Cablevision drops Fox in New York area over carriage dispute

Here we go again. After failing to close a new carriage deal, Cablevision at midnight ET dropped the Fox network from its system in the New York area that serves more than 3 million homes. Viewers through Connecticut, parts of New Jersey, the New York area and a small part of Philadelphia area will miss today’s start of Major League Baseball’s National League Championship Series and the New York Giants/Detroit Lions game on Sunday if Cablevision stands firm and continues to blackout Fox programming on Fox5, My9 and Fox29.  The World Series also begins on Fox Oct. 27.

Charles Schueler, Cablevision’s executive vice president of communications, released this statement late Friday: “News Corp.’s decision to remove Fox programming from three million Cablevision households is a black eye for broadcast television in America. News Corp has refused to negotiate in good faith and rejected calls from dozens of political leaders to not pull the plug and join Cablevision in binding arbitration. We demand that News Corp. put the viewers ahead of its own greed and immediately restore these channels to our customers and agree to binding arbitration to reach a fair agreement. What is News Corp. afraid of?

“News Corp.’s pattern of destructive tactics has become clear.  First, they terrorized Time Warner Cable customers for weeks; then they pulled regional sports and cable channels off Dish Network; and now they have pulled the plug on Fox 5 and My9 for 3 million Cablevision households.  Further, they are now threatening to pull their broadcast stations away from Dish Network’s 14 million customers in two weeks.  It is clear that News Corp. will pull the plug on any viewer, served by any cable, satellite or phone company, to get the money they want.”

Cablevision claims that it already pays News Corp. more than $70 million a year for its channels, and News Corp. is demanding more than $150 million a year for the same exact programming. Cablevision has reached agreements with every other major broadcast station in the market – NBC, ABC, CBS and Univision – and offered News Corp. as much or more for Fox 5 as it pays any of those stations.  But News Corp. is continuing to demand more for Fox 5 than Cablevision pays all of the other broadcast stations combined.

Yankees won the first game of American League playoffs.

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‘Megamind’: Watch the first five minutes!

Nick.com has unveiled the first five minutes of the new Will Ferrell/Tina Fey/Brad Pitt animated flick Megamind, due in theaters Nov. 5. Basically, it’s a prologue setting up the rivalry between Ferrell’s evil villain Megamind and Pitt’s heroic and well-coiffed Metro Man. Even in this tiny format, the movie’s quality looks great, meaning it will undoubtedly look even more striking in 3-D. (So perhaps it’s worth shelling out the extra cash, for you and your kids?) Enjoy the first five minutes after the jump:

What do you think, PopWatchers? Excited for Megamind?

Read more:
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‘Megamind’ star Will Ferrell recruits more than 1,500 superheroes to break Guinness world record
‘Megamind’ trailer: Ferrell, Fey, and Pitt go animated
‘Megamind’ trailer: This is the braintrust?

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’30 Rock’ live episode posts much-needed gains on Thursday

Image Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCMaybe NBC should schedule a live episode of The Apprentice. Last night’s special live treatment of 30 Rock helped the struggling laugher to post a 43% increase among adults 18-49 versus last week (a 3.0 rating/9 share), according to early estimates. It was oh-so-close to beating CBS’ $#*! My Dad Says in the demo (3.1/9) at 8:30 p.m., but its ratings will likely improve when the final national numbers come out this afternoon — to say nothing of the DVR results that are due two weeks from now.

Each 18-49 ratings point represents 1.3 million viewers.

30 Rock averaged 6.6 million viewers, finishing in third place among eyeballs for the timeslot behind Dad (10.1 million) and the second half of Bones on Fox (9.8 million).

The Tina Fey comedy still wasn’t NBC’s highest-rated show for the night: That distinction continues to belong to The Office, which averaged a 3.7/10 in the demo and lured 7.3 million viewers. The hype over 30 Rock certainly boosted interest in Steve Carell’s show, however: The Office was up 7% in the demo versus last week. But the NBC audience dropped off substantially at 9:30, with the new comedy Outsourced continuing to hobble along with only 5.4 million viewers and a 2.5/7 in the demo (which ties it with its lowest-rated episode so far this season). And The Apprentice averaged a 1.3/4 and an audience of….oh, bollocks, what does it matter? You’re not watching, anyway.

CBS finished the night in first place among viewers (13.5 million) and adults 18-49 (3.3/10). Love or hate some of The Shat’s stale jokes on Says, that comedy is definitely working; it’s even up 7% versus last week in the demo. Big Bang Theory won its timeslot among 18-49 and viewers (12.4 million) while CSI continued to attract the most eyeballs at 9 (14.2 million).

Kudos to Shonda Rhimes and her Grey’s Anatomy on ABC!  Though the drama’s 18-49 ratings aren’t nearly as strong as they used to be (the original episode at 9 p.m. last night earned a 4.5/12, its lowest-rated fall telecast ever), it continues to win its timeslot in the important demographic as well as other categories, like women and persons 12-34. It averaged 11.9 million.

Private Practice was up 3% in the demo at 10 p.m. but was beaten by The Mentalist (3.0/9 versus 3.3/9). The Simon Baker drama also won its timeslot in viewers (14.9 million). Overall, ABC finished second on Thursday among 18-49 (2.9/8) and in viewers (8.1 million). NBC was third in 18-49 (2.4/7) but fourth in viewers (5.2 million), and Fox was fourth in the demo and third in viewers (7.3 million). The CW was in repeats. 

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Kim Kardashian Has 'Mixed Feelings' About Turning 30 - People Magazine

Kim Kardashian in Las Vegas

Denise Truscello/WireImage

Age is a just a number – but for Kim Kardashian the idea of turning 30 isn't always so easy.

"I have mixed feelings," she told PEOPLE on Friday Tao Las Vegas, where she was celebrating her big birthday a few days early. "Sometimes I'm like, 'Oh my god, I'm turning 30,' and I'm freaking out."

"Like, it sounds so old," she said. "And then the other half of me is like, I feel so accomplished and it's really no different than 29."

But her family isn't letting her forget about the milestone.

Brother Rob Kardashian said he is already giving his sister grief about her age, although she doesn't actually turn the big 3-0 until Oct. 21.

"We've literally been clowning her all day," he told PEOPLE.

Mom Kris Jenner, meanwhile, has let her daughter know that she had four children by the age of 30.

"I've definitely heard that a few times," Kardashian said.

Later, during a toast to her daughter during dinner, Jenner offered her sincere thoughts – plus a little plea. "I wish you all the love and happiness," she said. "No pressure – but if you happen to find a husband and have 1,000 kids, I'd really be happy."

After the speeches and dinner, guests continued partying inside Tao.

And Kardashian, who will continue her birthday celebration Saturday in the Big Apple at the 10 year anniversary of Tao New York, couldn't seem happier, sipping champagne and White Russian cocktails and laughing with her family and friends, like Kelly Rowland, from a private skybox overlooking the club.

She was later presented with a three-tiered red and black birthday cake before moving the party onto the dance floor where she and Khloe Kardashian took turns hyping up the crowd on the microphone.

Partying aside, the socialite said that although she is "freaking out" about aging another year, she isn't changing anything about her romantic life: She's not rushing to find a boyfriend.

"You know, I've always been one to say you don't need anyone to define you," she said, donning a metallic dress by John Richmond. "I've very happy with myself. I'm married to my career. I'm married to my family."

"I have the best friends that any girl could ask for," she said. "I'm so happy and fulfilled."

• Reporting by JENNIFER GARCIA

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TI Receives 11 Months In Prison For Probation Violation - MTV.com

Looks like Roscoe Dash's prayers worked.

T.I. headed to court in Atlanta today (October 15) where a federal judge sentenced the rapper to 11 months in prison during a probation hearing, where Tip was found to have violated the terms of his supervised released, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

You're probably asking yourself, 'he's still serving jail time, so why's this a good thing?'

Well, the prosecution was aiming to send T.I., born Clifford Harris, back to prison for two years, according to The Associated Press. But the rapper pleaded with the judge to lessen his punishment and instead help him with his drug dependency. Despite the circumstances, any time less than the maximum on the table is a win.

Last month in Los Angeles, the T.I. was arrested after a traffic stop when police discovered drugs on him and his new wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle. It was this incident prompted this afternoon's hearing.

According to police documents obtained by several media outlets leading up to the hearing, at the time of his arrest, the rapper tested positive for opiates, was in possession of Ecstasy, and was also associating with a felon, who was present in his vehicle during the bust.

T.I. was released from a halfway house earlier this year after serving seven months in a low-security facility in Arkansas. The prison time stemmed from an October 2007 arrest when T.I., a convicted felon, attempted to purchase illegal firearms. He was able to reach a unique plea deal at the time — upon the condition that he would speak to youth, complete community service and would be placed under house arrest — and he was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. After his release, he was placed on strict probation.

According to TMZ, T.I. has two weeks to turn himself in to the authorities. Sigh.

Do you think that T.I. was fairly sentenced? Do you think it was too much? Tweet us at @MTVRapFix or tell us in a comment below!

Tags 11 months, jail, T.I.

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T.J. Lavin in critical condition - ESPN

Updated: October 16, 2010, 9:52 AM ET Stephen Lovekin/Getty ImagesT.J. Lavin, thrown from his bike and knocked unconscious Thursday, was in a coma a day later.

Professional BMX dirt rider T.J. Lavin was seriously injured during dirt qualifying at the Dew Tour Championships in Las Vegas Thursday night.

The 33-year-old Las Vegas native and host of MTV's "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" is in a coma in critical condition at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas.

Lavin was attempting a nac nac combination over the second set of the dirt course and failed to get his feet back on the pedals upon landing. He was thrown from the bike and knocked unconscious. Lavin suffered a shattered right wrist and broken ribs.

Lavin rose to fame on the BMX dirt scene in the early years of the X Games. He earned a silver medal in 1996 and a gold medals in 1997 and '99. In the years since, Lavin has remained an aggressive competitor on the Dew Tour Circuit while branching as a TV host.

Since 2005, Lavin has been the host on 10 seasons of "Real World/Road Rules Challenge." He also composes music and runs several Las Vegas-area businesses.

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Letterman ties Leno among adults 18-49 for first time this season

All eyes have been on the winners and losers in prime time since the 2010-11 season started last month, but the competition in late night has stayed no less fascinating. To wit: For the week ending Oct. 8, David Letterman matched Jay Leno among adults 18-49 for the first time this TV season and won the week in adults 25-54, according to Nielsen ratings.

The Late Show and The Tonight Show both posted a 0.9 rating/4 share in the key demographic. Leno still led Letterman in total viewers (3.5 million versus 3.4 million) but its always worth noting when the CBS host manages to catch up (or even beat) the chinned one in the demo NBC traditionally dominates in the 11:30 hour. Each 18-49 ratings point represents 1.3 million viewers.

But the season is still young. In fact, Tonight has led Late Show by a 5 percent margin in 18-49 viewers (1.2 million vs. 1.2 million) for the first three weeks of the season, NBC reports, which reverses the order at this same point a year ago, when Late Show held a 12 percent lead (1.5 million vs. 1.3 million). In total viewers, Tonight also leads Late Show through three weeks of the new season by a 3 percent margin (3.7 million vs. 3.6 million).

Season to date, Leno is leading in 18-49 in late night with a 1.0/4, followed by Nightline (1.0/4), Letterman (0.9/4), Jimmy Fallon (0.6/3), Jimmy Kimmel (0.5/3), Craig Ferguson (0.5/3) and Carson Daly (0.4/3). In total viewers, Leno also leads with 3.7 million, followed by Nightline (3.7 million), Letterman (3.6 million), Kimmel (1.7 million), Late Night (1.7 million), Late Late Show (1.8 million) and Daly (1 million).

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'Mad Men': Is Sally a goner?

Image Credit: AMC; Adam Larkey/ABC; Monty Brinton/CBS

Could Sally Draper not be long for this world? If you’re looking for a big shock to come on Sunday’s Mad Men finale, perhaps little Sally holds the key. While the rest of us are wondering whether Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price can survive the loss of Lucky Strike, Michael Ausiello thinks that Sally’s recent depression could manifest itself in a horrific way. Hear his theory as he joins Michael Slezak, Annie Barrett, Jeff “Doc” Jensen, and yours truly for another exciting edition of the TV Insiders podcast. Also on the menu: We weigh in on whether Florence Henderson’s sexy rumba on Dancing with the Stars qualifies as “appropriate” or “not appropriate,” celebrate the death of Survivor‘s Medallion of Power, and each give our pick for what returning show is having the best season on TV. (Some will surprise you.) Not only that, but you can now look at nifty pictures while we talk. Did you hear that? Nifty pictures! Just click on the player below to sit in on our round table discussion, or click here to download the mp3 and take us with you on the go. And if you have a question you’d like us to answer/discuss on next week’s episode, send it via Twitter to @EWDaltonRoss. So without further ado, enjoy the latest episode of the TV Insiders!

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'Glee': Kurt's (boy?)friend says...

Image Credit: Rebecca Sanabria; Miranda Penn Turin/Fox“My guess is as good as anybody’s,” shrugs newest Glee cast member Darren Criss of reports that his character Blaine—a charismatic, out-and-proud gay teen from a rival school—is being groomed as a love interest for Chris Colfer’s Kurt. “It’s a really big secret.”

The two meet in the Nov. 9 episode when Kurt, who is fast becoming fed up with life at McKinley High, considers transferring to the nearby Dalton Academy, where Criss’ character is a student. “I think Blaine’s most important role is…as a mentor to Kurt,” says Criss, whose only major pre-Glee TV credit was a stint on ABC’s short-lived Eastwick. “At this point, Kurt’s [sexuality] has been such a sense of discord in his life. Blaine finds [being gay] empowering. He embraces who he is, and sees Kurt [struggling with] the same things that he had to deal with, and I think he wants to impart that knowledge.”

Criss hopes Blaine will serve as a positive role model for viewers as well, given the recent string of suicides among gay youth. “It’s great to see a strong character like this on a hit show that so many people are watching,” he says. “I can’t really think of any other gay characters on TV that are this young and sure of themselves. I hope all the kids struggling with this issue can look to a guy like Blaine and feel [inspired] by his confidence.”

TV scoop is best served instantaneously, so follow me on Twitter via @michaelausiello

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140 characters of funny: CBS developing yet another Twitter comedy based on ‘Dear Girls Above Me’

Deadline is reporting that CBS — home of the current sitcom $#*! My Dad Says — is turning to Twitter yet again for another potential comedy. This time, it’s the “Dear Girls Above Me” Twitter feed, about a fictional guy who writes missives to the two party girls who live upstairs. (Sample tweet: “Dear Girls Above Me, ‘He totally drunk friend requested me at 3 am! Should I reject it and sober add him tomorrow?’ Don’t, he’ll hangover ignore you.”) This appears to be a trend: In September, CBS greenlit another comedy based on the Twitter stream “Shh, Don’t Tell Steve”. I guess good sitcoms have been built on less. Are we excited about this? And what Twitter streams deserve the call next?

Read more:
CBS greenlights another Twitter sitcom

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FRANK MASI / Summit Entertainment - Philadelphia Inquirer

FRANK MASI / Summit Entertainment John Malkovich (foreground), Bruce Willis, and Helen Mirren star in the slapstick spy caper "Red," full of deadly weaponry and deft dialogue. Posted on Sat, Oct. 16, 2010

Space Station. The Please Touch Museum is inviting aspiring space travelers to a new exhibit, described as an out-of-this-world adventure. The area, which replaced the "Flying Machine" exhibit, offers various play experiences. The centerpiece is the shiny silver rocket that soars above young visitors. An 18-foot steel Ring Tower provides kids with targets as they attempt to shoot rockets through the rings. Youngsters can suit up like astronauts in front of a blue screen and pretend to walk in space or fly their own rocket ship through the solar system. At the Mission Control Board, astronauts-in-training can practice their flying skills, as each lever and button on the board produces a different space-age effect.

- Monica Peters
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, museum in Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic. Admission: $15 for ages 1 and older; free for museum members and children younger than 1. Information: 215-581-3181, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

Lady Antebellum. In the three years since Lady Antebellum released its first single, "Love Don't Live Here," the hit-making country trio has enjoyed a smooth ride straight to the top of the charts. With two platinum-selling albums, a Grammy win, and five recent CMA award nominations, the group - led by powerhouse vocalists Charles Kelley (younger brother of pop singer Josh) and Hillary Scott (daughter of onetime country star Linda Davis) - recently launched its first headlining tour. Propelled by the success of its triple-platinum selling sophomore album, Need You Now, Lady Antebellum - which nabbed the Academy of Country Music's "Top New Group" award in '09 - is expected to pick up a slew of Grammy nominations in December.

- Nicole Pensiero With David Nail, plays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow Streets, Upper Darby. Tickets: $52 and $62.45. Information: 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

Red **1/2 Bruce Willis takes innocent tag-along Mary-Louise Parker along for the ride in this slapstick action romp full of CIA huggermugger, lethal weaponry, and cool, glib dialogue. With Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren as Willis' old covert-ops colleagues. PG-13 (violence, mayhem, profanity, adult themes)

- Steven Rea

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