When watching local programming, like the news for example, did you notice how many ads there are for cars and trucks? One's mind easily cuts these ads out, with the exception of Cal Worthington and His Dog Spot, but the problem is that these ads contribute a huge amount of money towards the production of local programming raising the specter of local TV becoming a thing of the past if the big automakers go under. When one reads articles about a potential $25 billion bailout the possibility of local TV going under seems a little more real. Not that we are in support of the bailout of automakers - this is an industry that lobbied against reforms that would have resulted in more responsible products that people would actually want to buy. Our opinion is that local broadcasters need to find alternative sources of advertising dollars as soon as possible. more ›

Just read this post at Nikki Finke's "Deadline Hollywood Daily" about AMC potentially giving "Mad Men" creator, Matt Weiner, the boot. This would be a terrible tragedy for the series and network but it appears that Weiner's representation, CAA, overstepped and demanded too much money from the basic cable channel - essentially demanding compensation more in line with what a HBO or Showtime might be able to afford. more ›

Do you remember a lot of car commercials at the last Academy Awards? There's always lots of car commercials, right? But they've been GM commercials for the last 11 years but now Hyundai is taking them over for 2009 (and perhaps beyond). That's $13+ million in ads for the night and supposedly Hyundai has eyes for Super Bowl slots as well. more ›

"Maude" in tights? According to The Hollywood Reporter, our good friend Norman Lear, creator of the aforementioned "Maude" (which is a damn good show, please bring it back TVLand!), "All in the Family", "The Jeffersons" and "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," has teamed up with HBO for a series set in the world of 1970s pro wrestling. The show will be a drama (what a shame) entitled "Everybody Hurts" (funny!). Whatever the format, Lear is the consummate show creator and we're dying to see the results. more ›

ABC won the viewership battle of opening night of the season, although the "beginning" of the season gets more ambiguous every year. What put them over the top was "Dancing With the Stars" which featured a pretty awesome Cloris Leachman who can kick some ass at 82. Evidently she wants to "blow" Bob Saget according to the Comedy Central roast of him a few weeks ago so perhaps she's staying spry in hopes of that. more ›

So yesterday we mentioned that Amazon-owned IMDB is getting video clips and today Amazon tells us that they're launching a video-on-demand service providing access to over 500 TV shows and associated cast interviews and other content. This is an ad-free offering so one won't have to deal with the ad interruptions that one gets on NBC.com and other such sites. Some featured TV shows will have episodes available PRE air-date so Amazon users will be able to sneak preview the entire episode before it is broadcast. The service is called The Your [Favorite Show] Store. more ›

It's time for a Bravo design show mash-up. Tonight on Top Design the interior decorators get a visit from some of our favorite LA Project Runway designers. The episode challenges them to work with the fashion designers to create a store window. Watch tonight to see if the contestants can successfully create the right look for Santino Rice, Sweet P, Jeffrey Sebelia, Andrae Gonzalo ("Where's Andrae?!"), and "follow your bliss" Daniel Franco. It's sure to bring some energy to the competition. more ›