AOL, Google, MS want NBCU, sports leagues investigated

Broadcasting & Cable’s John Eggerton hears a consortium of computer companies will ask for a federal investigation NBC Universal, the NFL and Major League Baseball. Why? That’s not clear yet. The suit will center on “consumer deception” - but more is expected to roll out in a Wednesday press conference. Eggerton thinks the suit may have something to do with copyright laws. Interesting…

2 comments July 31st, 2007

NFL silences Sanders, speaks out on vests

Two items of note from the National Football League today:

- NFL Network killed a column written by employee Deion Sanders after a prior item showed sympathy for Michael Vick. The network cited its non-compete - but some obviously wonder if that’s the real story.
- A spokesperson for the league wrote a guest opinion for the Chicago Tribune on those vests it will require photographers to wear on the sidelines at games this year (you know… the bright red ones with sponsor logos on them?). The spokesperson calls the corporate logos “small” (they aren’t), and compares the vests to those worn by shooters at the Super Bowl. The rationale for wearing the vests isn’t invalid - but having the logos on them is…

3 comments July 31st, 2007

MySpace News still a snooze

Just because a company with a big marketing muscle and good track record tries something… doesn’t mean it will work. MySpace put its “News” section into beta several months ago, and is featuring it with ads on the MySpace homepage and a link in the new “toolbox” section. Despite this, I still have not seen a single item with votes in the double digits. The site is set up much like Digg… except that it isn’t nearly as active - and the MySpace community doesn’t seem to see a need for this type of feature. Check it out for yourself…

2 comments July 31st, 2007

Do advertising media buyers ‘get it?’

One of the things I hear most often from media outlets is how difficult they find their dealings with ad agencies. Specifically, they say that the agencies aren’t all that interested in buying web advertising. I’d like to hear your experiences - especially if you’re a media buyer. Are agencies interested in online media? Local online media? Do they feel threatened by the web because it allows DIY ad buying?

3 comments July 31st, 2007

Update on Phoenix chopper crash

A memorial service was held for KTVK’s Scott Bowerbank and Jim Cox, and over 800 people attended. Services for KNXV’s Craig Smith and Rick Krolak are set for Thursday and Saturday. Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged the man accused of leading police on the car chase that started it all, but they’re holding off on any charges regarding the deaths until a larger investigation is complete. The NTSB is expected to have a preliminary report out by the end of the week.

2 comments July 31st, 2007

Done deal

The Dow Jones board has voted to sell to News Corp., reports Reuters.

- WSJ: Deal will test a media titan’s instincts
- WSJ: Don’t count on Murdoch ruining the Wall Street Journal
- NYT: Murdoch’s history with other papers may provide clues on his plans for WSJ
- NYT: “Purchase is a reminder that the unthinkable is often doable.”
- FT: Critics bemoan potential loss of WSJ integrity
- MarketWatch:: Mr. Murdoch, you have a chance to prove critics wrong
- NYT: Can Murdoch charge for WSJ.com and give it away too?
- Hollywood Reporter: “We don’t take any new competitor lightly,” says Zucker

9 comments July 31st, 2007