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Project Runway’s Move to Lifetime Blocked

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Prime Time, Reality, NBC, News

Project RunwayDespite Lifetime’s plans to unveil Project Runway this January, the reality hit’s future is now a big mystery. A New York Supreme Court judge has just temporarily blocked the reality program’s move to its new network.

This ruling comes months after The Weinstein Company announced it was ending Project‘s run on Bravo after five seasons. Believing the producers had violated a “right of first refusal” agreement, NBC Universal (Bravo’s parent company) filed suit. On Friday, the judge issued the preliminary injunction barring Lifetime from any marketing of the series until after the issue is settled.

Although NBC Universal was pleased by the ruling, the Weinsteins (who have vowed to appeal) also declared a minor victory. “We are glad that the court held that NBC Universal cannot exhibit the program on Bravo and that the court required NBC Universal to post a minimum $20 million bond,” a company statement read.

The season finale of ’s current season will air on Wednesday, October 15. Meanwhile, production on the show’s sixth installment is scheduled to continue during the ongoing dispute.

Read More | Variety

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Project Runway Producers Sued

Posted by K.C. Morgan
Categories: Reality, Bravo, Cable, NBC, Gossip

Project Runway

was that Bravo’s hit series Project Runway (the most successful for the channel) will move to Lifetime in a new, five-year contract. Today, the fashion has really hit the fan.

is owned by NBC Universal, who has subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Weinstein Co. (which produces Runway) to prevent the switch. Citing breach of contract, the network filed suit with the New York Supreme Court. According to the suit, NBC Universal and Weinstein were in previous negotiations regarding future seasons of the show. 

Click to continue reading Project Runway Producers Sued

Read More | AOL

Apple May Lower Price for TV Show Downloads

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: NBC, Internet

AppleDespite a severed relationship with NBC Universal, Apple is supposedly considering lowered prices for iTunes users.  (Lack of pricing flexibility had been a point of contention in the failed negotiations).  Currently, downloads of television shows cost $1.99/each.  If changes are made, consumers may soon pay only $0.99 for song and episode purchases.

It’s expected that many entertainment companies will balk at the proposal fearing slashed prices would hurt their bottom line.  Why would fans still purchase boxed-set DVDs if packaging a season online proves more cost-effective?  But Apple conversely believes that reducing prices would actually boost revenue for all parties involved. 

There’s no indication at this time when or if this strategy may ever take effect.

Read More | Variety

NBC Leaves Apple, Turns to Amazon

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: NBC, Announcements, Internet, News

Bionic WomanAfter severing ties with Apple, Universal has forged a relationship with Amazon.com.  So fans in need of a missed show can now turn to Amazon’s ‘Unbox’ service for their fix.  NBC claims this new partnership allows for more pricing flexibility and packaged content.

To whet your appetite, the network will be allowing fans to download for free pilots of their new fall shows (including those for , and ).  Interestingly enough, later episodes will then be available for $1.99 (the same price made familiar by iTunes). 

Be looking for those new pilots come next Monday (September 10th).

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

NBC Programs No Longer Available Via iTunes

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: NBC, Heroes, The Office, Announcements, Video

NBCForget to Tivo the latest episode of ?  Lose this week’s due to a power outage?  If you find yourself in one of these predicaments this fall, don’t be looking to iTunes to save your butt.

A dispute over money has severed ties between the Peacock Network and Apple.  It’s reported that Universal wanted a dramatic price increase for their shows in their latest contract (over twice the wholesale cost).  According to Apple, this would have raised the consumer price-per-show from $1.99 to $4.99.  Although the current agreement expires at the end of 2007, Apple has elected to stop offering any new NBC programs before the 2007-08 season even begins.

It’ll be interesting to see which side, if any, caves in first.  Though NBC’s programming accounts for approximately 40% of iTunes’ video downloads, many of its shows have greatly benefited by this popular viewing method.  And let’s not forget—NBC is still considered the fourth place network.

Read More | Seattle PI

Martha Stewart Signs on For Third Season

Posted by Wendy Michaels
Categories: Daytime, Talk Shows, Syndication, Ratings, Renewals

Martha StewartYesterday, reports said that Martha Stewart had fired a co-executive producer—but that didn’t stop the news that her syndicated show has been picked up for a third season.  Mark Burnett, executive producer for The Martha Stewart Show, said of the news, “Thanks to NBC Universal and our station partners for showing such incredible support so early in this, our second season. We look forward to a third year of entertaining content, filled with great storytelling and how-to information that will make a difference in the daily lives of our viewers.”

Is there nothing this woman can’t do? I’m glad to hear she’s getting another season—while I’m not a regular watcher, I do enjoy catching her shows from time to time. It’s always interesting to see her guests try to crack through her icy exterior. She is a domestic robot! 

Read More | Zap2it

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