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NBC launched New York Nonstop, its pioneering effort in multi-platform media, this morning. NY Nonstop is anchored on the digital tier of WNBC, but it is also carried by every MSO in the tri-state area, passing through roughly 6 million households. While the network covers almost the entire DMA, it is also carried on a bunch of different cable channels plus their digital channel.
The Watchmen topped the box office this week. The Warner Bros. super hero film took in roughly $55.7 million at 3,611 theatres nationwide. The film also topped the foreign box office, taking in $27.5 million for an opening weekend total of $83.2 million.
HBO is reportedly ready to begin another round syndication. The premium channel is set to begin negotiations at the end of the month for cable syndication of Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The network expects Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm to be in syndication by next year. Former HBO syndication deals included unusual windows between cable and local stations, which may have an affect on contractual issues and negotiations.
Universal Music Group won a lawsuit against former producer’s of hip-hop artist Eminem regarding royalties from the sale of digital downloads and ringtones. The suit was over whether or not digital distribution of a song should be treated like sales of a compact disc, or a “license” to a third party company like iTunes or eMusic. The jury denied FBT productions, former associates of Eminem, claim of $1.47 million but did award the company $159,000 is miscalculated royalties.
As reported last week, Carl Icahn is going after Lionsgate. The activist investor, who set his sights on Yahoo last year, has reportedly increased in stake in Lionsgate to 14.5% and is seeking numerous seats on the company’s board. Together with Mark Rackeskey, whom Icahn maybe in cahoots with, the two own more than 1/3 of the studio.