Why Ramadan is a big deal for Arab TV networks

May 26, 2017
'It's like the sweeps rolled into the Super Bowl, extended over a full month.'
Palestinian men and children watch television at a cafe in Arab East Jerusalem after breaking their fast.
AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP/Getty Images

Predictability is bad for Netflix and HBO, but great for network television

May 19, 2017
What to expect from upfronts season? More of the same.
Reboots of old shows is the theme this upfronts season.
Keystone Features/Getty Images

Roger Ailes transformed 'American politics into a contact sport'

May 18, 2017
Gabriel Sherman of New York Magazine says Fox News trying to find its identity.
Roger Ailes, founder of Fox News, has died at 77. Ailes left Fox News last year amid accusations of sexual harassment.
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Back so soon? 'American Idol' returns … but to ABC, not Fox

May 9, 2017
Just a year after it went off the air at Fox, “American Idol” is coming back. The iconic singing competition show is returning on rival network ABC. The show’s ratings had slumped on Fox to 11.5 million viewers during its 15th season from a high of 30 million at its peak. So why does ABC […]

Suitors line up for Tribune Media’s local TV stations

May 5, 2017
These aren’t the best of times for local television stations. More of us are watching our TV on streaming services, like Hulu and Netflix. Fewer of us are tuning in to local news. Still, it looks like there may be a bidding war brewing for the 40-plus stations that make up Tribune Media. Both Sinclair […]

ESPN cuts jobs as cost of sports broadcast rights increases

Apr 26, 2017
ESPN announced a long-awaited round of layoffs today. About 100 staff members are expected to be let go, including on-air reporters and commentators. The cuts are a clear sign of the new economic reality facing live sports broadcasting. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Six things you need to know about the possible Hollywood writers strike

Apr 21, 2017
TV and movie writers are fed up with declining pay as media companies make huge profits.
The last writers strike that ended in 2008 took 100 days to resolve. It's considered a foregone conclusion that most of the 12,000 or so Guild members will authorize a strike this time around if a new deal isn't reached.
David McNew/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

'Archer' interactive app gives fans the inside track

Apr 20, 2017
Television audiences need more when it comes to their favorite shows, says technical director Bryan Fordney.
FXX/YouTube

Writers and Hollywood studios wrangle to avoid a strike

Apr 18, 2017
Negotiations continue between the Writers Guild of America and TV and movie producers as the May 1 expiration date of the writers’ contract looms. Writers have struggled with changes in content production and distribution.  Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Live vs. on demand: the battle ahead

Apr 17, 2017
Netflix will report earnings when the market closes on today. As ever, analysts will be keeping a close eye on subscriber numbers. They’ll also be considering all the new players jumping into streaming TV. But these are mostly new services planning to offer livetelevision over the internet. Will that hurt Netflix? Click the audio player […]