NBC News gets new president. Oscars still searching for host.
After the coffee. Before going out to vote for next mayor of Los Angeles.
The Skinny: It’s election day here so do your civic duty and remember to take nothing for granted. Tuesday’s stories include a new president at NBC News, Seth MacFarlane says no -- again -- to hosting the Oscars, and “The X Factor” has locked in its new judges.
Daily Dose: Now that the upfronts are done, the big TV production companies have rolled out the red carpet for top television executives from around the globe who come here every May for a shopping spree. Screenings are going on throughout the week and then the deal-making gets done. Dramas are the easy sell, comedies are tougher because sometimes humor doesn’t travel as well. Given the increase in sitcoms picked up for the fall, it will be interesting to see how that affects the deals this week.
The British are coming! Deborah Turness, news editor for the British TV channel ITV, has been tapped as the new president of NBC News. Turness takes over for Steve Capus, who resigned in March. Besides trying to get NBC’s morning program “Today” back on track, Turness will also focus on strengthening NBC’s digital presence. Coverage on Turness from the Los Angeles Times, Associated Press and New York Times.
PHOTOS: Hollywood backlot moments
I’m available. Seth MacFarlane once again said he is not available to host next year’s Oscars. This time, we seem to believe him. So who wants this thankless job that serves only to give anyone with a Twitter account a chance to play critic? Tina Fey’s not interested. Alec Baldwin has already said it’s not worth the hassle. Variety and the Los Angeles Times on the search for a host.
The XX Factor. Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio are joining Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell as judges on Fox’s musical talent show “The X Factor.” That makes the majority of judges female. “It just feels like the time to do something different,” Cowell said. Whether that will be enough to jump-start the disappointing ratings remains to be seen. I’ll go out on a limb and say no. More from the Hollywood Reporter.
PHOTOS: Front row photography by The Times
Come on Miami! While many basketball fans may be cheering for an Indiana upset of Miami the Eastern Conference final, ABC, which will carry the finals, is probably rooting for the Heat. Why? Miami means bigger TV ratings because of its huge national following. In hockey, many of the potential Stanley Cup matches look promising. But if San Jose and Ottawa make it, that might be bad news. The Wall Street Journal handicaps the NBA and NHL finals from the perspective of the TV networks that carry the games.
Inside the Los Angeles Times: United Talent Agency’s new screening room has become the envy of Hollywood.
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