her contemporaries in A.M. television. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t even be at CBS,” King said in an interview. Today, she is the center of CBS’ morning-news programming, which seeks to be more serious and offer a deeper take on topics than its competitors at ABC and NBC. “The core of what we are doing here hasn’t changed,” says King. “Chris set the template for that.
King wasn’t the typical host of a national morning-news show. She had worked for nearly two decades at a Hartford TV station before trying her hand at daytime TV. When Licht, who was starting a new morning program for CBS News, gave her a call, King was in her 50s and hadn’t worked the same ladder as most of her contemporaries in A.M. television. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t even be at CBS,” King said in an interview. Today, she is the center of CBS’ morning-news programming, which seeks to be more serious and offer a deeper take on topics than its competitors at ABC and NBC. “The core of what we are doing here hasn’t changed,” says King. “Chris set the template for that.
- 3/1/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update, 9:09 Am Pt: In his first memo to CNN employees, the network’s incoming leader Chris Licht praised the network’s coverage of the Ukraine crisis yet did not get into specifics of what direction he wants to take the network.
He wrote, “I know you have a lot of questions. Perhaps the biggest one is how will CNN change? The honest answer is that I don’t know yet. David Zaslav has given me one simple directive: To ensure that CNN remains the global leader in News as part of Warner Bros. Discovery.”
He wrote that he planned “to do a lot of listening.”
“Together, we will double-down on what’s working well and quickly eliminate what’s not,” he wrote.
David Zaslav, the incoming CEO of Warner Bros.-Discovery, wrote in a separate memo that “I am confident you will love Chris, and that he is...
He wrote, “I know you have a lot of questions. Perhaps the biggest one is how will CNN change? The honest answer is that I don’t know yet. David Zaslav has given me one simple directive: To ensure that CNN remains the global leader in News as part of Warner Bros. Discovery.”
He wrote that he planned “to do a lot of listening.”
“Together, we will double-down on what’s working well and quickly eliminate what’s not,” he wrote.
David Zaslav, the incoming CEO of Warner Bros.-Discovery, wrote in a separate memo that “I am confident you will love Chris, and that he is...
- 2/28/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN will have a new chief for a new chapter in its history.
Chris Licht, a veteran producer who has overseen programs like MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and CBS’ “CBS This Morning” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” was named chairman and chief executive of CNN Global — a new name for the news operation once its parent, WarnerMedia, is acquired by Discovery. Licht will report directly to David Zaslav, who will be CEO of the combined company, and is expected to start on May 1.
Discovery is, at present, seen taking control of WarnerMedia sometime in mid-April, depending on a shareholder vote, among other conditions.
The prospect of a new owner and a new top executive has spurred speculation about what new programming and operating direction may be in store for the venerable cable-news outlet, which has been under scrutiny since WarnerMedia ousted former president Jeff Zucker after he failed...
Chris Licht, a veteran producer who has overseen programs like MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and CBS’ “CBS This Morning” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” was named chairman and chief executive of CNN Global — a new name for the news operation once its parent, WarnerMedia, is acquired by Discovery. Licht will report directly to David Zaslav, who will be CEO of the combined company, and is expected to start on May 1.
Discovery is, at present, seen taking control of WarnerMedia sometime in mid-April, depending on a shareholder vote, among other conditions.
The prospect of a new owner and a new top executive has spurred speculation about what new programming and operating direction may be in store for the venerable cable-news outlet, which has been under scrutiny since WarnerMedia ousted former president Jeff Zucker after he failed...
- 2/28/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Licht, the wunderkind producer who launched “Morning Joe,” retooled “CBS This Morning” and helped late-night host Stephen Colbert gain traction on CBS, is jumping to CNN to take over the operation once its corporate parent, WarnerMedia, is acquired by Discovery in a much-anticipated merger expected to take place in April, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Licht could not be reached for immediate comment and a CNN spokesperson referred an inquiry to Discovery. A Discovery executive declined to comment. Executives at CBS, where Licht currently oversees “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and is an executive vice president involved with programming strategies, were not able to offer immediate comment. Puck previously reported the new deal, which is said to have been cemented by Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who lured Licht away from a growing development deal that Colbert and his senior team have put together with Paramount Global,...
Licht could not be reached for immediate comment and a CNN spokesperson referred an inquiry to Discovery. A Discovery executive declined to comment. Executives at CBS, where Licht currently oversees “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and is an executive vice president involved with programming strategies, were not able to offer immediate comment. Puck previously reported the new deal, which is said to have been cemented by Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who lured Licht away from a growing development deal that Colbert and his senior team have put together with Paramount Global,...
- 2/26/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Alex Wagner is returning to MSNBC.
Wagner, who anchored a noontime hour on MSNBC before moving out as the network placed new emphasis on covering breaking news in daytime hours, will work as a senior political analyst adn guest anchor for the NBCUniversal-backed outlet. She joins as many big TV-news organizations are gearing up for coverage of the U.S. midterm elections later this year — a news event that could boost viewership levels after a general decline since early 2021.
Wagner led “Now With Alex Wagner” between 2011 and 2015, and Wagner joined MSNBC as part of a move to present more programming with a progressive lens.
Since her departure, Wagner has worked as a co-anchor on the Saturday broadcast of “CBS This Morning” and as a co-host and executive producer of the political documentary series, “The Circus,” on Showtime. She is also a contributing writer at The Atlantic.
She has had an interesting career.
Wagner, who anchored a noontime hour on MSNBC before moving out as the network placed new emphasis on covering breaking news in daytime hours, will work as a senior political analyst adn guest anchor for the NBCUniversal-backed outlet. She joins as many big TV-news organizations are gearing up for coverage of the U.S. midterm elections later this year — a news event that could boost viewership levels after a general decline since early 2021.
Wagner led “Now With Alex Wagner” between 2011 and 2015, and Wagner joined MSNBC as part of a move to present more programming with a progressive lens.
Since her departure, Wagner has worked as a co-anchor on the Saturday broadcast of “CBS This Morning” and as a co-host and executive producer of the political documentary series, “The Circus,” on Showtime. She is also a contributing writer at The Atlantic.
She has had an interesting career.
- 2/7/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
While Andy Cohen appreciates that being added to Hollywood’s legendary Walk of Fame on Feb. 4 is certainly a major milestone in the increasingly multi-faceted career of the Bravo reality television producer and host, he says from the moment he began working in media he felt like a shining star.
“There’s never been a point in my career where I haven’t felt like I made it, because I just felt like getting in the door meant that I made it,” Cohen tells Variety.
His journey began as an intern at CBS News and he rose through the network’s ranks, ultimately heading up reality programming at Bravo, where he delivered brand-defining mainstays including “Project Runway,” “Top Chef” and, of course, the ever-juicy “Real Housewives” franchise.
Along the way his palpable passion for the rapidly evolving reality form provided an on-ramp to his on-camera career. He’s emerged as...
“There’s never been a point in my career where I haven’t felt like I made it, because I just felt like getting in the door meant that I made it,” Cohen tells Variety.
His journey began as an intern at CBS News and he rose through the network’s ranks, ultimately heading up reality programming at Bravo, where he delivered brand-defining mainstays including “Project Runway,” “Top Chef” and, of course, the ever-juicy “Real Housewives” franchise.
Along the way his palpable passion for the rapidly evolving reality form provided an on-ramp to his on-camera career. He’s emerged as...
- 2/4/2022
- by Scott Huver
- Variety Film + TV
Gayle King made it official on Friday: She is sticking with CBS News.
King has been co-anchoring CBS’ morning show, which used to be called “CBS This Morning” since 2012.
King broke the news herself during her SiriusXM radio show, “Gayle King in the House,” on Friday. “I officially signed on the dotted line. So I will be with CBS a little longer.”
There had speculation in recent weeks over King’s future at CBS News. CNN reported last week that King had signed a new contract, but no official announcement was made. Earlier this week, the New York Times added that CNN chief Jeff Zucker had approached King’s reps about joining the network’s primetime lineup as a replacement for Chris Cuomo.
King addressed speculation regarding her future on Friday.
“I don’t know why people thought that just because you have a grandchild now all of a sudden...
King has been co-anchoring CBS’ morning show, which used to be called “CBS This Morning” since 2012.
King broke the news herself during her SiriusXM radio show, “Gayle King in the House,” on Friday. “I officially signed on the dotted line. So I will be with CBS a little longer.”
There had speculation in recent weeks over King’s future at CBS News. CNN reported last week that King had signed a new contract, but no official announcement was made. Earlier this week, the New York Times added that CNN chief Jeff Zucker had approached King’s reps about joining the network’s primetime lineup as a replacement for Chris Cuomo.
King addressed speculation regarding her future on Friday.
“I don’t know why people thought that just because you have a grandchild now all of a sudden...
- 1/28/2022
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Susan Zirinsky is back in a job where she can do one of her favorite things: tell a few stories.
For decades, Zirinsky, who left her role as president of CBS News last year, had big tales to relate. As a senior producer at CBS News, she played a role in preparing some of the operation’s most dramatic work: dozens of episodes of “48 Hours”; a memorable documentary on 9/11; and a look inside the CIA for Showtime featuring 12 living directors.
Now, after two years of tending more to the management of the news business at ViacomCBS — re-engineering CBS’ morning program and “CBS Evening News” — she has more. Zirinsky heads See It Now Studios, an independent production unit that she expects to launch documentary films and series for a range of ViacomCBS properties as well as outside parties. “I’m not a sliver of the network, or producing just for the inside,...
For decades, Zirinsky, who left her role as president of CBS News last year, had big tales to relate. As a senior producer at CBS News, she played a role in preparing some of the operation’s most dramatic work: dozens of episodes of “48 Hours”; a memorable documentary on 9/11; and a look inside the CIA for Showtime featuring 12 living directors.
Now, after two years of tending more to the management of the news business at ViacomCBS — re-engineering CBS’ morning program and “CBS Evening News” — she has more. Zirinsky heads See It Now Studios, an independent production unit that she expects to launch documentary films and series for a range of ViacomCBS properties as well as outside parties. “I’m not a sliver of the network, or producing just for the inside,...
- 1/5/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Brian Kelly, the man behind the travel website the Points Guy, has signed with WME for representation.
Considered the leading voice in loyalty programs, points, miles, credit cards and travel, Kelly has been a quiet but formidable voice in the sector since founding his website in 2010. He currently reaches more than 11 million unique monthly viewers around the world.
The Endeavor-owned agency is specifically looking at expanding the Points Guy’s business across television, podcasts, branding and books. Kelly’s site was sold in 2012 to Bankrate, and later acquired by Red Ventures in 2017. He has remained with the company in charge of brand oversight, bringing the content to new platforms.
Kelly was named on AdWeek’s Young Influentials list in 2019 and has been Forbes’ top travel influencer. He regularly appears on segments for “Today,” “CBS This Morning,” “Good Morning America” and “Live with Kelly & Ryan,” among others.
He also currently serves...
Considered the leading voice in loyalty programs, points, miles, credit cards and travel, Kelly has been a quiet but formidable voice in the sector since founding his website in 2010. He currently reaches more than 11 million unique monthly viewers around the world.
The Endeavor-owned agency is specifically looking at expanding the Points Guy’s business across television, podcasts, branding and books. Kelly’s site was sold in 2012 to Bankrate, and later acquired by Red Ventures in 2017. He has remained with the company in charge of brand oversight, bringing the content to new platforms.
Kelly was named on AdWeek’s Young Influentials list in 2019 and has been Forbes’ top travel influencer. He regularly appears on segments for “Today,” “CBS This Morning,” “Good Morning America” and “Live with Kelly & Ryan,” among others.
He also currently serves...
- 11/2/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
A bevy of big media players are eager to win a growing battle to provide consumers with streaming news, but John Heilemann has a message for them: Don’t count out smaller competitors.
Heilemann’s “The Recount,” a media outlet founded with entrepreneur John Battelle in 2019, is hiring its first chief content officer in a bid to gain new traction with streaming-news aficionados eager for smarter analysis in critical news categories like politics and sports. Ryan Kadro, the former executive producer of “CBS This Morning” and, more recently, head of news programming for the short-form video service Quibi, is taking on the role and will oversee day -to-day editorial production at “The Recount,” which features programming from Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri and Reena Ninan, among others.
“Ryan has unique experience,” with history in traditional TV news as well as a recent entrepreneurial venture with Quibi, says Heilemann, in a recent interview.
Heilemann’s “The Recount,” a media outlet founded with entrepreneur John Battelle in 2019, is hiring its first chief content officer in a bid to gain new traction with streaming-news aficionados eager for smarter analysis in critical news categories like politics and sports. Ryan Kadro, the former executive producer of “CBS This Morning” and, more recently, head of news programming for the short-form video service Quibi, is taking on the role and will oversee day -to-day editorial production at “The Recount,” which features programming from Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri and Reena Ninan, among others.
“Ryan has unique experience,” with history in traditional TV news as well as a recent entrepreneurial venture with Quibi, says Heilemann, in a recent interview.
- 10/4/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Azriel Clary was one of the survivors who testified against R. Kelly during his recent sex trafficking trial which found him guilty of racketerring, but two years ago she was interviewed on CBS This Morning and passionately defended the singer to co-host Gayle King. On Thursday, Clary returned to the newly re-named CBS Mornings and told King the singer had “control” over her in March 2019.
“I was lost. And I felt invisible,” Clary said, describing her state at the time of the interview. “And I gave someone that control over me, to basically make me do whatever it was that ...
“I was lost. And I felt invisible,” Clary said, describing her state at the time of the interview. “And I gave someone that control over me, to basically make me do whatever it was that ...
- 9/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don Roy King, the veteran “Saturday Night Live” director who has helped guide the show behind the scenes since 2006, is set to retire and will be replaced by Liz Patrick, who has directed Ellen DeGeneres’ long-running talk show.
An NBC spokeswoman for “SNL” confirmed details of the switch. King is just the fourth director in the history of the venerable late-night program, which is set to launch its 47th season this weekend. King also held stints at “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather,” “CBS This Morning” and “Good Morning America.” He followed Dave Wilson, who did two terms on the show; Paul Miller and Beth McCarthy Miller. King, who joined “SNL” when he was 58, is 73 years old.
His replacement, Patrick, has directed more than 2,000 episodes of DeGeneres’ popular daytime talk show, which she has been with since 2004, and spent 15 years at MTV.
King came to “SNL” in the late middle of his career,...
An NBC spokeswoman for “SNL” confirmed details of the switch. King is just the fourth director in the history of the venerable late-night program, which is set to launch its 47th season this weekend. King also held stints at “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather,” “CBS This Morning” and “Good Morning America.” He followed Dave Wilson, who did two terms on the show; Paul Miller and Beth McCarthy Miller. King, who joined “SNL” when he was 58, is 73 years old.
His replacement, Patrick, has directed more than 2,000 episodes of DeGeneres’ popular daytime talk show, which she has been with since 2004, and spent 15 years at MTV.
King came to “SNL” in the late middle of his career,...
- 9/28/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Los Angeles, Sep 23 (Ians) ‘All About That Bass’ hitmaker Meghan Trainor has opened up about her mental health struggles, saying that she suffered her first panic attack live on television. The singer was on ‘CBS This Morning’ with Gayle King ahead of announcing the 2017 Grammy nominees when she started “vibrating” and felt she […]...
- 9/23/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Cbsn represented the first effort by one of the traditional broadcast networks to get into the news streaming game, and its name was meant to evoke digital concepts. But that was so 2014.
CBS News intends to phase out the Cbsn moniker later this year and give its streaming effort the same identity its other products have: CBS News. A spokesperson for CBS News confirmed the new direction, which was previously reported by Digiday. Employees who staff the streaming operation are expected to move to the studio previously utilized by “CBS This Morning,” which has moved to a Times Square broadcast operation, and, like Cbsn, undergone a name change.
A name-change may seem cosmetic, but tying broadcast and digital efforts under a single brand has deeper ramifications for CBS News, which is in the midst of going through some changes orchestrated by new bosses, Neeraj Khemlani and Wendy McMahon, as part...
CBS News intends to phase out the Cbsn moniker later this year and give its streaming effort the same identity its other products have: CBS News. A spokesperson for CBS News confirmed the new direction, which was previously reported by Digiday. Employees who staff the streaming operation are expected to move to the studio previously utilized by “CBS This Morning,” which has moved to a Times Square broadcast operation, and, like Cbsn, undergone a name change.
A name-change may seem cosmetic, but tying broadcast and digital efforts under a single brand has deeper ramifications for CBS News, which is in the midst of going through some changes orchestrated by new bosses, Neeraj Khemlani and Wendy McMahon, as part...
- 9/22/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update: Gayle King is a journalist, magazine editor and now a grandma! During the Sept. 20 episode of CBS This Morning, the 66-year-old co-host announced that her daughter Kirby Bumpus welcomed her first child, a son named Luca Lynn Miller, with husband Virgil Miller last week. Gayle explained that the child's middle name is a tribute to Virgil's late brother. "Virgil lost his brother earlier this year," she said, "so little Luca has his uncle's middle name." And it looks like the family members already have a nickname for the newborn, too. "His initials…are Llm," Gayle continued, "so we already call him LL Mill." All in all, the morning...
- 9/20/2021
- E! Online
Chris Stapleton performed three songs off his 2020 album Starting Over for CBS This Morning’ latest Saturday Sessions.
Joined by his band including his wife Morgane, Stapleton showcased “Arkansas,” “When I’m With You” and the title track from his latest LP, which arrived in November 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The country star embarked on a lengthy summer tour in support of Starting Over in July 2021; that trek continues on through December 5th in Knoxville, Tennessee. Stapleton has also already lined up a summer 2022 trek, complete with gigs at Chicago’s Wrigley Field and George,...
Joined by his band including his wife Morgane, Stapleton showcased “Arkansas,” “When I’m With You” and the title track from his latest LP, which arrived in November 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The country star embarked on a lengthy summer tour in support of Starting Over in July 2021; that trek continues on through December 5th in Knoxville, Tennessee. Stapleton has also already lined up a summer 2022 trek, complete with gigs at Chicago’s Wrigley Field and George,...
- 9/18/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
And you thought Nate Burleson replacing Anthony Mason would be the only new part of “CBS This Morning” this fall. On Tuesday, CBS News unveiled an overall rebranding of its flagship morning program, which after Labor Day will be known as “CBS Mornings.” The “reimagined morning news program,” in the network’s words, comes complete with a sleek, new studio in midtown Manhattan’s Times Square with “touch-screen technology, augmented reality, monitors throughout the room and LED walls that bring it all to life.” The studio sits on the second floor of ViacomCBS’ world headquarters where MTV’s “Trl” once drew crowds of screaming teenagers. Starting next week, hosts Burleson, Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil will have 3,000 square feet to play with. And play they will. But also do serious news — depending on the hour. Beyond the new look, “CBS Mornings” aims to “leave viewers more informed, more prepared and...
- 8/31/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
When Nate Burleson joins Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil as co-host of CBS’s morning show next month, the program will have a new look, theme and name: CBS Mornings.
The changes, to launch on Sept. 7, will connect all of the morning shows together with some of the elements of its long running CBS Sunday Morning, which has long topped its time period on weekends, including the use of the sun logo and trumpet music, Gottfried Reiche’s Abblasen.
The first hour of the weekday broadcast will still be devoted to hard news and conversation, while the second hour will feature expanded feature reporting, a central part of the Sunday show, as well as live interviews, arts and culture pieces from Anthony Mason, who recently was co-host, and Vlad Duthiers with the What to Watch segment.
In addition to Burleson’s debut, CBS Mornings will broadcast from a new Times Square studio,...
The changes, to launch on Sept. 7, will connect all of the morning shows together with some of the elements of its long running CBS Sunday Morning, which has long topped its time period on weekends, including the use of the sun logo and trumpet music, Gottfried Reiche’s Abblasen.
The first hour of the weekday broadcast will still be devoted to hard news and conversation, while the second hour will feature expanded feature reporting, a central part of the Sunday show, as well as live interviews, arts and culture pieces from Anthony Mason, who recently was co-host, and Vlad Duthiers with the What to Watch segment.
In addition to Burleson’s debut, CBS Mornings will broadcast from a new Times Square studio,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS News wants to spread some of its venerable newsmagazine “Sunday Morning” to other days of the week.
Starting September 7, the entire CBS morning schedule will be treated as a larger franchise, with weekdays and Saturdays featuring some of the in-depth and longform features for which the Sunday show — a TV-news institution — is best known.
The weekday program, which features Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and new co-host Nate Burleson, will be retitled “CBS Mornings,” and will be part of a lineup that includes “CBS Saturday Morning” and “CBS Sunday Morning.” Once known as “CBS This Morning,” the show will continue to highlight the breaking news of the day and the interactions of its hosts, but place new emphasis on longform stories in its second hour. The Saturday and Sunday shows, hosted by Jeff Glor, Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller and by Jane Pauley, respectively, will continue with the formats to which their viewers are accustomed.
Starting September 7, the entire CBS morning schedule will be treated as a larger franchise, with weekdays and Saturdays featuring some of the in-depth and longform features for which the Sunday show — a TV-news institution — is best known.
The weekday program, which features Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and new co-host Nate Burleson, will be retitled “CBS Mornings,” and will be part of a lineup that includes “CBS Saturday Morning” and “CBS Sunday Morning.” Once known as “CBS This Morning,” the show will continue to highlight the breaking news of the day and the interactions of its hosts, but place new emphasis on longform stories in its second hour. The Saturday and Sunday shows, hosted by Jeff Glor, Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller and by Jane Pauley, respectively, will continue with the formats to which their viewers are accustomed.
- 8/31/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ABC News will turn to an insider to lead its flagship morning program, “Good Morning America,” one of the most critical roles in live television.
Simone Swink, a longtime senior staffer at the show, has been named its senior producer, according to a memo sent to employees by Kim Godwin, president of ABC News Sunday.
Swink takes a role which has been left vacant for months. The show, a pillar of the economics of both ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney, was previously supervised by Michael Corn, who left abruptly in April, and was recently accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed last week. Corn has denied the allegations. ABC News has been sifting through candidates for the top job at “GMA” for weeks, and had considered a number of prominent executives from outside the company, according to people familiar with the process.
“Simone is a dynamic, thoughtful and creative leader,...
Simone Swink, a longtime senior staffer at the show, has been named its senior producer, according to a memo sent to employees by Kim Godwin, president of ABC News Sunday.
Swink takes a role which has been left vacant for months. The show, a pillar of the economics of both ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney, was previously supervised by Michael Corn, who left abruptly in April, and was recently accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed last week. Corn has denied the allegations. ABC News has been sifting through candidates for the top job at “GMA” for weeks, and had considered a number of prominent executives from outside the company, according to people familiar with the process.
“Simone is a dynamic, thoughtful and creative leader,...
- 8/29/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
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