My media focus this year will be on some of my favorite subjects...the moguls, the pundits, the broadcast news biz, show business, radio, and the publishing business. (Read "$everance" if you want a crystallization of my positions on those subjects.) And, of course, I'll also keep tabs on Chicago's media.
Chicago Media
~RIP Wild Bill Scott
The former Loop and WMETer passed away over the weekend. Radio Online has the story.
The Moguls
~Jeffrey Katzenberg's advice: "Don't Follow Your Passion"
It sounds worse than it is. He's not actually telling people to avoid their passions. Instead he's telling people to follow their skills. That's actually very practical advice from the Dreamworks mogul. It's the kind of thing every parent advises their children.
~Rupert Attends Kentucky Derby with Rand Paul
Everyone needs to kiss the ring if they expect the full propoganda support of Fox News. The New York Times has the story.
The FCC
~The NAB is Ready for Battle Over Shared-Service Agreements
The National Association of Broadcasters is very upset about F.C.C. Chairman Wheeler's pronouncement/warning that shared-service agreements are going to be closely scrutinized. Radio and television station owners are very upste about this because they thought they had found a perfectly legal loophole to completely disregard the actual purpose of the law. Tom Taylor explains their battle plans...
Now the NAB basically gives the Commission a cease-and-desist order, says Harry Jessell at TVNewsCheck. The deadline is May 8 and NAB boss Gordon Smith is wisely not spelling out his threat. Would the association haul the Commission into court? The options seem to be open-ended – and course the TV members love the tough stance. The NAB’s letter, no doubt drafted very carefully, says the FCC is “fatally premature” in trying to regulate shared services agreements. Harry Jessell has a modest proposal to weaken Chairman Wheeler – “The NAB hires Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and puts her in to work on ownership policy. It gives her a three-year contract at, let’s say, $500,000 per year. For $1.5 million, it strips Wheeler of his third Democratic vote and his ability to do whatever he pleases.” Sound far-fetched? That’s the level of war-game planning the TV industry has now reached.I love to watch billionaires react when someone tells them they can't have their way. It's very similar to a five year old's tantrum, except instead of throwing toys, they are throwing money. And instead of threatening to run away from home, they are telling you they know where you live...if you know what I mean.
The Press
~The White House Correspondent's Dinner
There's always a lot of hang-wringing about this event because some people believe this shows too much coziness between the press and the White House. They may be too cozy, but it's not because of this event. Get a sense of humor. Here are some video highlights...
Showbiz
~Nick Offerman interview
The Parks & Recreation star is a great interview, and this one in Gothamist is no exception. I don't just love the guy because he's a fellow U of I person, or because of his midwestern roots. I love him because of his fearlessness. This is what he told Gothamist about the difference between Chicago pizza and New York pizza...
"What passes for pizza in NY should be dried and folded into boxes in which the vastly superior Chicago pies might be delivered."The whole interview is worth a read.
