Television

October 8, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - Legislation regulating the volume of commercial advertisements cleared its first hurtle today on its way toward passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1084, the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, passed out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet by a voice vote and will face full committee consideration.

Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), the sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement:    » read more »

Udall: Digital Television Transition Just Three Days Away; Senator Reminds New Mexico Consumers DTV change happens this week

June 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M. today reminded New Mexico TV consumers that this Friday, June 12, is the day the United States will transition to digital television (DTV). On that day, all full power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog signal and begin broadcasting on digital airwaves. Consumers using antennas or “rabbit ears” to watch free, over-the-air television must obtain a digital converter box or risk losing reception after the transition occurs. Consumers who subscribe to cable or satellite TV, or those with a converter box for their analog TV will continue to receive television signal.    » read more »

Only One Week Left to Prepare for the June 12 National Switch to Digital Television

June 5, 2009 --
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke today urged Americans who rely on over-the-air broadcasting – typically those who use older televisions with “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna – to take immediate action so that at least one television in their household continues working when the nationwide switch to digital television occurs one week from today. The transition to digital will free up airwaves for broadband and enhanced emergency communications for our police officers, firefighters and other first responders.

Consumers who have TV sets with digital tuners or that are connected to cable, satellite or another pay TV service do not need to act.    » read more »

Rockefeller Calls for a Permanent Solution

June 2, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, commended the deal reached between Comcast Cable and West Virginia Public Broadcasting (PBS) as an important first step to allow Comcast subscribers to continue receiving West Virginia PBS at no additional charge for two years. Senator Rockefeller strongly pushed for such a solution, and is urging further discussions for a permanent solution.    » read more »

Company Cites Denial of Consumer Choice

May 28, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - Armed with a new federal court ruling that further strengthens the legal basis for action, Verizon is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to act promptly to stop incumbent cable television companies from illegally denying competitive video providers access to "must have" regional sports programming.

In a filing with the FCC on Thursday (May 28), Verizon told the commission that "the cable incumbents' documented history of abusing their control of regional sports networks and other regional sports programming to deny consumers a meaningful competitive choice is a real and ongoing problem that must be addressed."    » read more »

Commerce to Increase Outreach to Most Unprepared Communities During Final 30 Days

May 12, 2009 -- WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke is urging Americans to prepare for the national switch to digital television (DTV) before the June 12 deadline—just 30 days from today. In the final month before the national switch, the Commerce Department is increasing its outreach efforts into communities that have been identified as the least prepared for the transition.    » read more »

July 21, 2008 -- Grammy Award-nominee Chris Brown and Platinum-selling recording artists The Cheetah Girls, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams and Sabrina Bryan, guest star as themselves on a new episode of "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," premiering SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 (8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

In the episode, "Doin' Time in Suite 2330," Zack and Cody are grounded and forbidden to leave their suite, so Maddie steps in for Cody as producer of London's internet show, "Yay Me." In an attempt to win the Golden Netty Award, Cody sneaks out and gets "The Cheetah Girls" as guest stars for London's show, only to find out that Maddie has already booked recording artist Chris Brown as a guest star.    » read more »

BURBANK, July 21, 2008 -- Disney Channel will premiere the new comedy series "The Suite Life on Deck," a spin-off of the hit Emmy-nominated "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). Starring fan favorites Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Brenda Song and Phill Lewis, the series introduces 15-year-old actress Debby Ryan. She will also be featured in a series of video blogs debuting Friday, August 29 (7:55 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.    » read more »

A Woman From Patrick's Past Comes Into The ER. Plus, Robert Gets Bad News

July 21, 2008 -- Episode 204 ("We'll Always Have Paris") – A French-speaking woman attacks Patrick (Jason Thompson) in the ER. Meanwhile, Jagger (Antonio Sabato, Jr.) lets Saira (Azita Ghanizada) evaluate Stone, Epiphany (Sonya Eddy) and Toussaint (Billy Dee Williams) go on their first date and Kyle (Adam Grimes) has to teach sex education to a group of senior citizens. Later, Patrick and Robin (Kimberly McCullough) have bad news for Robert (Tristan Rogers) on "General Hospital: Night Shift," TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 (11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., ET/PT) on SOAPnet.    » read more »

Molly's Kidnapper Demands That He Play For The Mustangs In Exchange For Her Freedom

July 22, 2008 -- Episode 109 ("Sudden Death") The Mustangs are held hostage after Molly's kidnapper demands a spot with the team in exchange for her freedom. Damon suffers an amphetamine overdose and Trevor's excessive lifestyle begins to take its toll. Gabe's engagement plans are derailed by the hostage situation...and Connie is keeping a painful secret. Relief for Evelyn soon turns to grief when it's discovered that Molly has been moved to a second unknown location, on "MVP," THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 (11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., ET) on the SOAPnet Network.    » read more »

Robert Scorpio Is Rushed Into The ER…. Can Robin And Patrick Save Him In Time?    » read more »

Damon Seriously Injures Another Player On The Ice And Everyone's A Suspect When Molly Goes Missing

July 14, 2008 -- Episode 108 ("Reality Check") -- The Mustangs' world is turned upside down when Damon seriously injures another player on the ice. Trevor continues his debauched ways, encouraged by Damon. Tabbi's anger at Trevor turns to sorrow when her grandmother dies. Connie must contend with a safety inspector at work while worrying about Gabe. Aleksei is pursued by mysterious men from his past. The Mustangs' board members court Molly in an effort to leverage her recently acquired shares. But when she (Molly) goes missing, everyone's a suspect, on "MVP," THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 (11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., ET) on the SOAPnet Network.    » read more »

DIRTY JOBS, MEERKAT MANOR and LITTLE PEOPLE BIG WORLD Also Recognized

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 21, 2008 – Captivating viewers and critics alike, DEADLIEST CATCH has once again been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, earning Primetime Emmy® nominations in five different categories. Overall, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and TLC earned a total of nine nominations as the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy® Award nominations were announced today. In addition, Discovery Communications’ portfolio of networks received five News and Documentary Emmy® nominations, announced on Tuesday, for informative programs featured on Discovery Channel (3), Animal Planet (1), and Investigation Discovery (1).    » read more »

CMT and Tyson will Make a “Country Fried” Donation For Every Click on CMTONECOUNTRY.com

NASHVILLE, July 17, 2008 – CMT One Country and Tyson Foods, Inc. have teamed up to donate a heapin’ helping of fried chicken to America’s Second Harvest to celebrate an all-new season of the popular CMT series, COUNTRY FRIED HOME VIDEOS, it was announced today by Lucia Folk, director of public affairs, CMT and Ed Nicholson, director of community relations, Tyson Foods, Inc. Beginning in July, CMT One Country and Tyson will donate one pound of fried chicken to America’s Second Harvest for every person that visits CMTONECOUNTRY.com and clicks on the “donation box” over the course of the 12-week series.    » read more »

NEW YORK, July 16, 2008 -- Get ready for an all-new, one-hour stand-up special from the hilarious Jimmy Dore! “Citizen Jimmy” world premieres Friday, August 1 at 11:00 p.m.

Orson Welles had his masterpiece and now Jimmy Dore has his! “Citizen Jimmy” is a new one-hour stand-up special from the weed-philosophizing political commentator Jimmy Dore. Join Dore as he gives the real reason the Clinton sex scandal upset the American public, describes why watching Christian talk shows is dangerous when you’re high and explains the paranoia surrounding The Gap. Plus, Dore makes Al-Qaeda look less scary — by naming a fruity vodka drink after them! It’s going to a wild hour of stand-up viewers won’t want to miss!    » read more »