A sleek theater from Look Dine-In Cinemas opened this weekend in NYC (or reopened at the former Landmark) on West 57th Street. With wood, windows and well-stocked bar, it’s the face of exhibition that wants to grab moviegoers and keep them.
The look is midcentury modern. Each Look location — there are 12 — “is customized. But this is our design aesthetic. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but lot of it … looks like my home,” CEO Brian Schultz told Deadline. “I’m trying to really get a comfortable feeling. You have to sweat these details.”
The theater on the Hudson River in the Durst Organization’s Bjarke Ingels-designed Via 57 West building opens with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3; Super Mario Bros.; Evil Dead Rise; Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret; Love Again; and Polite Society on the marquee. Schultz, founder and former CEO of Studio Movie Grill, aims...
The look is midcentury modern. Each Look location — there are 12 — “is customized. But this is our design aesthetic. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but lot of it … looks like my home,” CEO Brian Schultz told Deadline. “I’m trying to really get a comfortable feeling. You have to sweat these details.”
The theater on the Hudson River in the Durst Organization’s Bjarke Ingels-designed Via 57 West building opens with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3; Super Mario Bros.; Evil Dead Rise; Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret; Love Again; and Polite Society on the marquee. Schultz, founder and former CEO of Studio Movie Grill, aims...
- 5/5/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
We’d love to get Mr. Feeny’s opinion on this one.
Boy Meets World actor Ben Savage has officially announced he’s running for U.S. Congress, little more than a month after he filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to do so.
More from TVLineBoy Meets World's Ben Savage Eyes Run for U.S. CongressBoy Meets World Lovebirds Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel Star in Panera Bread's Valentine's Day Commercial -- WATCHHomeland Almost 'De-Aged' Mandy Patinkin for 1986 Flashbacks, But Took Cue From Criminal Minds Instead
Savage will run as a Democrat for California’s 30th District seat, currently held by Rep.
Boy Meets World actor Ben Savage has officially announced he’s running for U.S. Congress, little more than a month after he filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to do so.
More from TVLineBoy Meets World's Ben Savage Eyes Run for U.S. CongressBoy Meets World Lovebirds Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel Star in Panera Bread's Valentine's Day Commercial -- WATCHHomeland Almost 'De-Aged' Mandy Patinkin for 1986 Flashbacks, But Took Cue From Criminal Minds Instead
Savage will run as a Democrat for California’s 30th District seat, currently held by Rep.
- 3/7/2023
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Updated with announcement: After filing paperwork indicating his intent, former Boy Meets World star Ben Savage Officially announced his intent to run for the 30th District seat currently occupied by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank. Schiff is running for the seat of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who is retiring.
“I’m running for Congress because it’s time to restore faith in government by offering reasonable, innovative and compassionate solutions to our country’s most pressing issues,” Savage wrote on Instagram today. “And it’s time for new and passionate leaders who can help move our country forward. Leaders who want to see the government operating at maximum capacity, unhindered by political divisions and special interests.”
Savage touts himself as “a proud Californian, union member and longtime resident of District 30.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ben Savage (@bensavage)
Previously on January 18: Actor Ben Savage, who...
“I’m running for Congress because it’s time to restore faith in government by offering reasonable, innovative and compassionate solutions to our country’s most pressing issues,” Savage wrote on Instagram today. “And it’s time for new and passionate leaders who can help move our country forward. Leaders who want to see the government operating at maximum capacity, unhindered by political divisions and special interests.”
Savage touts himself as “a proud Californian, union member and longtime resident of District 30.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ben Savage (@bensavage)
Previously on January 18: Actor Ben Savage, who...
- 3/7/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
We bet you didn’t have this on your 2023 bingo card.
Boy Meets World‘s Ben Savage has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run as a Democrat for California’s 30th District seat in 2024, Spectrum News reports. Savage, now 42, is eyeing the seat currently held by rumored U.S. Senate hopeful, Rep. Adam Schiff — which, last we checked, does not interfere with the Geneva Detention Convention.
More from TVLineBoy Meets World Lovebirds Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel Star in Panera Bread's Valentine's Day Commercial -- WATCHHomeland Almost 'De-Aged' Mandy Patinkin for 1986 Flashbacks, But Took Cue From Criminal Minds...
Boy Meets World‘s Ben Savage has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run as a Democrat for California’s 30th District seat in 2024, Spectrum News reports. Savage, now 42, is eyeing the seat currently held by rumored U.S. Senate hopeful, Rep. Adam Schiff — which, last we checked, does not interfere with the Geneva Detention Convention.
More from TVLineBoy Meets World Lovebirds Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel Star in Panera Bread's Valentine's Day Commercial -- WATCHHomeland Almost 'De-Aged' Mandy Patinkin for 1986 Flashbacks, But Took Cue From Criminal Minds...
- 1/19/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Ben Savage, best known for playing the lead role of Cory Matthews on the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World and its Disney Channel sequel Girl Meets World, is hoping to land a seat in Congress. As reported by People, recent paperwork filed with the Federal Election Commission reveals the creation of a committee to help with Savage’s political campaign. The former sitcom star is looking to run as a Democrat in California’s 30th District. The seat, which covers neighborhoods such as West Hollywood, Burbank and Pasadena, is currently held by high profile Democrat Adam Schiff, who is expected to run for Dianne Feinstein’s U.S. Senate seat should she choose not to stand again in 2024. This isn’t Savage’s first foray into politics; in fact, he graduated from Stanford University in 2004 with a degree in political science. During his studies, he interned for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.
- 1/19/2023
- TV Insider
Aspiring to fulfill his civic duty. “Boy Meets World” alum Ben Savage is turning his attention from Hollywood to Washington, D.C.
The 42-year-old actor is making a run for a seat in the U.S House of Representatives — specifically, he’s vying for California’s 30th District seat, currently occupied by Rep. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from Burbank.
Savage — who is also a registered Democrat — filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, declaring his intention to run, Deadline reports.
The actor previously interned with late Rep. Arlen Specter in 2003, which was how Savage completed his studies in politic science at Stanford University.
The 30th District seat is currently held by Schiff, however he is expected to vie for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the forthcoming election. Feinstein herself has not commented in an official capacity regarding her plans for her political future.
Savage’s future run for congress,...
The 42-year-old actor is making a run for a seat in the U.S House of Representatives — specifically, he’s vying for California’s 30th District seat, currently occupied by Rep. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from Burbank.
Savage — who is also a registered Democrat — filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, declaring his intention to run, Deadline reports.
The actor previously interned with late Rep. Arlen Specter in 2003, which was how Savage completed his studies in politic science at Stanford University.
The 30th District seat is currently held by Schiff, however he is expected to vie for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the forthcoming election. Feinstein herself has not commented in an official capacity regarding her plans for her political future.
Savage’s future run for congress,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Actor Ben Savage of nineties sitcom “Boy Meets World” is making a bid for Congress.
According to his campaign filing with the Federal Election Commission Wednesday, Savage is running for the 30th District seat currently held by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank. Schiff is rumored to run for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, however she has not yet made any formal announcement about plans for reelection next year.
Savage, a Democrat, campaigned to represent West Hollywood on the Los Angeles City Council last year, but lost his bid. He...
According to his campaign filing with the Federal Election Commission Wednesday, Savage is running for the 30th District seat currently held by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank. Schiff is rumored to run for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, however she has not yet made any formal announcement about plans for reelection next year.
Savage, a Democrat, campaigned to represent West Hollywood on the Los Angeles City Council last year, but lost his bid. He...
- 1/19/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ben Savage (@bensavage)
It seems Ben Savage has found his real life Topanga. On Jan. 11, the "Boy Meets World" actor subtly announced his engagement to girlfriend Tessa Angermeier in a post on Instagram. In the photo, the happy couple are standing in front of a lake in Owensville, In, with Angermeier resting her hand on Savage's chest - and showing off her engagement ring in the process.
Savage captioned the photo, "The best is yet to come." A rep for Savage confirmed to Popsugar that the 42-year-old is engaged. "They are both very grateful and enjoying this exciting time with their families and friends," the actor's rep said in a statement to People.
The former child star's famous friends were quick to share their excitement over his news in the comments. Danica McKellar, who starred with Savage's brother, Fred Savage, in "The Wonder Years,...
A post shared by Ben Savage (@bensavage)
It seems Ben Savage has found his real life Topanga. On Jan. 11, the "Boy Meets World" actor subtly announced his engagement to girlfriend Tessa Angermeier in a post on Instagram. In the photo, the happy couple are standing in front of a lake in Owensville, In, with Angermeier resting her hand on Savage's chest - and showing off her engagement ring in the process.
Savage captioned the photo, "The best is yet to come." A rep for Savage confirmed to Popsugar that the 42-year-old is engaged. "They are both very grateful and enjoying this exciting time with their families and friends," the actor's rep said in a statement to People.
The former child star's famous friends were quick to share their excitement over his news in the comments. Danica McKellar, who starred with Savage's brother, Fred Savage, in "The Wonder Years,...
- 1/14/2023
- by Sabienna Bowman
- Popsugar.com
Ben Savage is following a well-worn path blazed by the likes of Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger by throwing his hat into the political arena.
While those two both served as governor of California (with Reagan going on to two terms in the White House), the former “Boy Meets World” star’s initial goals are considerably more modest.
As Gawker reports, the erstwhile Cory Matthews is running for West Hollywood City Council in Hollywood, with the election taking place in November.
Savage registered the campaign website benforweho.com, where he addresses residents’ desire for their elected officials to do better.
Read More: ‘Boy Meets World’ Stars Ben Savage And Danielle Fishel Reunite For New Panera Commercial
“Residents and community leaders have expressed frustration with the political divisiveness and loss of a sense of community,” the site proclaims. “People are eager for leaders who can talk to each other, build coalitions,...
While those two both served as governor of California (with Reagan going on to two terms in the White House), the former “Boy Meets World” star’s initial goals are considerably more modest.
As Gawker reports, the erstwhile Cory Matthews is running for West Hollywood City Council in Hollywood, with the election taking place in November.
Savage registered the campaign website benforweho.com, where he addresses residents’ desire for their elected officials to do better.
Read More: ‘Boy Meets World’ Stars Ben Savage And Danielle Fishel Reunite For New Panera Commercial
“Residents and community leaders have expressed frustration with the political divisiveness and loss of a sense of community,” the site proclaims. “People are eager for leaders who can talk to each other, build coalitions,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
In the span of just 13 minutes, the Oscar-shortlisted short documentary Hysterical Girl unpacks a lot.
The film directed by Kate Novack not only elucidates one of Sigmund Freud’s most famous case histories—on a suicidal teenage girl the psychoanalyst called “Dora”—but how Freud’s writing about her continues to impact our culture more than a century later.
“We have one foot in 1900,” Novack tells Deadline, “and we have one foot in 2020.”
The documentary draws a link between the Dora case and more recent examples of the reaction to women who have accused powerful men—Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein and others—of sexual misconduct or assault.
Novack observes, “I think it then becomes really hard to argue, ‘Oh, no, that’s the case from the past, Freud isn’t relevant anymore, we’ve moved on.’”
As the film reveals, Dora had been sexually assaulted at age 13 by an adult male,...
The film directed by Kate Novack not only elucidates one of Sigmund Freud’s most famous case histories—on a suicidal teenage girl the psychoanalyst called “Dora”—but how Freud’s writing about her continues to impact our culture more than a century later.
“We have one foot in 1900,” Novack tells Deadline, “and we have one foot in 2020.”
The documentary draws a link between the Dora case and more recent examples of the reaction to women who have accused powerful men—Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein and others—of sexual misconduct or assault.
Novack observes, “I think it then becomes really hard to argue, ‘Oh, no, that’s the case from the past, Freud isn’t relevant anymore, we’ve moved on.’”
As the film reveals, Dora had been sexually assaulted at age 13 by an adult male,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
On Monday, President Biden met with 10 supposedly moderate Republicans in the Oval Office to discuss their scaled-down $618 billion Covid-relief proposal. Even though the economy is still reeling from the pandemic and tens of millions of Americans are struggling to feed their families and put a roof over their heads, they are very concerned about the $1.9 trillion price tag on Biden’s plan. Lately, it seems, Republicans have taken renewed interest in deficits and our growing national debt. That’s because a Democrat is in the White House.
When a Republican is president,...
When a Republican is president,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Al Franken
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Michael Smerconish – Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Talking, a feature-length filmed version of the radio and TV host’s stage performance, has been acquired by Virgil Films.
The film will hit virtual cinemas October 30 and on VOD and DVD on December 8.
Smerconish, who has worked for 30 years in talk radio, hosts a daily show on SiriusXM’s Potus channel. He is also hosts a Saturday morning program on CNN.
The one-man performance captured in the film is both a memoir, with Smerconish reflecting on his career, and a unique explanation of the origin of the partisan divide in the U.S. CNN International aired highlights of the film in July.
Smerconish has had an eventful run. Among the moments he recalls in the film are meeting Ronald Reagan as a newly registered 18-year-old voter; managing campaigns for former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo and Senator Arlen Specter...
The film will hit virtual cinemas October 30 and on VOD and DVD on December 8.
Smerconish, who has worked for 30 years in talk radio, hosts a daily show on SiriusXM’s Potus channel. He is also hosts a Saturday morning program on CNN.
The one-man performance captured in the film is both a memoir, with Smerconish reflecting on his career, and a unique explanation of the origin of the partisan divide in the U.S. CNN International aired highlights of the film in July.
Smerconish has had an eventful run. Among the moments he recalls in the film are meeting Ronald Reagan as a newly registered 18-year-old voter; managing campaigns for former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo and Senator Arlen Specter...
- 10/16/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
It may come as a surprise that Anita Hill is optimistic about the future. To John Oliver, who recently interviewed the Brandeis University professor on “Last Week Tonight,” nothing seems to have changed since the 1991 confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas that made Hill a household name. When Hill came forward about the sexual harassment she experienced while working for Thomas, she was undermined, attacked, and — ultimately — not believed.
In short, Hill’s treatment looked a lot like how many members of the right wing media have reacted to The New Yorker‘s exposé on CBS CEO Les Moonves, and the MeToo movement at large.
Oliver opened the show with a clip of Fox News host Tucker Carlson asking, in regards to sexual harassment: “What are the rules?” He then played clips of current and former U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch and Arlen Specter attempting to discredit Hill...
In short, Hill’s treatment looked a lot like how many members of the right wing media have reacted to The New Yorker‘s exposé on CBS CEO Les Moonves, and the MeToo movement at large.
Oliver opened the show with a clip of Fox News host Tucker Carlson asking, in regards to sexual harassment: “What are the rules?” He then played clips of current and former U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch and Arlen Specter attempting to discredit Hill...
- 7/30/2018
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Outlander, The Ranch, The Way, and other TV productions have made recent TV show casting, TV movie casting, and TV directing news. These shows and movies air on Starz, Netflix, and Hulu.
Outlander (Starz)
Laurence Dobiesz has joined the cast of Starz’s “Outlander” in the role of Alex Randall
Dobiesz’s character is the younger brother of Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies)
Despite the shared DNA and physical resemblance, Alex Randall possesses nothing of his older brother Black Jack’s ruthless brutality.
A curate and secretary for the Duke of Sandringham, Alex is described as gentle, loving, and kind.
The Ranch (Netflix)
Ashton Kutcher is reuniting with 2.5 Men co-showrunners Don Reo and Jim Patterson and That ’70s Show co-star Danny Masterson for a new multi-camera comedy series on Netflix…a sibling comedy starring Kutcher and Masterson and created by Reo and Patterson.
Written by Reo and Patterson, The Ranch...
Outlander (Starz)
Laurence Dobiesz has joined the cast of Starz’s “Outlander” in the role of Alex Randall
Dobiesz’s character is the younger brother of Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies)
Despite the shared DNA and physical resemblance, Alex Randall possesses nothing of his older brother Black Jack’s ruthless brutality.
A curate and secretary for the Duke of Sandringham, Alex is described as gentle, loving, and kind.
The Ranch (Netflix)
Ashton Kutcher is reuniting with 2.5 Men co-showrunners Don Reo and Jim Patterson and That ’70s Show co-star Danny Masterson for a new multi-camera comedy series on Netflix…a sibling comedy starring Kutcher and Masterson and created by Reo and Patterson.
Written by Reo and Patterson, The Ranch...
- 6/17/2015
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
MSNBC host Chris Matthews has his own ideas about what makes American voters support Mitt Romney: racial hatred. During a conversation with Rachel Maddow following Monday night's (Oct. 22) presidential debate, Matthews explained that he doesn't think Romney's "reversing himself" from his previously stated positions will affect the way his fans look at him.
"I think they hate Obama. They want him out of the White House more than they want to destroy al Qaeda," Matthews says, via The Hill. "Their No. 1 enemy in the world right now, on the right, is their hatred, hatred for Obama. And we can go into that about the white working class in the South and looking at these numbers we're getting the last couple days about racial hatred in many cases ... this isn't about being a better president, they want to get rid of this president."
As a political pundit, Matthews clearly has...
"I think they hate Obama. They want him out of the White House more than they want to destroy al Qaeda," Matthews says, via The Hill. "Their No. 1 enemy in the world right now, on the right, is their hatred, hatred for Obama. And we can go into that about the white working class in the South and looking at these numbers we're getting the last couple days about racial hatred in many cases ... this isn't about being a better president, they want to get rid of this president."
As a political pundit, Matthews clearly has...
- 10/24/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Arlen Specter, a long-time U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, died Sunday (Oct. 14) after a long battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He passed away at his home in Philadelphia, his son Shanin tells the AP.
Specter was a Senator from Pennsylvania for 30 years. He was a Republican for most of his career, though he began his political career as a Democratic and ended it as one too. He was always preaching the benefits of political tolerance on each side of the aisle.
He was one of three Republicans to cross party lines and vote for President Obama's economic stimulus plan in 2009, which ultimately cost him his job. Specter announced in April 2009 that he was joining the Democratic party, but in 2010, he lost in the Democratic primary to then-u.S. Rep. Joe Sestak.
President Obama says of Specter's passing, "Arlen Specter was always a fighter. From his days stamping out corruption as...
Specter was a Senator from Pennsylvania for 30 years. He was a Republican for most of his career, though he began his political career as a Democratic and ended it as one too. He was always preaching the benefits of political tolerance on each side of the aisle.
He was one of three Republicans to cross party lines and vote for President Obama's economic stimulus plan in 2009, which ultimately cost him his job. Specter announced in April 2009 that he was joining the Democratic party, but in 2010, he lost in the Democratic primary to then-u.S. Rep. Joe Sestak.
President Obama says of Specter's passing, "Arlen Specter was always a fighter. From his days stamping out corruption as...
- 10/15/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Arlen Specter, who switched party affiliation from Republican to Democrat in 2009, has died at age 82 due to complications from non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He left office after 30 years as U.S, Senator from Pennsylvania, after he lost his Democratic primary bid to then-Congressman Joe Sestak in 2010. Sestak was, in turn, defeated by Pat Toomey, who currently holds Specter's former seat. Sen. Specter explained his party switch as a result of the Republicans' rightward shift, but his critics cast the move as a Hail Mary to save his political skin.
- 10/14/2012
- by Tommy Christopher
- Mediaite - TV
A Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Tuesday debated whether Congress could force the Supreme Court to allow cameras to broadcast arguments live — or whether it even should. The sticking point, of course, is that whole separation of powers thing. As it is, Supreme Court arguments are released as transcripts and audio recordings after the justices hear cases; live TV or audio is not allowed. The topic is garnering renewed interest this election cycle thanks to the Court preparing to hear arguments about the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care law, which is sure to be a major talking point in the upcoming presidential elections. The Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts heard testimony from witnesses including former Sen. Arlen Specter, who said that like for the House of Representatives beginning in 1979 and the Senate in 1986, C-span “stands ready, willing and anxious to televise Supreme Court proceedings.
- 12/6/2011
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
These are the highways to hell. For the second straight year, The Daily Beast ranks the roads with the worst rush hour gridlock. How does your commute rank?
More than merely expensive, long commutes are mentally debilitating. They're also completely, absolutely avoidable. With that in mind, The Daily Beast set out to determine, for the second consecutive year, which cities have the worst commutes-and specifically, which stretches of road within each city experience the worst congestion.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The 25 Worst Meals for Kids
Gallery: The Worst Commutes in America
To find America's Highways from Hell, we started with newly released data from traffic-tracking firm Inrix, which culls data from 4 million vehicles nationwide using Gps units and a smartphone application.
We pared and ranked our top 50 worst metropolitan areas for traffic for 2010 using Inrix's Travel Time Tax-the percentage of time it takes to navigate the area's roadways...
More than merely expensive, long commutes are mentally debilitating. They're also completely, absolutely avoidable. With that in mind, The Daily Beast set out to determine, for the second consecutive year, which cities have the worst commutes-and specifically, which stretches of road within each city experience the worst congestion.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The 25 Worst Meals for Kids
Gallery: The Worst Commutes in America
To find America's Highways from Hell, we started with newly released data from traffic-tracking firm Inrix, which culls data from 4 million vehicles nationwide using Gps units and a smartphone application.
We pared and ranked our top 50 worst metropolitan areas for traffic for 2010 using Inrix's Travel Time Tax-the percentage of time it takes to navigate the area's roadways...
- 3/8/2011
- by The Daily Beast
- The Daily Beast
The unions' fight with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker over collective bargaining may not end their slide into irrelevance, but it has shown their necessity as workers' advocate and much-needed balance to the political system.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's effort two weeks ago to end collective bargaining for public employees in his state was the worst thing to happen to the union movement in recent memory-until it unexpectedly became the best thing to happen to the union movement in recent memory. Give the man some credit: In seven days, Walker did what unions have been trying and failing to do for decades. He united the famously fractious movement, reknit its emotional connection with allies ranging from students to national Democratic leaders, and brought the decline of organized labor to the forefront of the national agenda. The question is: Will it matter?
Related story on The Daily Beast: Arlen Specter's Revenge
At this point,...
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's effort two weeks ago to end collective bargaining for public employees in his state was the worst thing to happen to the union movement in recent memory-until it unexpectedly became the best thing to happen to the union movement in recent memory. Give the man some credit: In seven days, Walker did what unions have been trying and failing to do for decades. He united the famously fractious movement, reknit its emotional connection with allies ranging from students to national Democratic leaders, and brought the decline of organized labor to the forefront of the national agenda. The question is: Will it matter?
Related story on The Daily Beast: Arlen Specter's Revenge
At this point,...
- 2/28/2011
- by Ezra Klein
- The Daily Beast
Arlen Specter 30+ years serving his home state of Pennsylvania as a U.S. Senator is coming to an end, and he did is not going out quietly. Yesterday he gave what some are calling "his closing argument" on the Senate floor, criticizing a number of Washington D.C. institutions, including the Supreme Court. But his biggest target was his former Gop constituents (he switched to the Democratic party in the twilight of his political career) who he likened to "sophisticated cannibals" for their lack of support in recent primary battles.
- 12/22/2010
- by Colby Hall
- Mediaite - TV
New York -- A group of politicians from both parties on Monday unveiled the "Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act," which is designed to help combat the theft and distribution of illegal digital movies and TV shows on the Internet and which earned positive reviews from industry organizations.
It particularly targets so-called rogue websites that often look like legitimate content sites and are based offshore.
The bill was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and senior Republican member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and co-sponsored by committee members Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), Chuck Schumer (D-n.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-r.I.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio) are also co-sponsors.
"We're very pleased to join a great number of creators and workers from throughout the motion picture and television industry in support today of this important legislation to combat...
It particularly targets so-called rogue websites that often look like legitimate content sites and are based offshore.
The bill was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and senior Republican member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and co-sponsored by committee members Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), Chuck Schumer (D-n.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-r.I.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio) are also co-sponsors.
"We're very pleased to join a great number of creators and workers from throughout the motion picture and television industry in support today of this important legislation to combat...
- 9/20/2010
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Look, folks, the facts are these. You can get all worked up over that big, looming election, with its Democrats and Republicans and Tea Partiers and obsessively-tracked statistics and infuriating debates about the site of a former Burlington Coat Factory in downtown Manhattan. Or you could pay attention to the election that really matters, the one that will really affect your day to day life: The fall 2010 Internet-tv Election.
This fall, the living room will change forever, and it's up to you to make an educated decision about which choice to make. The candidates:
Apple TV
Moderate to conservative, the tiny Apple TV doesn't do much that's new, but it does everything efficiently and with a minimal monetary investment. At only $99, it's probably the cheapest option--we're not sure about the varying price of Google TV hardware, but they'll probably cost more--but it's also the least capable. Apple TV streams movies,...
This fall, the living room will change forever, and it's up to you to make an educated decision about which choice to make. The candidates:
Apple TV
Moderate to conservative, the tiny Apple TV doesn't do much that's new, but it does everything efficiently and with a minimal monetary investment. At only $99, it's probably the cheapest option--we're not sure about the varying price of Google TV hardware, but they'll probably cost more--but it's also the least capable. Apple TV streams movies,...
- 9/14/2010
- by Dan Nosowitz
- Fast Company
Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak's allegation that the White House offered him a job in exchange for his backing down from running against Democratic Senator Arlen Specter is the kind of story that seems to never die. Keeping the flames burning are last night's Geraldo at Large panel, where host Kimberly Guilfoyle wondered about the White House's "sinister" intentions and Ann Coulter offered as proof of improprieties the fact that the job was not given.
- 5/31/2010
- by Frances Martel
- Mediaite - TV
Since President Obama’s press conference yesterday, everyone on the Internet has become extremely excited about an ethical non-dilemma involving Obama, Bill Clinton, and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-pa)—an issue that had actually been discussed in less S.E.O.-friendly circles for months. During his B.P. (and Afghanistan?)–themed presser, the president skirted a question about whether or not the White House offered Sestak an administration job in exchange for dropping out of the Democratic Senate primary—which he later won—so that Arlen Specter could continue his 100-year reign of fire over Pennsylvanian lands.
- 5/28/2010
- Vanity Fair
At the end of yesterday's presidential press conference, Fox News' asked the final two-part question - and one part was about Pa Rep. Joe Sestak and his run in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary against Sen. Arlen Specter. At the time, Pres. Obama said he was not ready to speak about it, but “there will be an official response shortly on the Sestak issue." Today, the Washington Post and the New York Times are reporting that the White House involved Bill Clinton in the Sestak issue.
- 5/28/2010
- by Meenal Vamburkar
- Mediaite - TV
If White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod and Congressman Joe Sestak were expecting a hard time from the press about Sestak's claim that the White House offered him a job to dissuade him from running against Sen. Arlen Specter, they may not have been expecting it on John King, USA. But host John King refused to let either of them off the hook without an answer, asking both to clarify the issue in the interest of public trust. What he got in return was five minutes of non-answers and awkward question evasion.
- 5/25/2010
- by Frances Martel
- Mediaite - TV
Did the White House offer Rep. Joe Sestak a job (rumored to be Navy secretary) in return for not running against Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary on Tuesday? No one will say for absolute sure. One imagines that if Rand Paul had not been afforded quite so much media time to clarify his views on the Civil Rights Act this storyline might have received more attention. As it is, it got secondary mention on all three network Sunday shows this morning.
- 5/23/2010
- by Glynnis MacNicol
- Mediaite - TV
Before you ask, Chris Matthews did not include any of his own bon mots in this list. Nor did he include any words of wisdom from Sarah Palin. Instead, it would appear Matthews was inspired to make the list following this weeks bumbles, including Blumenthal and Rand Paul, and especially Arlen Specter's loss in Pennsylvania, which Matthews attributed to Specter admitting he was merely switching parties in order to win. That statement came in at number ten on Matthews' list. There's plenty more.
- 5/23/2010
- by Glynnis MacNicol
- Mediaite - TV
Pennsylvania is having an interesting week, politically. Representative Joe Sestak (from my home district--pa-7, represent) defeated long-term, moderate-Republican-turned-liberal-Democrat Arlen Specter in the Democratic Senate primary. Democrat Mark Critz defeated Republican Tim Burns by a whopping 10 points in a special election for the Pa-12 seat vacated by John Murtha, even though the race was supposed to be a nail-biter. And now, the state's Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial nominee, Tom Corbett, has decided to subpoena Twitter for the names of two Twitterers criticizing him.
Corbett subpoenaed Twitter earlier this month for the names of two of its users, going by the names "CasablancaPA" and "bfbarbie." The former user has a blog by the same name which accuses Corbett (with some pretty serious language, I have to say) of corrupt hypocrisy as regards the Pennsylvania "Bonusgate" scandal. Bonusgate, in short, was an investigation by Corbett's office into the possible handing out of...
Corbett subpoenaed Twitter earlier this month for the names of two of its users, going by the names "CasablancaPA" and "bfbarbie." The former user has a blog by the same name which accuses Corbett (with some pretty serious language, I have to say) of corrupt hypocrisy as regards the Pennsylvania "Bonusgate" scandal. Bonusgate, in short, was an investigation by Corbett's office into the possible handing out of...
- 5/21/2010
- by Dan Nosowitz
- Fast Company
Soon-to-be-former Senator Arlen Specter (R-pa D-pa) can look back at all those years of service and know that he chickened out, bailed on his party, and then got his ass kicked out the door. When he made his jump from the Republican party to the Democratic party, it was obvious he was only out for himself. I can’t believe he really thought he stood a chance at getting re-elected as a Democrat. Arlen Specter is neither a Democrat nor a Republican; he’s just a politician, and now he’s done and adrift in a sea of compromise. His accomplishments, like his theories as to what a bullet can do in Dallas for the Warren Commission and all the rest, are just part of a distant history that will always be eclipsed by the fact that he abandoned his party, his principles, and his integrity. His reward was Joe Sestak drop-kicking him into retirement.
- 5/20/2010
- Vanity Fair
I truly am going to miss waking up to find out what the comics world thought of "Lost" the night before, but we've still got one more episode left. You may or may not share a common perspective on unresolved plot threads with Rob Liefeld, Mark Brooks and Rob Williams. You also may or may not share Ande Parks' thoughts on his former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania Arlen Specter's lost his primary yesterday.
Everyone, however, can share Avengers Day with Brian Michael Bendis. He and David Aja both decided to celebrate in their own ways. Find out if you want to follow their leads after the jump. There, you can also see Jonathan Hickman's favorite Legion villains and how Mike Oeming reacts when he's mistaken for David Petersen.
It's all retweeted in the Twitter Report for May 19, 2010.
Avengers Day pt. 1: @Brianmbendis find an ex-girlfriend who dumped you,...
Everyone, however, can share Avengers Day with Brian Michael Bendis. He and David Aja both decided to celebrate in their own ways. Find out if you want to follow their leads after the jump. There, you can also see Jonathan Hickman's favorite Legion villains and how Mike Oeming reacts when he's mistaken for David Petersen.
It's all retweeted in the Twitter Report for May 19, 2010.
Avengers Day pt. 1: @Brianmbendis find an ex-girlfriend who dumped you,...
- 5/19/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Splash Page
• Party-switcher and 30-year Senate veteran Arlen Specter was defeated in the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania; Ron Paul’s Tea Party-backed son, Rand Paul, trounced the G.O.P. establishment’s Senate candidate in Kentucky; and Arkansas senator Blanche Lincoln, a moderate Democrat, didn’t get enough votes to win the primary outright, so she will face a runoff election against her more liberal challenger in three weeks. [Washington Post] • Campbell Brown is resigning from CNN because of the low ratings for her 8 p.m. show called (wait for it) Campbell Brown. You knew Brown and CNN were on the wrong track when they (originally) called the show No Bias, No Bull—precisely the two things that work best on cable news. [Mediaite] • The leaders of Thailand’s anti-government protests surrendered today after troops stormed their encampment in Bangkok, but their followers continued to wreak havoc in the capital, burning buildings and firing grenades.
- 5/19/2010
- Vanity Fair
Considering the "Randslide", the departure of 30-year veteran Senator Arlen Specter, and the fact that Chris Matthews was waxing poetic about the primaries way past midnight, this was a pretty uneventful Election Day, gaffe-wise. The one radiant exception to this came from Anderson Cooper's political team, where Democratic strategist Paul Begala took a thematic detour in explaining the rational behind Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's false record as a Vietnam War veteran.
- 5/19/2010
- by Frances Martel
- Mediaite - TV
The very sight of Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) makes me drowsy so the notion that he is spearheading a drive to bring live television coverage to the public workings of the United States Supreme Court is downright laughable. But yet there he is, calling out the Justices for their media tours, introducing “Sense of the Senate” resolutions, all in the name of trying to shed light on an institution that has successfully sought for over two centuries to avoid it. What’s new about his latest effort is that he finally has some great ammunition to fire at the recalcitrant and slightly haughty Justices. Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia both went on television recently to hawk their books. Can they really claim that the same cameras before which they preened now shouldn’t be allowed to view them working their day jobs? The same goes for Chief Justice John G.
- 11/13/2009
- Vanity Fair
Sadly, the Squash Blog is to be no more. It was fun while it lasted. In about a year and a half, Jim Zug—America's best squash writer, by far -- and I covered some unusual stories: the Bikini Open in the Cayman Islands; the New Yorker’s legendary squash ladder; the Senator who displaced Arlen Specter atop the Capitol Hill ladder, and torture memo/squash celebrity John Yoo's distinguished involvement with the game. We regret not posting more about the sport’s reigning power couple, Obama advisers Samantha Power and Cass Sunstein, whom we have seen play from time to time. She doesn't wear eye protection—does Glenn Beck know about this?...
- 10/29/2009
- Vanity Fair
Tuesday morning on Capitol Hill, The Yes Men, a political prank group, wore big canvas balls and flanked Senator Arlen Specter demanding that he support the climate change bill or else provide their bulky costumes, SurvivaBalls, for all his constituents. The SurvivaBall is an alternate solution to the Senate climate change bill, or, as the SurvivaBall infomerical suggests, “SurvivaBall is nothing less than a self-contained living system—truly, a gated community for one. If you have a SurvivaBall, even if everyone else is dying, at least you can weather all storms.”...
- 10/21/2009
- Vanity Fair
They’ve always been here. But the nutters are surfacing in a way and to a degree that is finally catching the agape attention of non-nutters. It is not only the ferocity of their anger that is surprising, but the focus of it: this birth certificate stuff, the death panel business, the tea bags, and the apparently heartfelt belief that the end of America is upon us. It’s supernuts. Still, we are in a realm which, I believe, is more puzzling to most people than frightening. What is this about? Is it possible the nutters are really this outraged about this stuff? That guy at the town hall meeting in Pennsylvania, in his face-off with Arlen Specter about the sanctity of the American constitution, rather seemed, in his paroxysm of raw emotion, to be defending the life of his child. My friend Larry Kirshbaum, the literary agent, calls this “symbolic rage.
- 8/13/2009
- Vanity Fair
The King & I: The Greek national squash team (including player King Constantine II of Greece) after squaring off against the British RoyalNavy With all the fuss about the impending decision on squash’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games, I decided to make a foray to the sources of the Games, Greece. In Athens I met with George Barletis, the president of the Greek Squash Federation. A charming, friendly 72 year old, Barletis grew up outside Athens and has been playing squash ever since he moved to the city, in 1952. He has been the go-to guy when someone rings up from the embassy looking for a game and hit regularly with Clinton-era U.S. ambassadors Thomas Niles and Nicholas Burns, as well as Senator Arlen Specter. The Greek Squash Open was started in 1945—two years before (!) they launched their own national championships (for men; the women’s did not begin until 1982). It...
- 7/29/2009
- Vanity Fair
In the trembling aftermath of the Specter defection, Nate Silver (whom I met last week at a swinging loft party on the Lower East Side that was enlivened at one point by an interpretive free-form dance solo) asks: f you're a Democrat, would you really want Arlen Specter to be anything other than a soulless, unprincipled hack? Hell, no. Or to put it another way, Hell, no! For a man of his years, Specter's political pliancy would make him the marvel of any Ineygar yoga class, his joints so lubricated with oily calculation that he can take as many positions as there are positions to take, then add in an extra one to express his eccentricity. Every institution needs its unprincipled hacks to prevent a crippling arthritis of integrity that leads to stasis and false pride. For example, let's say a magazine needs an extended caption on a young stunner...
- 4/29/2009
- Vanity Fair
The iron-girder he-men of the conservative blogosphere have greeted former Republican Senator from Pennsylvania Arlen Specter's defection to the Democrats with whiskery hoots of "good riddance/get lost/don't let the door hit your withered buttocks on the way out" and similar pleasantries. Many of them appear defiantly resigned to the Republican Party becoming a regional bastion of true believers, the Branch Davidian compound of the Confederate Jesus. To those, however, who still share the same sky as those in the real world and think that the best escape route out of minority status and possible extinction is to win elections (crazy, I know), the Specter defection is a disaster. Holding up a handful of debris to the mocking sun, David Frum muses: If the Democrats do succeed in pushing through national health insurance, they really should set aside a little extra money to erect a statue to Pat Toomey.
- 4/28/2009
- Vanity Fair
New York -- After months of will-he or won't-he speculation, MSNBC "Hardball" host Chris Matthews has opted not to run for Senate in his native Pennsylvania.
Matthews told his producers during a production meeting just before Wednesday afternoon's "Hardball" that he isn't running for the Senate. Matthews, his executive producer John Reiss and MSNBC president Phil Griffin declined to comment about the news late Wednesday.
Matthews had been considered a contender for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat occupied by moderate Republican Arlen Specter, who is up for re-election in 2010. Matthews steadfastly refused to discuss the speculation, but he had made overtures in Pennsylvania. Most recently, his brother told a Pennsylvania journalist that Matthews wouldn't run.
That clears the way for Matthews to remain at MSNBC, where he has hosted "Hardball" since the late 1990s. Although he's not the most popular personality at NBC and has been a lightning...
Matthews told his producers during a production meeting just before Wednesday afternoon's "Hardball" that he isn't running for the Senate. Matthews, his executive producer John Reiss and MSNBC president Phil Griffin declined to comment about the news late Wednesday.
Matthews had been considered a contender for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat occupied by moderate Republican Arlen Specter, who is up for re-election in 2010. Matthews steadfastly refused to discuss the speculation, but he had made overtures in Pennsylvania. Most recently, his brother told a Pennsylvania journalist that Matthews wouldn't run.
That clears the way for Matthews to remain at MSNBC, where he has hosted "Hardball" since the late 1990s. Although he's not the most popular personality at NBC and has been a lightning...
- 1/7/2009
- by By Paul J. Gough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- MSNBC may find out soon whether "Hardball" host Chris Matthews returns to the channel, which has been invigorated in the ratings.
Matthews is said to be considering an offer from NBC to remain as host of "Hardball," a job he's held for more than a decade, or to return to his native Pennsylvania to run for the U.S. Senate against Gop incumbent Arlen Specter.
There are indications that a decision could come soon, sometime before Inaugural Day. But MSNBC president Phil Griffin declined late last week to say whether that's true or not.
"I've talked to Chris. I think he's going to be here for a long time," Griffin said. "I want him to be here for a long time." Griffin said that there would be "clarity" soon.
Matthews through a spokesman declined an interview. The 63-year-old Matthews is believed to make roughly $5 million a year...
Matthews is said to be considering an offer from NBC to remain as host of "Hardball," a job he's held for more than a decade, or to return to his native Pennsylvania to run for the U.S. Senate against Gop incumbent Arlen Specter.
There are indications that a decision could come soon, sometime before Inaugural Day. But MSNBC president Phil Griffin declined late last week to say whether that's true or not.
"I've talked to Chris. I think he's going to be here for a long time," Griffin said. "I want him to be here for a long time." Griffin said that there would be "clarity" soon.
Matthews through a spokesman declined an interview. The 63-year-old Matthews is believed to make roughly $5 million a year...
- 12/19/2008
- by By Paul J. Gough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Several U.S. Senators, headed by Arlen Specter (R-pa) delivered a letter to Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner late Tuesday, calling out the League for airing specific games only on the NFL Network starting November 6 and saying the NFL Network is showing an "interest in moving toward a pay television model." In response to the Senator's letter, the NFL Network issued a statement assuring Sen. Specter of its goal to provide NFL games to a national audience. The statement further mentions the NFL Network's current struggle with major cable operators, chiefly Comcast and Time Warner Cable who have limited NFL Network's carriage to more pricey tiers. The NFL network also asked for Sen. Specter's help on negotiations with Comcast and Time Warner and others so the upcoming eight-game package will be available to all viewers. Recently, the FCC Media Bureau ruled Comcast has discriminated and retaliated against the NFL Network thus rebuking consumers.
- 10/30/2008
- by cynthia@cynopsis.com
- Cynopsis.com/
New York -- The NFL Network pushed back Wednesday against a letter from a Pennsylvania senator who criticized the league for showing games on the channel.
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter and a dozen other senators slammed the NFL's policy of excluding viewers from games that are shown on the NFL Network and hoped that the league would put that late-season primetime package onto free TV instead. The NFL Network is available, mostly via premium sports tiers, in a relatively small amount of U.S. TV households.
The NFL said that it was following a TV policy that it has had for the two decades games have been in primetime on Espn, first on Sundays and now on Mondays.
"That same television policy makes the NFL the only league that has all of its regular season and playoff games on free TV, including our limited number of cable games that...
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter and a dozen other senators slammed the NFL's policy of excluding viewers from games that are shown on the NFL Network and hoped that the league would put that late-season primetime package onto free TV instead. The NFL Network is available, mostly via premium sports tiers, in a relatively small amount of U.S. TV households.
The NFL said that it was following a TV policy that it has had for the two decades games have been in primetime on Espn, first on Sundays and now on Mondays.
"That same television policy makes the NFL the only league that has all of its regular season and playoff games on free TV, including our limited number of cable games that...
- 10/29/2008
- by By Paul J. Gough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- A group of senators introduced a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate on Thursday that would empower the U.S. Attorney General to bring civil actions against copyright violators.
The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008 immediately had industry players, such as the MPAA and NBC Universal, voicing their support.
MPAA chairman and CEO Dan Glickman highlighted the importance of the anti-piracy measure to the overall U.S. economy, which has been sluggish.
"It's great to see bipartisan collaboration in the Senate on an issue that is so important, not only to the motion picture industry, which employs 1.3 million American workers and generates $30.25 billion in U.S. wages annually, but to our nation's economy," Glickman said.
"With its solid protections for intellectual property, this important legislation will help strengthen our economy and generate more American jobs." U.S. copyright industries account for more that 11% of the nation's gross domestic product, he pointed out.
NBC Universal "vigorously" applauded the bill, introduced by Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), co-author Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), as well as co-sponsors such as Sens. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), George Voinovich (R-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
"The act would drastically boost our government's ability to protect American innovation and creativity from the pernicious effects of the growing tidal wave of counterfeiting and digital theft that targets a broad array of critical U.S. industries and workers," the entertainment arm of Ge said.
It highlighted that piracy enriches international organized crime syndicates. If the Senate passes the act, it must be reconciled with a similar bill passed by a large majority in the House of Representatives in May.
One key provision in the Senate bill is the establishment of a designated intellectual property enforcement coordinator, who would report directly to the president. Enforcement would be left to the FBI, which would be authorized to form a task force to fight copyright crime. Such a task force would also be created at the Department of Justice.
The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008 immediately had industry players, such as the MPAA and NBC Universal, voicing their support.
MPAA chairman and CEO Dan Glickman highlighted the importance of the anti-piracy measure to the overall U.S. economy, which has been sluggish.
"It's great to see bipartisan collaboration in the Senate on an issue that is so important, not only to the motion picture industry, which employs 1.3 million American workers and generates $30.25 billion in U.S. wages annually, but to our nation's economy," Glickman said.
"With its solid protections for intellectual property, this important legislation will help strengthen our economy and generate more American jobs." U.S. copyright industries account for more that 11% of the nation's gross domestic product, he pointed out.
NBC Universal "vigorously" applauded the bill, introduced by Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), co-author Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), as well as co-sponsors such as Sens. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), George Voinovich (R-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
"The act would drastically boost our government's ability to protect American innovation and creativity from the pernicious effects of the growing tidal wave of counterfeiting and digital theft that targets a broad array of critical U.S. industries and workers," the entertainment arm of Ge said.
It highlighted that piracy enriches international organized crime syndicates. If the Senate passes the act, it must be reconciled with a similar bill passed by a large majority in the House of Representatives in May.
One key provision in the Senate bill is the establishment of a designated intellectual property enforcement coordinator, who would report directly to the president. Enforcement would be left to the FBI, which would be authorized to form a task force to fight copyright crime. Such a task force would also be created at the Department of Justice.
- 7/24/2008
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WASHINGTON -- The NFL played defense on Tuesday before a Senate committee investigating the nation's premier sports league's television policies.
At issue are several deals the NFL has made or is attempting to make that either grant exclusivity to one carrier or another or dictate the tier on which cable operators can place pro football programming.
NFL executive vp Jeffrey Pash told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the league's primary desire is to get its games on more viewers' TV sets by keeping a majority of its games on broadcast TV.
"The centerpiece of the NFL's television policy is free, over-the-air broadcasting of NFL games," Pash told the committee. "The best way to do so has been and continues to be through broadcast television."
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., is concerned that new TV packages such as the one on the NFL Network and the league's Thursday-Saturday package of games will drive up cable prices. He also expressed concern over the NFL's decision to limit its Sunday Ticket package to satellite TV.
Specter accused the NFL of anti-competitive practices because it refused a to take a bid from Comcast for the right to carry the programming. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia.
"Why is Sunday Ticket not available by competitive bidding?" Specter asked. "I'm told the NFL told Comcast it wouldn't take a bid from them."
Specter compared America's love for sports programing to an addict's love for a drug.
"No doubt America has a love affair with professional sports," he said. "It could be called an addiction."
Pash told the lawmaker that the NFL did not want to force viewers to go cold turkey but that the league refused to allow cable companies to get the package because cable operators refused to agree to allow local broadcasters to air the games at the same time.
At issue are several deals the NFL has made or is attempting to make that either grant exclusivity to one carrier or another or dictate the tier on which cable operators can place pro football programming.
NFL executive vp Jeffrey Pash told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the league's primary desire is to get its games on more viewers' TV sets by keeping a majority of its games on broadcast TV.
"The centerpiece of the NFL's television policy is free, over-the-air broadcasting of NFL games," Pash told the committee. "The best way to do so has been and continues to be through broadcast television."
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., is concerned that new TV packages such as the one on the NFL Network and the league's Thursday-Saturday package of games will drive up cable prices. He also expressed concern over the NFL's decision to limit its Sunday Ticket package to satellite TV.
Specter accused the NFL of anti-competitive practices because it refused a to take a bid from Comcast for the right to carry the programming. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia.
"Why is Sunday Ticket not available by competitive bidding?" Specter asked. "I'm told the NFL told Comcast it wouldn't take a bid from them."
Specter compared America's love for sports programing to an addict's love for a drug.
"No doubt America has a love affair with professional sports," he said. "It could be called an addiction."
Pash told the lawmaker that the NFL did not want to force viewers to go cold turkey but that the league refused to allow cable companies to get the package because cable operators refused to agree to allow local broadcasters to air the games at the same time.
- 11/20/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WASHINGTON -- The NFL played defense on Tuesday before a Senate committee investigating the nation's premier sports league's television policies.
At issue are several deals the NFL has made or is attempting to make that either grant exclusivity to one carrier or another or dictate the tier on which cable operators can place pro football programming.
NFL executive vp Jeffrey Pash told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the league's primary desire is to get its games on more viewers' TV sets by keeping a majority of its games on broadcast TV.
"The centerpiece of the NFL's television policy is free, over-the-air broadcasting of NFL games," Pash told the committee. "The best way to do so has been and continues to be through broadcast television."
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., is concerned that new TV packages such as the one on the NFL Network and the league's Thursday-Saturday package of games will drive up cable prices. He also expressed concern over the NFL's decision to limit its Sunday Ticket package to satellite TV.
Specter accused the NFL of anti-competitive practices because it refused a to take a bid from Comcast for the right to carry the programming. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia.
"Why is Sunday Ticket not available by competitive bidding?" Specter asked. "I'm told the NFL told Comcast it wouldn't take a bid from them."
Specter compared America's love for sports programing to an addict's love for a drug.
"No doubt America has a love affair with professional sports," he said. "It could be called an addiction."
Pash told the lawmaker that the NFL did not want to force viewers to go cold turkey but that the league refused to allow cable companies to get the package because cable operators refused to agree to allow local broadcasters to air the games at the same time.
At issue are several deals the NFL has made or is attempting to make that either grant exclusivity to one carrier or another or dictate the tier on which cable operators can place pro football programming.
NFL executive vp Jeffrey Pash told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the league's primary desire is to get its games on more viewers' TV sets by keeping a majority of its games on broadcast TV.
"The centerpiece of the NFL's television policy is free, over-the-air broadcasting of NFL games," Pash told the committee. "The best way to do so has been and continues to be through broadcast television."
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., is concerned that new TV packages such as the one on the NFL Network and the league's Thursday-Saturday package of games will drive up cable prices. He also expressed concern over the NFL's decision to limit its Sunday Ticket package to satellite TV.
Specter accused the NFL of anti-competitive practices because it refused a to take a bid from Comcast for the right to carry the programming. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia.
"Why is Sunday Ticket not available by competitive bidding?" Specter asked. "I'm told the NFL told Comcast it wouldn't take a bid from them."
Specter compared America's love for sports programing to an addict's love for a drug.
"No doubt America has a love affair with professional sports," he said. "It could be called an addiction."
Pash told the lawmaker that the NFL did not want to force viewers to go cold turkey but that the league refused to allow cable companies to get the package because cable operators refused to agree to allow local broadcasters to air the games at the same time.
- 11/15/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WASHINGTON -- The NFL played defense on Tuesday before a Senate committee investigating the nation's premier sports league's television policies.
At issue are several deals the NFL has made or is attempting to make that either grant exclusivity to one carrier or another or dictate the tier on which cable operators can place pro football programming.
NFL executive vp Jeffrey Pash told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the league's primary desire is to get its games on more viewers' TV sets by keeping a majority of its games on broadcast TV.
"The centerpiece of the NFL's television policy is free, over-the-air broadcasting of NFL games," Pash told the committee. "The best way to do so has been and continues to be through broadcast television."
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., is concerned that new TV packages such as the one on the NFL Network and the league's Thursday-Saturday package of games will drive up cable prices. He also expressed concern over the NFL's decision to limit its Sunday Ticket package to satellite TV.
Specter accused the NFL of anti-competitive practices because it refused a to take a bid from Comcast for the right to carry the programming. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia.
"Why is Sunday Ticket not available by competitive bidding?" Specter asked. "I'm told the NFL told Comcast it wouldn't take a bid from them."
Specter compared America's love for sports programing to an addict's love for a drug.
"No doubt America has a love affair with professional sports," he said. "It could be called an addiction."
Pash told the lawmaker that the NFL did not want to force viewers to go cold turkey but that the league refused to allow cable companies to get the package because cable operators refused to agree to allow local broadcasters to air the games at the same time.
At issue are several deals the NFL has made or is attempting to make that either grant exclusivity to one carrier or another or dictate the tier on which cable operators can place pro football programming.
NFL executive vp Jeffrey Pash told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the league's primary desire is to get its games on more viewers' TV sets by keeping a majority of its games on broadcast TV.
"The centerpiece of the NFL's television policy is free, over-the-air broadcasting of NFL games," Pash told the committee. "The best way to do so has been and continues to be through broadcast television."
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., is concerned that new TV packages such as the one on the NFL Network and the league's Thursday-Saturday package of games will drive up cable prices. He also expressed concern over the NFL's decision to limit its Sunday Ticket package to satellite TV.
Specter accused the NFL of anti-competitive practices because it refused a to take a bid from Comcast for the right to carry the programming. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia.
"Why is Sunday Ticket not available by competitive bidding?" Specter asked. "I'm told the NFL told Comcast it wouldn't take a bid from them."
Specter compared America's love for sports programing to an addict's love for a drug.
"No doubt America has a love affair with professional sports," he said. "It could be called an addiction."
Pash told the lawmaker that the NFL did not want to force viewers to go cold turkey but that the league refused to allow cable companies to get the package because cable operators refused to agree to allow local broadcasters to air the games at the same time.
- 11/14/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WASHINGTON -- A wide range of organizations representing the political gamut from copyright holders to anti-tax groups are urging lawmakers to reject legislation that would bring some legitimate film and TV productions under the same federal reporting requirements as X-rated films (HR 10/19). In a letter to the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the 30 groups -- including the MPAA, RIAA, SAG, the American Conservative Union and Americans for Tax Reform -- say the new requirement is a bad idea for legitimate business and could actually undo the current adult-film industry reporting requirements. "The breadth and scope of the proposed amendments are such that they will not only have serious, adverse economic and practical implications for legitimate industries but could very likely place (the current reporting law) into a questionable constitutional stature which would threaten to undermine our shared goal of protecting children from exploitation," the groups wrote in a letter sent last week to Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.
- 10/31/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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