NHL Teams for This Weekend Announced

Air Date: 05/02/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 02:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Duration: 03:00:00
Type: Episode
Message: Teams announced for 5/2 Conference Semi Final: Montreal @ Pittsburgh

Air Date: 05/01/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 12:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Duration: 03:00:00
Type: Episode
Message: Teams announced for 5/1 Conference Semi Final: Philadelphia @ Boston

Sell a spot to your AB Distributor!

Posted: 04/23/2010 10:29:48 AM
Air Date: 05/14/2010 Friday
Start Time: 12:37:00 AM [ET]
Show Name: LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON
Duration: 00:59:00
Type: Format
Message: Attention Stations: On 5/14/10, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is scheduled to be broadcast with a single sponsorship (Anheuser Busch) and limited commercial interruption. Due to this special limited interruption sponsorship of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon by Anheuser Busch, stations are requested not to schedule any local commercials of direct competitors to Anheuser Busch during local avails. Please see updated format tab on this day for further details

Next Wednesday 4/28 Prime Changed

ATTN: NBC PROGRAM DIRECTORS

We're making a schedule change next Wednesday, April 28th, moving MERCY to 9PM ET/PT preceded by a repeat MINUTE TO WIN IT episode @8PM.

The following will be booked:

Wednesday, April 28th
8:00-9:00 MINUTE TO WIN IT (Repeat)
9:00-10:00 MERCY (Original)

10am PDT note: All NBC RDRx clients will find both of these specials already published in inventory. Less than one hour from NYC notice to AE PCs.

Why RDRx NBC Clients Get Finale Estimates

Attached is the NBC Press release regarding prime programming in the May Sweep...


NBC SWEEPS INTO SPRING WITH SPECIAL EPISODES, THE BROADCAST RETURN OF ‘FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS,’ LIVE FINALES AND FULL MARQUEE OF GUEST STARS

Sharon Stone Guest Stars in Four Episodes of “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” Beginning April 28

All-star Mother’s Day-themed Episode of “30 Rock” Airing May 6 Features Buzz Aldrin, Patti Lupone, Elizabeth Banks, Elaine Stritch, Jan Hooks, Anita Gillette, Cheyenne Jackson and Novella Nelson

“Community” Features Action-themed Episode May 6

Betty White Hosts “Saturday Night Live” May 8 with Musical Guest Jay-Z

Rob Lowe and Adam Scott Join “Parks and Recreation” May 13

Other Prominent NBC Guest Stars Include Matt Damon, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Jon Hamm, Dean Winters, Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte and Michael Sheen (“30 Rock”); Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld and Greg Giraldo (“The Marriage Ref”); Olympian Lindsey Vonn (“Law & Order”); Scott Bakula (“Chuck”); Kevin Jonas (“Minute To Win It”); Jennifer Esposito (“Mercy”), Jonathan Antin, Ashanti and Tony Romo (“The Biggest Loser”), Jason Ritter (“Parenthood”), James Van Der Beek (“Mercy”) and Amy Pietz (“The Office”)
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – April 22, 2010 – NBC unfurls its Spring sweeps with a banner full of special episodes along with the broadcast return of “Friday Night Lights” (May 7, 8-9 p.m. ET) and the live finales of “The Biggest Loser” (May 25, 8-10 p.m. ET) and “The Celebrity Apprentice” (two-parter, May 16 and May 23, 9-11 p.m. ET both nights).

NBC showcases a special all-star Mother’s Day-themed episode of “30 Rock” featuring guest stars Buzz Aldrin, Patti Lupone, Elizabeth Banks, Elaine Stritch, Jan Hooks, Anita Gillette, Cheyenne Jackson and Novella Nelson (May 6, 9:30-10 p.m. ET) as well as a variety of guest stars in the show’s season finale (May 20, 9:30-10 p.m. ET) including Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte and Michael Sheen.

Sharon Stone guest stars in a four-episode arc of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as Assistant District Attorney Jo Marlowe (April 28, May 5, May 12 and May 19 from 10-11 p.m. ET each night).

Likewise, NBC spotlights many more marquee guest stars, including legendary Emmy Award winner Betty White hosting “Saturday Night Live” along with musical guest Jay-Z on May 8 (11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. ET); Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld, Greg Giraldo on “The Marriage Ref” (May 6, 10-11 p.m. ET); Rob Lowe and Adam Scott on “Parks and Recreation” (May 13 and May 20, 8:30-9 p.m. ET both nights); Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn on the season finale of “Law & Order” (May 24, 10-11 p.m. ET); singer Kevin Jonas plays for charity on “Minute to Win It” (May 23, 8-9 p.m. ET); Scott Bakula guest stars in three episodes of “Chuck” (May 17 from 8-9 p.m. ET and May 24 with two back-to-back episodes from 8-10 p.m. ET); Jason Ritter returns in the season finale of “Parenthood” (May 25, 10-11 p.m. ET) and James Van Der Beek continues his guest-starring role on “Mercy” (May 5 and May 12, 8-9 p.m. ET).

Other guest stars include Jennifer Esposito on “Mercy” (May 5 and May 12, 8-9 p.m. ET); Amy Pietz stars on three more episodes of “The Office” (April 29, May 6 and May 13, 9-9:30 p.m. ET each week); Jonathan Antin and Ashanti guest star on “The Biggest Loser: Couples” popular makeover episode (May 4, 8-10 p.m. ET) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo guest stars on "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (May 11, 8-10 p.m. ET).

Descriptions for key sweeps shows are below with airdates and times (all times Eastern). For additional information and photography log on to NBC’s media website www.nbcumv.com. For interactive games and more log on to www.nbc.com (see accompanying release).
May 4 (8-10 p.m. ET)
“The Biggest Loser: Couples”
SINGING SUPERSTAR ASHANTI AND CELEBRITY STYLIST JONATHAN ANTIN GUEST STAR IN POPULAR MAKEOVER EPISODE – It’s one of the most eagerly anticipated events every season – “The Biggest Loser’ makeover episode! First, the remaining six contestants get $1,000 shopping sprees at their favorite stores before heading to the salon to meet celebrity hair stylist Jonathan Antin and begin their makeovers. Then it’s time for amazing reveals and emotional surprise reunions, when the made-over players show off their incredible new looks to loved ones flown in to help them celebrate their big day. Later the contestants and their guests are treated to an unforgettable concert from recording artist Ashanti, who shares her inspirational music. This week’s challenge finds the players climbing Jacob’s Ladder cardio machines while suspended over a pool, with the winner getting a weigh-in related prize. And finally, two contestants fall below the yellow line at weigh-in, leading to a very emotional elimination as another contestant is sent home. Alison Sweeney hosts the series, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.

May 5 (8-9 p.m. ET)
“Mercy”
JENNIFER ESPOSITO (“JULES FATTORE”) GUEST STARS - VERONICA AND SANDS ARE CONFRONTED WITH A LIFE CHANGING DECISION; MEANWHILE BRIGGS BELIEVES THAT HE MIGHT HAVE HELPED IN THE BEATING OF ANGEL'S FRIEND - When a friend from their Iraq days shows up unexpectedly, Veronica (Taylor Schilling) and Sands (James Tupper) are suddenly faced with a life-altering decision. Sonia (Jaime Lee Kirchner), increasingly intimidated by a stalker’s threats, gets help from a surprising source, while Chloe (Michelle Trachtenberg) worries that her boyfriend is causing irreparable brain trauma by playing football against medical advice. And, after Angel’s (Guillermo Diaz) friend is brutally beaten, Briggs (James Van Der Beek) worries that his mafia connections may have played a role. Meanwhile, a former flame (Jennifer Esposito) comes back into his life, with dangerous consequences. Diego Klattenhoff, K.K. Moggie, Patrick Yeoman, and James LeGros also star.

May 5 (10-11 p.m. ET)
“Law & Order: SVU”
(Sharon Stone’s second episode) DETECTIVES BENSON (MARISKA HARGITAY) AND STABLER (CHRIS MELONI) MUST TRACK DOWN A PREGNANT RAPE VICTIM WHO DISAPPEARS FROM THE HOSPITAL - When a pregnant woman is raped, Detectives Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Eliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) arrive at the hospital to find that she has fled. Even when someone is arrested for a similar offense, ADA Jo Marlowe (guest star Sharon Stone) says she doesn’t have a case in court unless they find the victim and get a statement from her. Soon, Benson and Stabler connect the woman to an illegal adoption operation, forcing them to go undercover and expose the truth. Also starring: Ice-T (Detective Odafin Tutuola), Tamara Tunie (Dr. Melinda Warner), Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch) and B.D. Wong (Dr. George Huang).

May 6 (8-8:30 p.m. ET)
“Community”
JEFF AND BRITTA'S SEXUAL TENSION HEATS UP AS THE CAMPUS GOES TO “WAR” – The sexual tension between Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) becomes a hot topic among the study group. Meanwhile, what starts out as a simple contest for a chance at early class registration turns the peaceful campus of Greendale Community College into an all-out war zone. Friendships are tested, as only one student can be victorious. Chevy Chase, Ken Jeong, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover and Danny Pudi also star.

May 6 (9:30-10 p.m. ET)
“30 Rock”
IT’S MOTHER’S DAY AT TGS, AND THE MOMS COME TO VISIT. GUEST STARRING BUZZ ALDRIN, ELIZABETH BANKS, ANITA GILLETTE, JAN HOOKS, CHEYENNE JACKSON, PATTI LUPONE, NOVELLA NELSON, AND ELAINE STRITCH - Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) meets her mother’s (Guest Star Anita Gillette) old flame, while Jack Donaghy’s (Alec Baldwin) mother, Colleen (Guest Star Elaine Stritch), gets tangled in his relationships with Avery Jessup (Guest Star Elizabeth Banks) and high school love, Nancy Donovan. Jenna’s (Jane Krakowski) mother, Verna (Guest Star Jan Hooks) returns, while Tracy learns a lesson from his “mom” (Guest Star Novella Nelson). Also starring: Jack McBrayer (Kenneth), Judah Friedlander (Frank), Scott Adsit (Pete), and John Lutz (Lutz).

May 6 (10-11 p.m. ET)
“The Marriage Ref”
GWYNETH PALTROW, JERRY SEINFELD AND GREG GIRALDO WEIGH IN ON THE CELEBRITY PANEL – TOM PAPA HOSTS – Jerry Seinfeld is back and in the producer’s chair for a funny and revealing comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Each week couples from across the country will face off to settle their marital tiffs, which run the gamut of disagreements -- quirky, funny, relatable -- all with the signature Seinfeld tone. The couples that present their problems will be given a call by the Ref, popular comedian Tom Papa, just like in sports. Advising and influencing Tom's decision will be a rotating panel of “experts” offering their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions. Tonight's panelists include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jerry Seinfeld and Greg Giraldo.

May 7 (8-9 p.m. ET)
“Friday Night Lights”
NBC SEASON PREMIERE—THE TAYLORS DEAL WITH THE EAST AND WEST DILLON DIVIDE—Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) wonders how low his fortunes can sink as he struggles to pull the East Dillon Lions together while Tami (Connie Britton) navigates the new politics at West Dillon. Meanwhile, Matt (guest star Zach Gilford) gets a taste of life as a townie and Tim (Taylor Kitsch) is inspired by a college lecture on “the hero’s journey.” Jesse Plemons, Aimee Teegarden, Michael B. Jordan, Jurnee Smollett and Matt Lauria also star.

May 12 (8-9 p.m. ET)
SEASON FINALE—JENNIFER ESPOSITO AND AIDA TURTURRO GUEST STAR - BRIGGS GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO PAY OFF HIS DEBT TO THE MAFIA, SANDS IS FORCED TO MAKE A DIFFICULT DECISION THAT WILL AFFECT HIS CAREER AND LIFE, AND VERONICA LENDS A HAND WHEN HELP IS NEEDED OUTSIDE OF MERCY--When two boys get trapped in an abandoned building, Veronica (Taylor Schilling) finds herself in the right place at the right time to help them. Back at the hospital, Chloe (Michelle Trachtenberg) pressures doctors to perform a risky surgery to save her comatose boyfriend from brain death, and Sonia (Jaime Lee Kirchner) treats a psychic patient (Aida Turturro) who makes a mysterious prediction about her future. Meanwhile, Briggs (James Van Der Beek) tries frantically to raise the funds needed to pay off his high-stakes debt with the mafia before it’s too late, and Sands (James Tupper) considers a job offer to return to Afghanistan with a medical relief effort. James Le Gros, Diego Klattenhoff and Guillermo Diaz also star.

May 13 (8:30-9 p.m. ET)
“Parks and Recreation”
LESLIE’S MASTER PLAN IS SCUTTLED—ADAM SCOTT (“PARTY DOWN”) AND ROB LOWE (“BROTHERS AND SISTERS”) STAR—Leslie (Amy Poehler) is disappointed when her new park plans are put on hold by a visit from two state auditors (guest stars Adam Scott and Rob Lowe). April (Aubrey Plaza) has plans for Andy (Chris Pratt) at her birthday party, and Ann (Rashida Jones) tries to piece together a romantic mystery. Paul Schneider, Aziz Ansari and Nick Offerman also star.

May 13 (9-9:30 p.m. ET)
“30 Rock”
AS WEDDING FEVER HITS TGS, LIZ (TINA FEY) REVISITS OLD BOYFRIENDS. ELIZABETH BANKS, JON HAMM, JULIANNE MOORE, MICHAEL SHEEN, JASON SUDEIKIS, AND DEAN WINTERS GUEST STAR - Jack (Alec Baldwin) becomes even more entangled in his love triangle between Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks) and Nancy Donovan (Julianne Moore), and he turns for advice to Liz (Tina Fey), who is focusing on her own romantic problems. When Liz can't find a date to Floyd’s (Guest Star Jason Sudeikis) wedding, she revisits her old boyfriends in hope that a spark will reignite. Meanwhile, Tracy (Tracy Morgan) continues his journey to earn his EGOT. Also starring: Jane Krakowski (Jenna), Jack McBrayer (Kenneth), Judah Friedlander (Frank), Scott Adsit (Pete), John Lutz (Lutz), Kevin Brown (DotCom), Grizz Chapman (Grizz), and Keith Powell (Toofer).

May 16 (7-9 p.m. ET)
“2010 Miss USA Pageant”
LIVE FROM THE PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - The 59th Annual Competition will crown a new Miss USA at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Fifty-one contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Miss USA travels the nation as an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer awareness, education, research, and legislation.

May 16 (9-11 p.m. ET)
“The Celebrity Apprentice”
FINALE PART ONE - THE FINAL TWO CELEBRITIES MUST CREATE A NEW SNAPPLE TEA AND ITS MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR A PRESENTATION AT A SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT - FORMER APPRENTICE WINNERS JOAN RIVERS AND BILL RANCIC GUEST-STAR -Immediately following the last task, Trump summons the teams back into the boardroom and one celebrity's rude comment leads to a quick firing. Next, the remaining celebrities undergo grueling interviews with the first 'Apprentice,' Bill Rancic, and the most recent 'Celebrity Apprentice,' Joan Rivers. Bill and Joan advise Mr. Trump on who should be fired and two more celebrities are sent home. The following morning, Mr. Trump reveals the last task to the finalists, which is to create a new flavor of Snapple tea, name the tea, and design its label. In addition, they must shoot a 30-second TV commercial and create a 3-page print ad promoting their new tea -- all of which will be presented at a launch event attended by Snapple employees and fans. The finalists each receive celebrity helpers and head into negotiations for ingredients when they quickly discover that both of them want the same ingredient. A strategic move wins the favorite flavor for one, but as they prepare to shoot their commercials, one finalist discovers that a key piece of equipment is missing, which may jeopardize the entire task. Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. guest star.

May 20 (9-9:30 p.m. ET)
“30 Rock”
LIZ JUGGLES THE WEDDINGS OF FLOYD (GUEST STAR JASON SUDEIKIS), CERIE (KATRINA BOWDEN) AND GRIZZ (GRIZZ CHAPMAN), WHILE JACK IS FORCED TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT HIS LOVE LIFE. ELIZABETH BANKS, MATT DAMON, WILL FORTE, JULIANNE MOORE, AND MICHAEL SHEEN GUEST STAR - Liz (Tina Fey) questions fate when she meets the man of her dreams, while Jack's (Alec Baldwin) love triangle between high school love, Nancy Donovan (guest star Julianne Moore), and CNBC anchor, Avery Jessup (guest star Elizabeth Banks), comes to a head. Meanwhile, Jenna's (Jane Krakowski) boyfriend is confronted with a similar dilemma when his desire for another woman threatens to ruin their relationship, and Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), with the help of Tracy (Tracy Morgan), tries to avoid a promotion that would land him in LA. Also starring: Judah Friedlander (Frank), Scott Adsit (Pete), John Lutz (Lutz), Kevin Brown (DotCom), and Keith Powell (Toofer).

May 23 (8-9 p.m. ET)
“Minute to Win It”
KEVIN JONAS OF THE JONAS BROTHERS COMPETES FOR CHARITY - Kevin Jonas of The Jonas Brothers stops by to compete in some nerve-wracking games for his charity Change For The Children Foundation. Guy Fieri ("Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives") hosts.

May 23 (LIVE 9-11 p.m. ET)
"The Celebrity Apprentice"
FINALE PART TWO - LIVE FROM THE SKIRBALL CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY, MR. TRUMP REVEALS THE NEXT 'CELEBRITY APPRENTICE' - Live from the Skirball Center in New York City, Mr. Trump will decide this season's winner of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' after first revealing who did the best job on the last task. In the final moments of this task, one of the finalists scrambles to finish in time, while the other is forced to soldier on alone after being left in the lurch when a helper suddenly leaves. At the launch for the new Snapple teas, one finalist delivers a more polished performance, while the other seems to have the edge with the crowd. In the end, Mr. Trump makes his final decision, live, and determines who will become the next 'Celebrity Apprentice.' The entire celebrity cast returns to join Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and George Ross for the live finale.

May 25 (LIVE from 8-10 p.m. ET)
“THE BIGGEST LOSER” REVEALED IN EXCITING LIVE SEASON FINALE – In this must-see, exciting live finale, all of the contestants from this season return for a special reunion and a chance to weigh in one last time – and show America how much weight they’ve all lost since beginning their weight-loss journeys. Joining them will be a few special guests from past seasons who will share their weight loss progress as well. There are four contestants left, but America has voted on the two that fell below the yellow line in last week’s episode to choose who will be the third finalist in the game. After America’s vote is revealed and the third finalist is announced, the eliminated player will then weigh in with the other 18 eliminated contestants to compete for the $100,000 “at home” prize. Then it’s the moment viewers have been waiting for, when one of the three finalists will be named this season’s “Biggest Loser” and win the coveted grand prize of $250,000! Alison Sweeney is the host, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels also star.

May 25 (10-11 p.m. ET)
“Parenthood”
SEASON FINALE—SARAH AND AMBER REACH A BOILING POINT— JASON RITTER (“THE CLASS,” “W”) GUEST STARS—Tensions run high for Sarah (Lauren Graham) and Amber (Mae Whitman) leading Sarah to meet with Mr. Cyr (guest star Jason Ritter) to discuss her complex daughter. Elsewhere, Crosby (Dax Shepard) must decide whether to move with his new family or stay with his old one. Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) tries to win his way back into Camille’s (Bonnie Bedelia) heart. Meanwhile, Julia (Erika Christensen) is forced to be on the Angel committee at Sydney's (Savannah Paige Rae) school but is nonplussed when she has to take care of a single mom recovering from a breast augmentation. Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Joy Bryant, Sam Jaeger, Sarah Ramos, Miles Heizer and Max Burkholder also star.

This Saturday Night (4/24) Prime Changes, Plus More.....

Saturday, April 24th - May 22nd
8:00-9:00 PARENTHOOD (Repeat)

Thursday, May 27th - July 1st
10:00-10:30 THE OFFICE (Repeat)
10:30-11:00 PARKS & RECREATION (Repeat)

Wednesday, June 2nd
8:00-9:00 LOSING IT WITH JILLIAN MICHAELS (Repeat)

Wednesday, July 7th - September 8th
8:00-9:00 MINUTE TO WIN IT (Mainly Original)

Thursday, July 8th - September 2nd
10:00-10:30 THE OFFICE (Repeat)
10:30-11:00 THE OFFICE (Repeat)

Monday, August 16th - August 30th
9:00-10:00 MINUTE TO WIN IT (Original)

Sunday NHL Game Guaranteed

Phoenix @ Detroit @ 2p EDT

NFL Sunday Night Football Teams Announced

2010 “NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” SCHEDULE
Thurs. Sept. 9 NFL Kickoff Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Sun. Sept. 12 Week 1 Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Sun. Sept. 19 Week 2 New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts
Sun. Sept. 26 Week 3 New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Sun. Oct. 3 Week 4 Chicago Bears at New York Giants
Sun. Oct. 10 Week 5 Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers
Sun. Oct. 17 Week 6 Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins
Sun. Oct. 24 Week 7 Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Sun. Oct. 31 Week 8 Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints
Sun. Nov. 7 Week 9 Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
Sun. Nov. 14 Week 10 New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sun. Nov. 21 *Week 11 New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Sun. Nov. 28 *Week 12 San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts
Sun. Dec. 5 *Week 13 Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Sun. Dec. 12 *Week 14 Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Sun. Dec. 19 *Week 15 Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Sun. Dec. 26 *Week 16 San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals
Sun. Jan. 2 *Week 17 TBA

NHL Saturday 4/24: Nashville @ Chicago

Air Date: 04/24/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 03:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Duration: 03:00:00

Message: NHL Conference Quarter Final (Saturday 4/24/10): Nashville @ Chicago (Game #5) is confirmed

Four L&O Varieties on NBC This Fall?

NBC Picks Up 'Law & Order: LA' For Fall; 'SVU' Cleared For 12th Season With Cast; Original 'L&O' Looks Good For Record 21st

From Deadline.com

EXCLUSIVE: Dick Wolf is once again looking to expand his Law & Order empire to 4 series on the air. Sources tell me that NBC has picked up Law & Order: Los Angeles (aka LOLA) with a 13-episode order for fall. Brotherhood creator Blake Masters is on board to write the new series set in Los Angeles with Wolf. The Wolf Films/UMS project has been in development for the past couple of months.

Additionally, Law & Order: SVU is cleared for a 12th season pending some minor budgetary matters. The cast led by Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have already been clearing their schedule to shoot new episodes for the crime drama in June and July. Hargitay and Meloni are set to return as part of the one-year deal they signed with NBC after lengthy negotiations last spring, which includes an option for a second year. After suffering a sharp ratings decline in the fall when it was transplanted from 10 PM to 9 PM to make room for The Jay Leno Show, SVU has been gaining ground since it was moved back to 10 PM after the Winter Olympics. The show also is getting a boost this spring from a story arc with Sharon Stone.

Meanwhile, chances also look pretty good a record-breaking 21st season of the mothership Law & Order series, with the series’ cable home TNT expected to pitch in with an off-network fee to offset the cost of bringing the show back. Not returning for the record 21st season is veteran cast member S. Epatha Merkerson who recently asked the series’ producers to be released. (She didn’t have a deal beyond Season 20.)

Elsewhere, after a cast overhaul, Law & Order: Criminal Intent just kicked in its 9th season on USA Network. The last time Wolf had 4 L&O series on the air was in 2005 when the short-lived Law & Order: Trial by Jury joined the stories franchise.
.

RDRx note: When will NBC learn the signature Dick Wolf endings of each of the L&O episodse are huge tune-out signals to viewers? When airing on other networks, syndication and cable, Wolf has allowed the shrunken credits to roll immediately after his ego stamp graphic without a commercial break.

However, NBC Prime takes a LONG break including minutes of commercials, then comes back to roll credits. 10 years ago, with only HH meters to look at, I pointed this out... but I was told NBC must know what they are doing.

Right.

Summer Changes

Sunday, June 27th
7:00-9:00 DATELINE NBC (Original)

Monday, June 28th and July 5th
8:00-10:00 LAST COMIC STANDING (Original)

Sunday, July 11th - July 25th
7:00-9:00 DATELINE NBC (Original)

NBC Finale Dates Revised

Following is a revised list of remaining NBC 2009-2010 season finale dates and times:
MONDAY
TRAUMA (4/26 9-10P)
CHUCK (5/24 8-10P) (2-hour)
LAW & ORDER (5/24 10-11P)

TUESDAY
BIGGEST LOSER (5/25 8-10P)
PARENTHOOD (5/25 10-11P)

WEDNESDAY
MERCY (5/12 8-9P)
LAW & ORDER SVU (5/19 10-11P)

THURSDAY
COMMUNITY (5/20 8-8:30P)
PARKS AND RECREATION (5/20 8:30-9P)
THE OFFICE (5/20 9-9:30P)
30 ROCK (5/20 9:30-10P)
THE MARRIAGE REF (5/20 10-11P)

FRIDAY
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? (4/30 8-9P)

SUNDAY
MINUTE TO WIN IT (5/23 8-9P)
CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (5/23 9-11P)

May Primetime Changes

Sent Fri 4/2/2010 4:47 PM

NBC picked up additional episodes of MINUTE TO WIN IT which is performing solidly on Sundays. New episodes will air on Sundays, May 9th and 23rd from 8-9PM ET/PT. DATELINE will be reduced to an hour on those dates.

TRAUMA will now have its season finale on 4/26 and is being replaced in the Monday 9PM ET/PT time period on 5/3 & 5/10 by repeats of LAW & ORDER leading into original L&O episodes.

The following will be booked:

Monday, May 3rd and 10th
9:00-10:00 LAW & ORDER (Repeats)

Sunday, May 9th and May 23rd
7:00-8:00 DATELINE NBC (Original)
8:00-9:00 MINUTE TO WIN IT (Original)

Premier RDRx clients will have this in inventory when they come in Monday morning.

Saturday Morning PS: During a time those of us with jobs and health insurance should be very grateful, let me make clear I think those in NBC Affiliate Relations on both East and West Coast do an absolutely FANTASTIC job, given the chaos NBC network prime and sports programming executives create with their treatment of schedules AND the logistical nightmare that is GE.

When I bitch about late notice, I'm feeling the pain of the 200+ NBC stations who have to jump the moment the suits @ 30 Rock move yet another program. Sadly, most small market NBC stations have simply given up trying to stay current with the endless stream of specials and sports changes.

But it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness. And while right now I can only help my RDRx clients... that may change.

On Their Way Out of 30 Rock For Easter

Posted: 04/02/2010 04:05:03 PM
Air Date: 09/05/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 02:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: GOLF
Duration: 00:30:00
Type: New Booking
Message: GLOBAL GOLF ADVENTURE 4 is now booked.

Posted: 04/02/2010 04:02:33 PM
Air Date: 09/12/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 01:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SPORTS SPECIALS
Duration: 00:30:00
Type: Program Deletion
Message: Program Deletion: Global Golf Adventure 3 (moves to 7/31). Time reverts to local.

Posted: 04/02/2010 04:00:15 PM
Air Date: 07/31/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 03:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: GOLF
Duration: 00:30:00
Type: New Booking
Message: GLOBAL GOLF ADVENTURE 3 is booked (moves from 9/12 1:30-2:00pm). Please re-advise clearance for this program in its new time period on this date.

Posted: 04/02/2010 03:45:06 PM
Air Date: 06/12/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 04:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SPORTS SPECIALS
Duration: 02:00:00
Type: Time Change
Message: ADIDAS TRACK & FIELD now scheduled 4:00-6:00pm ET (prev. sked 4:30-6:00pm ET). .

Posted: 04/02/2010 03:43:11 PM
Air Date: 06/12/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 03:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SPORTS SPECIALS
Duration: 01:00:00
Type: Time Change
Message: AMA MOTORCROSS now scheduled 3:00-4:00pm ET (prev. sked 3:30-4:30pm ET).

There's more... but that's what you hired RDRx to do, isn't it?

NBC RDRx Premium clients will find these and other updates in their system when they come in first thing Monday morning. Non-premium NBC clients will see these changes ON Monday.

NBC Changes MORE Sports Specials in June

Posted: 04/01/2010 12:31:57 PM
Air Date: 06/06/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 04:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SPORTS SPECIALS
Duration: 02:00:00
Type: Duration Update
Message: Rugby Sevens Collegiate Championship now scheduled 4:00-6:00pm ET (prev. sked 4:30-6:00pm).

Air Date: 06/12/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 04:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SPORTS SPECIALS
Duration: 01:30:00
Type: Show Name
Message: Program Title Change: Adidas Track & Field

Edit: But wait.. there's more... so far, 2. I'll wait till 5pm EDT before I start trying to play Whack-A-PaidProgram-NBC-Sports-Special this afternoon.

All RDRx NBC Clients Have New Feb10-based Estimates

It's been a busy day!

All clients now have Feb 2010 PAVs assigned, and new selling books have been published, with station-customized Master Planners both emailed to sales management and saved as an Avail within MediaOffice for immediate use as templates for avails tomorrow!

Remember, you must close down MediaOffice, then re-open it to see changes I make to your inventory. Heck, if you're running Vista, you should be rebooting every day.

Salt Lake Data Arrives

Even though I checked the KSL server less than an hour ago, my fantastic co-workers in Bham tell me they've just now uploaded the TP and PAV Live Plus 7 data for Salt Lake City.

I'll be visiting the server again in a couple of hours.. look for updates this afternoon.

Jackson, MS Data Arrives in Alabama

It's already been uploaded to the WLBT server, and I've been working on it since my second cup of coffee today.. back to Costco Columbian.. the Blue Mountain is for special occasions.

Because I have 3 Raycom stations getting data today, I'll be a busy guy. But just like the old AT&T's infrastructure was built to support calling volumes on Mother's Day, my work is planned for the quick and accurate handling of simultaneous market releases. But I am only one guy.

Master Planner Sent.....

It's always a pleasure to work with Ralph Flynn, and he seems to tolerate my work.
(Actually, it's his kind words you see both on the OneDomain homepage as well as in my profile on each RDRx blog page I maintain.)

So, I'm delighted to send a fully customized Master Planner for WRCB based on February 2010 PAV shares, yet buffered for anticipated summer viewing, on the same business day the data arrived in our Birmingham, AL headquarters, 3000 miles from here.

Premium RDRx clients like WRCB get a preliminary Master Planner even before the estimates are published and made available to sales staff, so savvy managers like Ralph have a heads-up FIRST. Tomorrow morning, after Ralph has looked at these numbers and given me feedback, I'll return to his system, tweak per our discussions and tomorrow his sales people will have rock-solid avails and estimates within 24 hours of the data arrival.

Want your TV station to get this kind of treatment? Just ask me for a quote.

NBC Fills In Late May TBAs

The following will be booked:

Wednesday, May 26th
8:00-10:00pm SNL PRESENTS: SPORTS ALL-STARS (Repeat)

Friday, May 28th
9:00-11:00 DATELINE NBC (Repeat)

Sunday, May 30th
9:00-10:00 LAW & ORDER (Repeat)
10:00-11:00 LAW & ORDER (Repeat)

(This will be included in today's update for all NBC RDRx clients.)

Chattanooga: Feb 10 Data Arrived Minutes Ago!

The kind folks in Birmingham have uploaded the TP and PAV data for the Feb 2010 Live Plus book into the MediaOffice server for one of my favorite clients to work with.

Needless to say, I'm on the server now and will email Ralph a Feb 2010-based Master Planner for review later today.

Oh, and it's my 7th wedding anniversary, so we're celebrating with Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee from my favorite bean vendor, Innkeepers Coffee of Galesburg, IL.

Welcome Back, KSL!

While Jenny's busy for a while, the hard-working staff at KSL-TV will be relying upon my skills with NBC Inventory and Estimates.

I'm not as nice as Jenny or Jayna, but you can depend upon me.

Mercy's Out of Wednesday Night; Replaced by Minute To Win It

A mix of original and encore episodes of MINUTE TO WIN IT will replace repeat episodes of MERCY on the next 3 Wednesdays at 8PM ET/PT. This should improve the time period over drama repeats and provide MINUTE TO WIN IT with additional opportunities for new sampling. Note that original episodes of MINUTE TO WIN IT will continue to air on Sundays.

Also, due to its initial success, we're extending the run of WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? for another week. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS will now have its season premiere on Friday, May 7th.

The following will be booked:

Wednesday, March 31st, April 7th and 14th
8:00-9:00 MINUTE TO WIN IT

Friday, April 30th
8:00-9:00 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? (Original)

Friday, May 7th
8:00-9:00 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Season premiere - moves from April 30th)

Consider The Source

http://houseoftvratings.blogspot.com/2009/03/sam-walton-and-me.html

Shameless self-promotion, or qualifying the source who makes audience composition decisions on your station's behalf?

You decide.

2011 Golden Globe Date Announced

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is announcing the date for next year's Golden Globe Awards. They will be held on Sunday, January 16th from 8-11PM ET, and NBC will broadcast them live across the country. NBC affiliates on the West Coast will also have an opportunity to air an encore of the Globes in prime time in addition to the live broadcast, as they did this year.

The following will be booked:

Sunday, January 16th
8:00-11:00 THE 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS (Original) (Live across the country)

NBC RDRx clients already have this show, along with the expected Red Carpet show lead-in, in Specials inventory and they've had them since January.

NBC Sports Inventory Updated

As we all wait for the Feb book data, it was the perfect time to update the more than 300 different NBC Sports inventory lines contained in each NBC RDRx client system.

I'm be tweaking the audience estimates again when the Feb data arrives, but as of now, NBC Sports is a 100% match for current info from 30 Rock and APT.

Women of SNL Replaced; Office Repeats Added; Tuesday Losing It in June

The following will be booked:

Thursday, April 1st
8:00-9:00 THE OFFICE (Repeat)
9:00-10:00 THE OFFICE (Repeat)

Thursday, April 15th
8:00-8:30 THE OFFICE (Repeat)
8:30-9:00 THE OFFICE (Repeat)
9:00-11:00 SNL IN THE 2000's (Original)

Monday, May 31st
8:00-10:00 SNL IN THE 2000's (Repeat)

Tuesday, June 1st
10:00-11:00 LOSING IT WITH JILLIAN MICHAELS (Original)

Tuesday, June 8th
8:00-9:00 LOSING IT WITH JILLIAN MICHAELS (Original) (through September 14th)


11:25am Update: All RDRx NBC Clients have been updated within an hour of the above announcement from NBC. These program changes do not yet appear in any version of APT.

Parenthood Repeats Saturdays Extended Thru April 10

Air Date: 03/20/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 08:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: PARENTHOOD
Duration: 01:00:00
Type: New Booking
Message: Effective 3/20-4/10: PARENTHOOD is booked.

Let me translate for the nice folks at NBC.
Parenthood repeats had been scheduled to end Saturday the 13th in this time period, with Biggest Loser repeat summaries filling the hour through May. However, they've extended Parenthood's Saturday run through mid-April. Who knows what may actually air after?

Insomniacs: Sunday Dateline All Night Goes HD

Posted: 03/15/2010 12:32:00 PM
Air Date: 03/28/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 12:00:00 AM [ET]
Show Name: DATELINE NBC AN
Duration: 00:58:00
Type: Announcements
Message: Effective 3/28/10-UFN: Dateline-AN will be HD.

Update: You'll have to wait until April 4th for HD. NBC pushed back HD in an APT note of 3/19/10.

Betty White Hosts SNL in May Sweeps

[03.11.10 - 10:13 AM]
LEGENDARY EMMY WINNER BETTY WHITE HOSTS NBC'S 'SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE' ON MAY 8
Released by NBC

NEW YORK, NY - March 11, 2010 - Legendary and multiple Emmy Award winner Betty White will take her long-anticipated turn at hosting NBC's "Saturday Night Live" on May 8. White will make her first appearance in Studio 8H.

The six-time Emmy winner and cultural icon will host "SNL" for the first time in her illustrious seven-decade-long career. White is best known for her performance as Rose Nylund on NBC's "The Golden Girls," the beloved comedy series that aired from 1985 to 1992. Previously, she co-starred as Sue Ann Nivens in the classic comedy series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

In January, White was the proud recipient of the 2010 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. White appeared in the 2009 romantic-comedy feature film "The Proposal," alongside Ryan Reynolds and Oscar winner Sandra Bullock, and can be seen again this fall in the film "You Again," starring Kristin Bell.

"I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than with Betty White said Lorne Michaels, Creator and Executive Producer of SNL.

"Saturday Night Live" is from SNL Studios in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Steve Higgins and Marci Klein are producers. Ken Aymong is supervising producer. Seth Meyers is head writer. Don Roy King directs.

My note: Someone in Password Heaven is smiling today.

http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=whitebetty

NBC Sport Specials Changes Continue

Mostly, NBC is tweaking time periods. However, many of the changes are title only, including sponsor names, which I'm sure matter a great deal to the sponsoring companies providing paid programming run as NBC Sports Specials. However, it's just a pain in the ASCII to local stations. That's why the smart ones have a Research Director.. or use RDRx from ODI.

Scores of Sports Changes Coming

Ok, I intended the pun. NBC has updated/changed/modified 2010 sports four times in the past 24 hours, but there are a lot of tiny changes to come in the next day or so for my NBC RDRx clients.

My clients can count on finding a Sports 2010 Planner saved as an Avail in the Public area to be used as a template for salesperson use once I've completed the update.

"Sevens" Explained

Air Date: 06/05/2010 Saturday
Start Time: 04:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SPORTS SPECIALS
Duration: 01:30:00
Type: Show Name
Message: PROGRAM TITLE CHANGE:'Rugby Sevens Collegiate Championship' (was 'SEVENS'). Please see updated contingencies.

Summer Prime In System; 3rd Quarter Sports Announced

I'll be tweaking hiatus dates and filling in all of the TBAs for the summer for the rest of the day, then confirming client Sports schedules.

NBC's Summer LineUp Announced

Tons of changes, including adding 100 Questions, Persons Unknown, America's Got Talent and Last Comic Standing, plus specials including fireworks, a Harry Potter themed special, Emmy Awards and The Jensen Project.

All NBC RDRx clients will be totally updated today. I've been hard at work since very early this morning, as I saw the new information late last night in a rare Thursday evening email from Judi.

Later this afternoon, clients will find a Summer 2010 Master Planner saved as an Avail in the Public Area, which users can see if they check the box marked "View Public" when they go to open a saved avail. Managers, this is perfect for rate card tweaking as you'll see my Selling Book estimates of rating points expected by each summer program.

No Changes to Sat Morning Kids Line-Up in 2Q

The Saturday morning kids line-up will remain the same in the second quarter -

10-10:30AM ET / 8-8:30AM PT TURBO DOGS
10:30-11AM ET / 8:30-9AM PT SHELLDON
11-11:30AM ET / 9-9:30AM PT 3-2-1 PENGUINS!
11:30AM-12N ET / 9:30-10AM PT BABAR
12N-12:30PM ET / 10-10:30AM PT WILLA'S WILD LIFE
12:30-1PM ET / 10:30-11AM PT JANE AND THE DRAGON

NHL Teams for 3/14

Posted: 02/26/2010 11:05:20 AM
Air Date: 03/14/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 12:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Duration: 02:30:00
Type: Announcements
Message: NHL teams announced for Sunday March 14, 2010: Washington @ Chicago. Please see updated contingencies

USA Hockey Live on NBC Friday 3p ET

Posted: 02/24/2010 06:24:40 PM
Type: Announcements
Message: Friday, February 26: The USA Hockey Game will be LIVE to ALL STATIONS at 3pm ET/ 12pm PT. Details for all other programming to follow.

3/7 NHL: Redwings @ Blackhawks

Air Date: 03/07/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 12:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Duration: 02:30:00
Type: Announcements
Message: NHL teams announced for Sunday March 7, 2010: Detroit @ Chicago

Leno's Guest List Next Week: Olympians & Sarah Palin

From The New York Times:

February 22, 2010, 1:20 pm
Leno’s Guest List to Include Palin, Vonn and ‘Jersey Shore’ Cast
By BILL CARTER

Jay Leno will return to “The Tonight Show” next Monday with a guest list loaded with names intended to bring back the kind of audience lead he enjoyed on the NBC show before his ill-fated side trip to prime time.

Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor, will appear on Mr. Leno’s second night back. It will be her first interview on a late-night talk show, and it will be on the one that happens to compete with David Letterman, with whom she has engaged in a long-standing feud.

Mr. Leno will have the skiing star Lindsey Vonn on his first night back, followed by the cast of “Jersey Shore” on Wednesday. His second-week guests include Simon Cowell and Kim Kardashian.

The full list for the first two weeks:

Monday, March 1 – Guests include Jamie Foxx, the Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and a musical performance by Brad Paisley

Tuesday, March 2 – Guests include Sarah Palin, the Olympic snowboarder Shaun White

Wednesday, March 3 – “Jaywalk All-Stars” with the cast of “Jersey Shore,” Chelsea Handler, speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and a musical performance by Avril Lavigne

Thursday, March 4 – Guests include Matthew McConaughey and Jason Reitman

Friday, March 5 – Guests include Morgan Freeman and Meredith Vieira

Monday, March 8 – Guests include Simon Cowell

Tuesday, March 9 – Guests include Christoph Waltz, the animal expert Dave Salmoni and a musical performance by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Wednesday, March 10 – Guests include Kristen Stewart and Guy Fieri

Thursday, March 11 – Guests include Dana Carvey and Kim Kardashian, with a musical performance by Colbie Caillat

Friday, March 12 – Guests include Dakota Fanning and Judd Apatow

2 Hour SVU Next Wednesday Night

Posted: 02/22/2010 02:23:09 PM
Air Date: 03/03/2010 Wednesday
Start Time: 09:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
Duration: 01:59:30
Type: Program Change
Message: LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT is booked (was prev sked as (2) 1-hr episodes). Please note: This booking overrides all previously issued bookings, formats, and details. Please see individual air date for updated information.

Inventory and Estimates for RDRx NBC clients have been updated already. :)

SpotsNDots: NBC Using Arbitron PPM for Olympic Audience Measurement

NBC RESEARCHING OLYMPICS AUDIENCE
NBC has hired six different research firms, including
Nielsen, Arbitron and Integrated Media Marketing
(IMMI) to keep tabs on the many different ways that
audiences can view the Winter Olympics from Vancouver
and follow the action online and on their mobile devices. It
has also purchased the services of Keller Fay, which
specializes in word-of-mouth, to monitor conversations on
social networking sites and in real life.

Each day, the network intends to release a “total
audience measurement index” (TAMi) to tally how many
people watched the Games on the various platforms. That
information will also be supplemented by interviews with
about 500 viewers each day to understand why a particular
platform was chosen.

Arbitron’s Portable People Meter will be part of the
measurement technology, carried by about 2,000 persons.
Another 40 will be outfitted with a IMMI app that does
essentially the same thing as the PPM, read ambient noise
and identify the programming that the holder is exposed
to.

In March, all this info will be compiled in a report available
to advertisers, to help them better target their audience in
future live events.

Minute To Win It Premiere on 3/14 Now 2 Hours

NBC EXTENDS PREMIERE OF NEW PRIMETIME GAME SHOW 'MINUTE TO WIN IT' TO TWO HOURS ON SUNDAY, MARCH 14 (7-9 P.M. ET)

All-American Chef and Popular Television Personality Guy Fieri to Host

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIF. - February 16, 2010 - NBC adds more family fun to its upcoming Sunday night line-up by extending the premiere episode of its new primetime game show "Minute To Win It" to two hours on the previously announced date of Sunday, March 14 (7-9 p.m. ET).

The two-hour premiere episode of the third season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" will immediately follow from 9-11 p.m. ET.

NBC Offices Closed Monday

I've gotten an email from NBC reminding us Monday is President's Day and they won't be working. My guess is some high-ranking NBC folks will be traveling to Vancouver as well, so don't expect too much in the way of programming changes in the next two weeks.

Both the Birmingham and Las Vegas offices of ODI will be open on Monday, but my "mobile office" on Tuesday (and for up to 3 days after) will be in a jury pool room in a courthouse in lovely downtown Sin City, as per the posting below.

SNOW!! Birmingham Office Closed Early Today

HQ in Alabama is closing early today, at 2:30pm CST, due to "heavy" snowfall.

Heck, I've seen how people drive in Las Vegas when it RAINS.. I can imagine "Good Ol' Boys On Ice."

Need help this afternoon? Call me.

Tuesday, Feb 16th.. Jury Duty!!!

Let's see just how more corrupt market-driven the Las Vegas legal system has gotten since I last did jury duty in December 2006 during the release of November sweeps data.

Tuesday, I join the cattle stampede at the Courthouse. Because there are no income taxes in Nevada, this state uses drivers license information to draw potential jurors. So, folks who never register their vehicles or get licenses (a huge number in this market) are never called. Those of us left get called every three years. My first summons was for December 22nd, 2009 but I got it delayed this time.

I'll have access to my email, the web, and your servers by bringing two 3G laptops and my cell. I'll be able to work from the holding pen the jury pool waiting room. However, it will be tough to get me via voice.

So remember... email!

French Open Booked in APT.. but..

It was already in RDRx NBC client inventories, as is Wimbledon.

If we waited for NBC APT bookings to sell sports... well, you know.

Parenthood Repeats Saturdays in March & Sappy Stuff

The following will be booked:

Saturday, March 6th and 13th
8:00-9:00 PARENTHOOD (Repeat)

Sunday, March 7th
7:00-8:30 DATELINE (Repeat)
8:30-11:08 MOVIE: BAD BOYS II (Original)


These will be updated this afternoon. On any other day, I would stop what I'm doing and update my NBC clients right now. However, as today is my 10th anniversary of sobriety, I'll be joining a "Group Of Drunks" for lunch, thanking them for helping me stay alcohol-free during this past decade. I'm still suffering from the "genius is first cousin to madness" bug, but that's not all bad. :)

A personal word here: Thank you, Gene Greenberg and Dick Hollister, formerly of KVBC, Las Vegas. You saved my life in 2000.

Jay Leno Show's Finale: "End of an Error"

February 9, 2010, 1:05 pm
Without Fanfare, Leno’s Prime-Time Show Ends
By BRIAN STELTER of NewYorkTimes.com

“The Jay Leno Show” ends quietly on Tuesday night, only five months after it had its premiere in prime time to great fanfare on NBC.

Mr. Leno’s guests will be Ashton Kutcher, Gabourey Sidibe and Bob Costas.

Next month Mr. Leno is returning to “The Tonight Show” at 11:35 p.m.

Last year NBC positioned the 10 p.m. comedy show as a transformative move for broadcast television, but the ratings were mediocre, hurting the local affiliates who make money from their 11 p.m. newscasts.

On Tuesday’s finale, according to Variety, “the pomp and circumstance will be nil. That’s intentional, as NBC is trying to rehab the images of both Leno and ‘The Tonight Show.’”

“It’ll be workmanlike and efficient — the Jay Leno way,” MTV.com predicts.

NBC had planned to end Mr. Leno’s show on Thursday, but it moved up the finale by two days, most likely to capitalize on Tuesday’s big lead-in, “The Biggest Loser.”

In the place of “The Jay Leno Show,” NBC has scheduled reruns of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” on Wednesday and “The Office” on Thursday. The Winter Olympics begin on Friday.

It is the “end of an error,” the TV Guide Magazine critic Matt Roush tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

NBC Finale Dates Announced

Following is a partial list of NBC 2009-2010 season finale dates and times:
MONDAY
HEROES (2/8 9-10P)
TRAUMA (5/10 9-10P)
CHUCK (5/24 8-10P) (2-hour)
LAW & ORDER (5/24 10-11P)

TUESDAY
BIGGEST LOSER (5/25 8-10P)

WEDNESDAY
MERCY (5/12 8-9P)
LAW & ORDER SVU (5/19 10-11P)

THURSDAY
COMMUNITY (5/20 8-8:30P)
PARKS AND RECREATION (5/20 8:30-9P)
THE OFFICE (5/20 9-9:30P)
30 ROCK (5/20 9:30-10P)

SUNDAY
CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (5/23 9-11P)

All RDRx NBC clients already have all finale dates as shown, with customized estimates, less than an hour after NBC's announcement.

Office Baby Drops in One Hour on March 4th

[02.08.10 - 09:26 AM]
NBC TO DELIVER SPECIAL ONE-HOUR BABY EPISODE OF 'THE OFFICE' ON MARCH 4 (9-10 P.M. ET)
Released by NBC

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 8, 2010 - NBC will broadcast the highly anticipated baby episode of "The Office" as a special one-hour show on Thursday, March 4 (9-10 p.m. ET) rather than as two separate half-hour episodes over two weeks as previously announced.

In the special hour-long episode of "The Office" titled "The Delivery Part 1 and 2," Pam's (Jenna Fischer) contractions begin but she and Jim (John Krasinski) are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Meanwhile the rest of the office tries to distract Pam from the pain with food and entertainment.

In the second half hour, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) anxiously waits for Pam and Jim's baby to be born. Back at the office, Erin (Ellie Kemper) makes Andy (Ed Helms) jealous when she has lunch with Kevin (Brian Baumgartner).

From Deedle-Dee Productions, Reveille and Universal Media Studios comes the hilarious documentary-style look into the humorous and sometimes poignant foolishness that plagues the world of 9-to-5 in the half-hour comedy "The Office," based on the award-winning BBC hit.

Since its premiere on NBC in March 2005, "The Office" has established itself as a genuine hit, earning prestigious television honors such as the 2006 Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, 2006 Peabody Award, 2006 and 2008 AFI Honor, Producers Guild Award, Writers Guild Award, SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy, Ace Eddie Award for editing and a Television Critic's Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.

"The Office" is executive-produced by Ben Silverman, Greg Daniels, who developed the series for American audiences, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein and Paul Lieberstein.

Bad Boyz II scheduled to air against Oscars

After a 1 hour Dateline, there's a 3 hour and 8 minute showing of Bad Boys II.

RDRx NBC clients already have this in their specials folder.

(On Feb 10th, this was changed to be a 90 minute Dateline and movie will run from 8:30-11:08p ET.)

Golf Changes, too

Global Golf gets moved to the US Open weekend.

See inventory for details.

Opening Ceremony Repeat Moved Up on Friday, Feb 12

The double run of Jimmy Fallon announced last week has been cut short, now with just one hour after local news, then the Opening Ceremony repeat starts at 1235a/1135p.

I've also updated my clients on a number of sports changes made in 2nd Quarter.

Lots of Post-Olympic Changes to Prime

8 nights of prime March through May have changed.. check back here later for a detailed list.

My NBC clients will now be updated.

Another Leno Show replaced on Tuesday, Feb 2

February 2nd
8:00-9:00 THE BIGGEST LOSER (Repeat)
9:00-11:00 THE BIGGEST LOSER (Original)

Added 2/9/10: Turns out this was the night Jay Leno flew to NYC for the taping of Letterman/Oprah/Leno SuperBowl ad, all very hush-hush.

Biggest Loser Super Bowl Edition Will Run Long

Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th, the 2 repeat episodes of THE BIGGEST LOSER are being expanded. Therefore, the network will run 8 minutes long that night. FYI, we'll also be running over on March 7th (Oscar night.) Details on this will be advised later.

Here's the real reason this is being expanded. As this is in the Feb sweeps, and this is the only night of Sunday Late News without an Olympic lead-in. By running longer than 7.5 mins past the hour, stations are permitted by Nielsen to re-title the "forced delay" newscasts for this night.

Want to know how to get the most out of this option? My clients can call any time.

Jimmy Fallon Gets Late Night Love Starting Next Week

Not yet in APT or APT2Go, but Judy says

Monday through Friday, effective February 1st (NEXT Monday)
3:04a-4:00a LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON AN (Repeat) (through July 2nd - except during the Olympics, February 12th - 28th)
(RDRx comment: replaces repeats of Tonight Show with Conan.. this was sorta expected.)

Friday, February 12th (NIGHT OF OPENING CEREMONY)
12:35a-1:38a LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON (Original)
1:38a-2:40a LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON AN (Repeat)

Monday through Friday, effective March 1st
11:35-12:37a THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (Original) (through September 17th)

NBC RDRx clients will find their inventories and estimates already updated.

NBC Prime Changes on Friday

An episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU will air in the 10PM ET/PT time period on Wednesday, February 10th, and 2 encore episodes of THE OFFICE will air @10 & 10:30PM ET/PT on Thursday, February 11th, leading up to the event of the season, the 2010 Winter Olympics!

The following will be booked:

Wednesday, February 10th
10:00-11:00 LAW & ORDER: SVU

Thursday, Februay 11th
10:00-10:30 THE OFFICE (repeat)
10:30-11:00 THE OFFICE (repeat)


----------------------------------------------



This replaces Jay Leno's last 2 shows, which had been scheduled to run up to the 11th. My guess is Leno's Monday (8th) and Tuesday (9th) shows won't live past Martini time next Friday.

Set Your DVR to Burning Bridges

STATEMENT FROM NBC AND CONAN O'BRIEN:

NBC and Conan O'Brien have reached a resolution of the issues surrounding O'Brien's contract to host "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."

Under terms of an agreement that was signed earlier today, NBC and O'Brien will settle their contractual obligations and the network will release O'Brien from his contract, freeing him to pursue other opportunities after September 1, 2010.

O'Brien will make his final appearance as host of "The Tonight Show" on January 22.

My note.. Will Farrel was his first guest on his premiere show, pitching an awful movie. Will Farrel will be on his last show, as will Neil Young. Oh, let the wailing commence.

Conan Gets 32 Million To Not Work

January 22, 2010
Conan O’Brien and NBC to Part Ways
By BILL CARTER

Say farewell to Conan O’Brien.

After a last long night of negotiations, the deal to end Mr. O’Brien’s short term as host of “The Tonight Show” was concluded with an agreement that will pay him about $32 million and free him up to return to television in eight months.

The deal is expected to be announced formally later Thursday. NBC confirmed early Thursday morning only that a deal was signed.

After Mr. O’Brien’s manager, Gavin Polone, told the Web site The Wrap that a deal was signed late last night West Coast time, NBC itself had brief reports this morning that the deal had been concluded.

Mr. O’Brien has been pointing to Friday as his last night in the job during a week of special appearances and walk-ons by many of the biggest stars who have been regular guests on the show. He will now have an official farewell show Friday night with two of late-night television’s most sought-after guests, Tom Hanks and Will Ferrell, and with Neil Young as the final musical guest.

Thursday’s agreement ends what has been a tense couple of weeks at NBC.

Mr. O’Brien’s “Tonight Show” has slumped in the ratings, and in response, NBC earlier this month decided to move Jay Leno and his show to the 11:35 p.m. time slot, bumping “The Tonight Show” and Mr. O’Brien to 12:05 a.m.

But Mr. O’Brien said he would not agree to what he considered a demotion, and said that he would leave the network. Since then, Mr. O’Brien, who had a guaranteed contract for another two and a half years at a salary that has been reported to be $10 million to $20 million a year, has been negotiating his departure.

Thursday’s agreement appears to set the stage for Mr. O’Brien to go to another network later this year. At least one network, Fox, has made public its interest in a possible show with Mr. O’Brien, though many questions remain about how easily that network could clear the late-night schedules of its stations to make room.

No Leno Friday Night After Haiti

Posted: 01/20/2010 06:28:32 PM
Air Date: 01/22/2010 Friday
Start Time: 10:00:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: DATELINE NBC
Duration: 00:59:30
Type: New Booking
Message: Dateline NBC is booked and replaces The Jay Leno Show. Please see updated details for this date

RDRx NBC clients in TN and MS have already been updated. PAVs from Friday Datelines in March 09.

More New Episodes for NBC Prime This Season

[01.20.10 - 02:13 PM]
NBC EXTENDS SCRIPTED SERIES, CONFIRMS ORDERS
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- With "The Jay Leno Show" set to be jettisoned from primetime next month, NBC has extended five of its scripted series.

"Trauma," "Law & Order," "Parks & Recreation," "Community" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" have each been asked for two to four additional episodes.

Said pickups bring their season totals to 20 for "Trauma" (four added); 23 for "Law & Order" (three added); 24 for "Parks & Recreation" (two added); 25 for "Community" (three added); and 24 for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (two added).

As for the Peacock's other scripted entries, "Mercy" and "Chuck" will film 22 and 19 installments, respectively, as previously announced.

Due later this year are multi-camera comedy "100 Questions" (six episodes); dramas "Parenthood" and "Persons Unknown" (13 episodes each); and the two-hour pilot to "Day One."

And finally, network sources have also confirmed "The Office" has been asked for 25 episodes while "30 Rock," due to its late start, is sticking with a standard 22-episode fourth season.

NHL Teams for 1/24 & 1/31

NHL teams announced for Saturday January 24, 2010: Pittsburgh @ Phildelphia
NHL teams announced for Saturday January 31, 2010: Detroit @ Pittsburgh.

State of the Union on Jan 27th.. rescheduling to follow

Posted: 01/19/2010 09:33:04 AM
Type: Announcements
Message: NBC News will provide coverage of the State of the Union on 1/27/10, 9-11p ET. Format, Operating Conditions and all other details will follow shortly.

Birmingham Offices Closed Monday

Friday, January 15, 2010
OneDomain closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
OneDomain's offices will be closed on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Any email sent to support@onedomain.com will be answered in the order they are received on Tuesday the 19th.

(Research Services is always on call. My RDRx clients can expect a very quick turnaround on questions or modification requests.)

Next Friday: 2 Hour Hope for Haiti Telethon on NBC

Posted: 01/15/2010 10:52:38 AM
Type: Announcements
Message: A 2-hour NBC Special: Hope For Haiti Telethon (WT) on Jan. 22 will be officially booked later today. The program is scheduled to begin at 8p ET/PT (7p CT/MT). Local Format information to follow later today.

RDRx Clients Have New NBC Prime Inventory & Estimates

Yep, my clients are ready to hit the streets and avails first thing Friday morning with entirely updated NBC Prime inventory reflecting all the changes listed in the previous post. (Updated Friday 1/15: All of my NBC RDRx clients now have all specials, bringing prime and specials to a combined total of more than 70 lines of inventory, including the Haiti telethon.)

If you are not a OneDomain client, I can't help you. If you are my client, I'll work my butt off for you. To find out more about becoming an RDRx client, just ask your OneDomain Regional Sales Manager.

NBC Announces New Prime Schedule effective March 1st.

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE BOOKED LATER TODAY/EARLY FRIDAY IN APT:


MONDAY
Monday, March 1st
8:00-9:00 CHUCK (Original) (through May 24th)
9:00-11:00 LAW & ORDER (Original) (2-hours)

Monday, March 8th
9:00-10:00 TRAUMA (Original) (through May 24th)
10:00-11:00 LAW & ORDER (Original) (through May 24th)

TUESDAY
Tuesday, March 2nd
8:00-10:00 THE BIGGEST LOSER (Original) (through May 25th)
10:00-11:00 PARENTHOOD (Original) (through May 25th)

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, March 3rd
8:00-9:00 MERCY (Original) (through May 19th)
9:00-10:00 LAW & ORDER: SVU (Repeat) (through May 12th)
10:00-11:00 LAW & ORDER: SVU (Original) (through May 26th)

THURSDAY
Thursday, March 4th
8:00-8:30 COMMUNITY (Original) (through May 20th)
8:30-9:00 PARKS & RECREATION (Original) (through May 20th)
9:00-9:30 THE OFFICE (Original) (through May 20th)
9:30-10:00 30 ROCK (Original) (through May 20th)
10:00-11:00 THE MARRIAGE REF (Original) (through May 20th)

FRIDAY
Friday, March 5th
8:00-9:00 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? (Original) (through April 23rd)
9:00-11:00 DATELINE (Original) (through May 21st)

Friday, April 30th
8:00-9:00 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Original) (through May 28th)

SATURDAY
Saturday, March 6th
8:00-9:00 THE BIGGEST LOSER (Repeat) (through May 22nd)
9:00-10:00 LAW & ORDER (Repeat) (through May 22nd)
10:00-11:00 LAW & ORDER: SVU (Repeat) (through May 29th)

SUNDAY
Sunday, March 14th
7:00-8:00 DATELINE (Original) (through May 2nd)
8:00-9:00 MINUTE TO WIN IT (wt) (Original) (through May 2nd)
9:00-11:00 CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (Original) (through May 23rd)

Sunday, May 9th and May 23rd
7:00-9:00 DATELINE (Original)

Always Helpful NBC About Olympics Scheduling

Contained in the emailed list (of less than 5 minutes ago) of things NBC offers stations:

Broadcast Schedule Coming Very Soon!

(Italicized text above is in RED in the email from the lovely and talented Anne Nicholas)

I look about once an hour to see if NBC Programming has announced anything for Prime after the Olympics, but APT is useless for this, and the New York Times has been more timely and accurate than anything from anywhere else. (See previous blogs here.)

As soon as I find out anything, my current NBC clients will be notified. Non-clients... well, just ask Reno. (sweet smile) Maybe IT can do it.

NBC Late Night Schedule in Total Chaos as Conan Rejects Move

January 12, 2010, 3:10 pm
Conan O’Brien Says He Won’t Host ‘Tonight Show’ Following Leno
By BILL CARTER of NewYorkTimes.com

Conan O’Brien says he will not host “The Tonight Show” if it is moved to 12:05 a.m., as NBC has proposed.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Mr. O’Brien said he cannot participate “in what I honestly believe is its destruction.”

Mr. O’Brien’s comments come two days after NBC formally outlined a plan to move “The Jay Leno Show” to 11:35 p.m. in March, elbowing Mr. O’Brien’s “Tonight Show” back half an hour. Mr. Leno seems supportive of the plan; but in his statement, Mr. O’Brien rejects it outright. The statement reads:

People of Earth:

In the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I’ve been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I’ve been absurdly lucky. That said, I’ve been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it’s always been that way.

Yours,

Conan

After 16 years making a name with his distinctive brand of intellectually silly comedy on NBC’s “Late Night” show, Mr. O’Brien replaced Mr. Leno as the host of “The Tonight Show” a mere seven months ago. He is just the fifth man to lead ”Tonight,” after Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson and Mr. Leno.

Mr. Leno, meanwhile, moved to prime time in September as the host of “The Jay Leno Show.” But the 10 p.m. experiment was a bust for many NBC affiliates, which have seen the ratings for their late local newscasts plummet.

Amid mounting pressure to scrap the talk show, NBC announced on Sunday that Mr. Leno’s last show at 10 p.m. would be Feb. 11. NBC will begin showing the Winter Olympics the next day, setting the stage for a new schedule on March 1. But the network acknowledged that day that Mr. O’Brien was not yet on board with the move.

Fox has expressed interest in starting a late-night show starring Mr. O’Brien — provided he found a way to extricate himself from his NBC contract. The contractual complications were outlined in this story in Tuesday’s New York Times.

NBC Sports Selling Book Estimate Update This Week

While we wait for a few more details regarding 20 hours of NBC-supplied programming each week beginning in just 47 days, NBC RDRx clients' SPORTES Selling Book, including estimate updates for this coming fall's NFL and 4th Quarter Sports Specials will be updated.

NBC Affiliate Board Happy To See Leno Go Late

Attn: General Managers/Program Directors/News Directors/General Sales Mangers

STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL FIORILE, CHAIRMAN OF THE NBC AFFILIATE BOARD, IN RESPONSE TO NBC'S DECISION TO MOVE 'THE JAY LENO SHOW' TO 11:35 PM:

"This is a great move for the affiliates, the network and, most importantly, the viewers. Speaking on behalf of the board I thank the network for keeping the lines of communication so open, and for being so responsive to the needs of the affiliates. We admire their willingness to innovate, and their willingness to change course when it didn't work for us. We were delighted to collaborate on the launch of the 10:00 PM show, and we look forward to continuing to work with Jeff Zucker and the entire network leadership team as we set a new direction, build on our long history together, and contribute to the impressive legacy of NBC."


------------------------------------------

Even though none of us know the line up of five hours of prime each week beginning in 6 weeks, nor the exact nature of the late night lineup, I've already updated my NBC client inventory to reflect possible outcomes.

It's Official: Leno in Prime Ends With Olympics

From Scot Chastain

(Attention Affiliate Board, General Managers, Corporate Execs, News Directors, Program Directors and General Sales Managers)

NBC, in remarks made just minutes ago this morning by Jeff Gaspin, has announced that as of February 12, 2010, The Jay Leno Show will no longer air at 10pm ET/9pm CT.

We will send more information when it becomes available regarding prime time programming plans after the Olympics.

Below is a brief transcript of Jeff's remarks:
"I can confirm what many of you have been reporting -- starting February 12, we will no longer air The Jay Leno Show at 10:00. While it was performing at acceptable levels for the network, it did not meet the needs of our affiliates -- and we realized we had to make a change.
My goal is to keep Jay, Conan and Jimmy as part of our late night line-up. I've spoken to all three of them and proposed that "The Jay Leno Show" move to 11:35, "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" move to 12:05 and "Late night with Jimmy Fallon" at 1:05.
The talks are ongoing."

A correction was sent by Scot a bit later, so I've changed the original post to reflect the change which was obviously a mistake, because I placed (sic) in the first version.

New York Times: NBC to push 30 min Leno into Late Night After Olympics

Your Annual Avails Are All Out-Of-Date Already?

Pressed by affiliates and shrinking ratings, NBC has a plan in the works to radically alter its late-night television lineup, restoring Jay Leno to his old spot at 11:35 each weeknight, while pushing the man who replaced him, Conan O’Brien, to a starting time of 12:05 a.m.

NBC executives held extensive discussions with both Mr. Leno and Mr. O’Brien Thursday about the future of the network’s late-night lineup.

And while NBC officially said no final decision on the plan has been made, two senior NBC executives who have talked to NBC’s top management about the moves said that under the plan being discussed Mr. Leno would definitely shift back to 11:35 but in a half-hour format, while Mr. O’Brien would slide back his start time by a half hour and then produce an hour-long show.

“We remain committed to keeping Conan O’Brien on NBC,” the network said in a statement Thursday evening. “He is a valued part of our late-night line-up, as he has been for more than 16 years and is one of the most respected entertainers on television.”

The third NBC late-night star, Jimmy Fallon, would then begin his show at 1:05 a.m., the executives said. The revised lineup would go into effect after NBC concludes its coverage of the Winter Olympics on February 28. NBC will pre-empt both its prime-time and late-night lineup for more than two weeks to cover the Olympics, creating a natural break in which to implement the late-night changes.


My incredible NBC RDRx clients will have the above options in their Prime inventories Thursday morning, including seasonal audience estimates, updated as needed by official updates from NBC, or reliable info as from the New York Times.

New York Times: NBC denies Leno Cancellation in March

January 7, 2010, 1:32 pm
NBC Denies Rumor of ‘Leno’ Cancellation

By BILL CARTER of the NYTimes.com

NBC executives denied a rumor that appeared on a Web site Thursday that the network had made a decision to cancel its “Jay Leno Show” — but at the same time the network acknowledged that low ratings for the show had become a serious problem for NBC’s affiliated stations.

The report, which appeared Thursday on a Web site called FTV, was followed by an interview with its author on KNX radio in Los Angeles, who cited network sources saying Mr. Leno’s show would be dropped, perhaps as soon as after NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics concludes next month.

But NBC executives then issued two statements, one saying that Mr. Leno had dominated the ratings as a late-night star for more than 15 years and was working with the affiliated stations to try to improve the ratings performance of his prime-time show, and then another statement that said definitively that the show had not been canceled.

NBC’s initial statement read: “Jay Leno is one of the most compelling entertainers in the world today. As we have said all along, Jay’s show has performed exactly as we anticipated on the network. It has, however, presented some issues for our affiliates. Both Jay and the show are committed to working closely with them to find ways to improve the performance.”

Mr. Leno’s show, which has appeared each weeknight at 10 p.m. since last fall, has produced low but steady ratings over the last several months, not out of line with what NBC guaranteed advertisers. But the show has been blamed for some sharp ratings falloffs in the 11 p.m. local newscasts at NBC’s stations – and pressure has been mounting from the affiliates who depend on local news for the bulk of their revenue.

NBC’s affiliate board has a meeting scheduled with the network on Jan. 21. The period after the Olympics might be a logical time for some kind of schedule change, but NBC executives acknowledged late last year that it has few programs ready to be plugged in at 10 p.m.

One reason the rumors of a possible cancellation have grown is that NBC has put more pilots into production than in any recent year. So far NBC executives have not confirmed that one reason for adding more pilots was a possible need to find five new 10 p.m. dramas for next fall.

Snow in Alabama Just A Speed Bump

http://www.onedomain.com/Alerts/

Of course, RDRx clients can always email or phone me for immediate attention.

NHL on 1/17 is Chicago @ Detroit on NBC

Posted: 01/05/2010 11:23:36 AM ET
Air Date: 01/17/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 12:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Duration: 02:30:00
Type: Episode
Message: Teams updated: Chicago @ Detroit

Happy New Year!

Changes announced by NBC (on their way out the doors) in 2009 have already been entered into RDRx client inventories.

This year I'll be searching for well-run NBC affiliates using OneDomain's MediaOffice who would benefit from having updated inventory and accurate selling book estimates.

New York Times Praises New Year's Day Classic NHL on NBC

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/sports/hockey/31hockey.html?hp

If it runs. (See posting from yesterday about delay of event possible)

NBC Changes An Hour of Daily Schedule Beginning Next Week

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted: 12/30/2009 12:59:41 PM
Air Date: 01/04/2010 Monday
Start Time: 03:04:00 AM [ET]
Show Name: THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH CONAN ALL NIGHT
Duration: 00:56:00
Type: Program Change
Message: Effective 1/4/2010: Tonight-AN replaces Fallon-AN

----------------------------------------------------------------------
NBC stations might have appreciated a bit more notice, but that's just my opinion.

Chattanooga and Jackson clients will find the change already made when they next open an avail in MediaOffice.

MediaPost Examines Leno Ratings In December

Not So Funny: 'Jay Leno' Show Under-Performs
Wayne Friedman, Dec 24, 2009 02:54 PM

In the big pool of December reruns -- a place where "The Jay Leno Show" was supposed to shine -- the NBC talk program is still mired in mid 1 ratings among 18-49 viewers, under his season average.

Case in point: in the week leading up to Christmas, "Leno" averaged a 1.4 rating/4 share among 18-49 viewers -- numbers that are down versus its 1.73 season average rating through Dec. 13. His average in December alone is at a 1.5 rating.

NBC has touted that in those lower TV viewing periods, fresh programming from "Leno" would come his way when up against reruns and lesser programming on the network.

The positive for NBC? In some cases, "Leno" has moved into second place during the time period. One Tuesday -- Dec. 22, for example -- a repeat of "The Good Wife" posted a 1.7 rating/5 share, while "Leno" earned a 1.5/5, and a repeat of ABC's "Christmas at The White House" grabbed a 0.9/3.

Rich Greenfield, media industry analyst at Pali Research, says cable's ratings, already on the rise overall, have been higher during the 10 p.m. time period, due in part to "Leno." Cable networks have picked up 1.6 adult 18-49 ratings points, some of this coming from ABC and CBS.

In the first week of Leno's show, curiosity from viewers pushed his average for the week to a 3.42 rating against 18-49 viewers -- twice as high as his current season average. In the weeks following, the show fell to a 1.92, 1.74, then to a 1.66 in weeks four and five.

In weeks six through 11, "Leno" ratings held steady around the 1.5 rating range, with a 1.54, 1.48, 1.48, 1.46, 1.52, and a 1.48. Then they fell in week 12 to a 1.35 average -- the last week in the November sweeps where other networks offered big new programming.

Week 13 spiked up to a 1.72 rating, most of that coming from a big 2.9 rating on Tuesday Dec. 8 following the conclusion of "The Biggest Loser."

NBC also said the Leno show would deliver less time-shifting -- a positive for many TV advertisers that fear viewers who fast-forward through commercials.

According to a report by Brad Adgate, senior vice president and corporate research director of media-buying agency Horizon Media, "Leno" viewership has only been boosted by 6.4% over seven days, while the overall prime-time average is up 19%.

Scrooge Traffic @ New Years

Posted: 12/29/2009
Type: Announcements
Message: NHL game on Jan. 1 is played outdoors and is subject to postponement due to poor weather conditions. If postponed, it would be re-scheduled to air on NBC on Sat. 1/2/2010 at 2p ET. Under this postponement scenario, the 2009 NHL Winter Classic game would air in place of the live game on 1/1/2010 and Sports programming on 1/2/2010 would be adjusted but still guaranteed until 6p ET. Full contingency details to follow shortly.

Primetime Changed for Jan 8th..

There will be a program change in primetime on January 8 and will be officially booked later today. Please check APT's what's new posting for this change:


Friday, January 8th
8:00-10:00 DATELINE. (Original)

I'll begin changing my 2010 clients now.

Bengals @ NY Jets Next Sunday

Posted: 12/28/2009 09:53:42 AM
Air Date: 01/03/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 08:15:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Duration: 03:15:00
Type: Announcements
Message: Flex Week #7 teams announced: Cincinnati Bengals @ NY Jets.

Attention: 2010 Clients!

NothingButChange will become password protected in 2010.

I'll be notifying clients by email about the methods used to access this information.

A Farewell To Sunbelt

Your November books are installed. Selling Books have been updated.

Best of luck with Wide Orbit.

Santa Visits Jackson, and someplace up North

My delightful clients in Jackson, MS now have their November 2009 PAVs installed, with every non-sports inventory item getting entirely new audience estimates for each of the next four quarters. A Master Planner has been mailed to Melinda.

Oh, and a true class act got a visit from Santa, too.

May you have a delightful Christmas.

Look What Santa Left!

Posted: 12/23/2009 04:28:07 PM
Air Date: 02/28/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 12:35:00 AM [ET]
Show Name: 2010 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
Duration: 02:55:00
Type: Program Change
Message: OLYMPIC PRIMETIME REPEAT moves from 11:35p-3:05a ET/PT and 10:35p-2:05a CT/MT and replaces OLYMPIC PARTY SHOW REPEAT. Duration is now 2:55:00. Clearances assumed based on previously advised clearances for OLYMPIC PARTY SHOW REPEAT. Posted: 12/23/2009 03:57:45 PM
Air Date: 02/28/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 11:35:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: 2010 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
Duration: 01:00:00
Type: Program Change
Message: OLYMPIC CLOSING PARTY SHOW moves from 10:30-11:00pm ET/PT and 9:30-10pm CT/MT and expands by 30-minutes. OLYMPIC PRIMETIME REPEAT moves to 12:35-3:30am ET/CT and 11:35pm-2:30am CT/MT. Clearances assumed based on previously advised clearances for OLYMPIC PRIMETIME REPEAT. Posted: 12/23/2009 03:40:05 PM
Air Date: 02/28/2010 Sunday
Start Time: 10:30:00 PM [ET]
Show Name: 'TBA
Duration: 00:30:00
Type: Program Change
Message: ENTERTAINMENT SHOW TBA is booked and moves OLYMPIC CLOSING PARTY SHOW to 11:35pm-12:35am ET/PT and 10:35pm-11:35pm CT/MT.

Who Makes The Menus At Your Restaurant?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/dining/23menus.html?em

Do you think successful national chains expect their waiters or cooks to update and plan menus?

Then why do broadcasting beancounters think AEs should create their own estimates?

Nielsen's Mistakes

Mountain Time clients apparently have November data available within MediaOffice.

Either Nielsen made a mistake, or Sunbelt actually paid for tapes they can use for 8 days.

Enjoy.

Chattanooga data arrives...

It's shown up in Birmingham, as have DVDs not due out for a week. 10 DMAs I work with all showed up today.

Chattanooga goes first. :) You want to go first? Ask. It'll cost you.

Chattanooga Update and an FYI for Mountain State RDRx Clients

Ok, I'm confused and it shouldn't be this difficult.

Chattanooga printed copy books WERE shipped yesterday, but not the DVDs, according to Birmingham. So, we're all waiting. Hey, I would have been done by now had the data been here this morning. [sigh]

Attention Mountain Time Clients: I called the Nielsen Book Hotline again today and the message recorded at 4pm Florida time today said Casper, Pocatello and Helena *books* will be shipped today, which is a day ahead of schedule. Since Sunbelt has switched to WideOrbit Sales starting with November 09 data, they should contact WideOrbit per the method WideOrbit has recommended. But just in case...

http://www.wideorbit.com/wideorbit.com/index.php/contact-us.html
(from that page)
For Support On All Other WideOrbit Products:
Normal business hours are 5:00AM PST to 6:00PM PST.

* Please phone +1.415.675.6775

Waiting for Data...

Only some of the markets listed on Nielsen's telephone hotline message last night have been delivered, and Chattanooga has not yet shown up. I've got emails into our staff in Alabama to determine what is going on.

Monday Update: Nielsen Ships Chattanooga November Data!

FedEx should deliver data disks to our Birmingham offices late Tuesday morning, Central time. Within hours, I'll be working on WRCB's Selling Book Estimates.

Ralph's team in Chattanooga should be greeted on Wednesday morning with a new Master Planner, if all data is delivered on schedule.

Changes to 1st Quarter, plus post-Olympic Schedules Announced

The following will be booked:

Thursday, January 14th
9:00-9:30 30 ROCK (Original)

Sunday, February 7th
7:00-9:00 THE BIGGEST LOSER (Repeat)
9:00-11:00 THE BIGGEST LOSER (Repeat)

Monday, March 1st - March 29th
8:00-9:00 CHUCK (Original)
9:00-10:00 PARENTHOOD (Original)

Thursday, March 4th - April 2nd
8:00-8:30 COMMUNITY (Original)
8:30-9:00 PARKS AND RECREATION (Original)
9:00-9:30 THE OFFICE (Original)
9:30-10:00 30 ROCK (Original)

Sunday, March 14th - March 28th
7:00-8:00 DATELINE (Original)
8:00-9:00 MARRIAGE REF (Original)
9:00-11:00 CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (Original)

released 7 minutes ago, and should be in RDRx client inventories later today.

2nd and 3rd Quarter Golf Schedules Hit APT

I'll be coming back to tweak these after I make sure everyone's 1st Quarter Prime is all set... I'm clicking a lot of Hiatus buttons for the last half of February.

NBC: Dec 23rd and Jan 1 Prime Changed

From NBC just 10 minutes ago....

"We making changes to primetime on December 23rd and January 1st.

On Wednesday, December 23rd, we're putting in 2 episodes of MERCY at 8 & 9PM ET, replacing the 4 episodes of THE OFFICE. We'll still have an OFFICE marathon on December 30th, but we want to reinstate MERCY in its regularly-scheduled time period on the 23rd and give it some added exposure at 9PM to target female viewers on a night where there might be some extra holiday sampling.

Also, on New Year's Day, we're scheduling a repeat of last night's inspirational season finale of THE BIGGEST LOSER to air from 8-10PM ET, replacing repeat episodes of LAW & ORDER and DATELINE NBC. THE BIGGEST LOSER finale was a huge hit last night and repeating it on the 1st will be good counter-programming to the very male-skewing Sugar Bowl and be a strong promotional platform for the new season of THE BIGGEST LOSER couples premiering on January 5th."

NBC RDRx clients are being updated today.

100 Questions Nipped In The Bud After 6 Episodes

NBC trims its order for 'Questions'
Midseason comedy reduced from 13 episodes to six.
By Nellie Andreeva from HollywoodReporter.com

Dec 6, 2009, 11:00 PM ET
NBC has cut the order for midseason comedy "100 Questions" from 13 to six.

The cast and crew of the UMS-produced show were informed about the network's decision on Friday when they wrapped production on Episode 6. NBC explains the order reduction with the full-season pickups given to freshman comedy "Community" and sophomore half-hour "Parks and Recreation."

With NBC having secured its two-hour Thursday comedy block, which also includes veterans "The Office" and "30 Rock," for the rest of the season, and the network also set to preempt its programming for two weeks in February to carry the Winter Olympics, it opted to reduce the order for "100 Questions," an NBC rep said.

Earlier this fall, the network also scaled back the order for midseason drama "Day One," which will now air as a four-hour miniseries.

NBC's other scripted midseason entry, drama "Parenthood," will produce its full 13-episode order.

"Questions," from UMS, is a multicamera comedy unlike the four NBC comedies on the air, which are single-camera. However, the network is developing mostly multicamera sitcoms for next season.

The project, which underwent recasting of several roles after the upfronts, starts Brit Sophie Winkleman as a young woman looking for love who joins a popular online dating site.

"Questions" is the latest new midseason series to get an order reduction this fall. In addition to "Day One," Fox's drama "Past Life" and ABC's comedy "Romantically Challenged" at ABC also were cut, with the networks touting the success of their new fall offerings as a reason for the lack of midseason shelf space.

Second Quarter Sports Specials Announced by NBC

It's Friday! So, NBC posts 21 Sports Specials airing April through June 2010 in APT.
Most of my clients already have all these specials listed, but now I go through and double check my earlier guesses against APT. By Monday, clients should be in sync.

26 days till December 31.

January "Face The Aces" Fold

NBC Sports has canceled Face The Aces in January, and is moving World of Adventure and Freestyle Skiing on the 30th. RDRx clients will begin to see changes today.