BROADCAST
The question of whether Michael Green is suitable as chairman of ITV, the
company that will be formed by the merger of Carlton and Granada, sparked a huge
debate.
The Guardian

A teen version of the reality hit "Big Brother," complete with sex, has
British viewers of the Channel 4 program up in arms.
Sydney Morning Herald

"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," the homosexual hit that has viewers raving
in America, has finally hit the Australian airwaves.
Sydney Morning Herald

The last of Russia's Independent TV stations closed in June. At Ekho-TV,
journalists are free to say what they please — but it won't be broadcast in the
country.
Chicago Tribune

SATELLITE
The European Commission is currently investigating whether BSkyB's 1 billion
pound football deal is illegal on the basis that the company paid too much for
the contract.
The Independent

A whopping 52,000 people tuned in to watch the pay-per-view broadcast of
three Premier League games in Israel. Golden Channels, Matav and Tevel provided
32,450 of the viewers. The remaining 19,250 were from satellite TV viewers.
Ha'Aretz

PROGRAMMING
New Fox drama premiering tonight shows a lot more "Skin" than other network
programs. This modern take on "Romeo and Juliet" casts the star-crossed lovers
as the daughter of a porn mogul and the son of the District Attorney trying to
put him away.
Boston Globe

Frustrated TV viewers lament the demise of quality programming. That is,
programming without all the sex and violence that has become typical of even a
show aired during the family hour.
USA Today

Theater star Sean Cullen set to host tonight's Gemini Awards, Canada's answer
to the Emmys.
The Toronto Star

Protesters descended upon the set of "Star Academy," a French reality TV
show, leaving several people injured.
The Guardian

ADVERTISING
Advertisements for unhealthy snacks are being curbed during kiddie programs
in Britain in an ongoing effort to teach children healthy eating habits.
The Observer

TECHNOLOGY
The QVC clip of a staffer falling off a ladder during a product demonstration
that has been making the rounds on the Internet, raises questions about the
safety of live television.
The New York Times

Nokia CEO Jorma Ollila says the Finland-based corporation plans to expand
into the $35.5 billion gaming market dominated by Sony and Nintendo.
The Toronto Star

TiVO may have finally met its match in a set-top box made by
Scientific-Atlanta for Time Warner Cable, which offers a built-in DVR.
The New York Times

CONSUMER
Purchasing a television set today is a lesson in new techno lingo. From
plasma to Digital Light Processing (DLP), consumers are having to bone up before
they buy.
The Toronto Star

FILM
Romania, with its low-wage but skilled workers, its beautiful scenery and
abundant raw materials, is quickly becoming a center of the European film
industry.
Los Angeles Times

BSkyB is expected to announce a new commitment to world cinema, a first foray
for the company outside the confines of big studio deals.

The Guardian

Tarak Ben Ammar will be a front cover story in the Nov./Dec. Issue of
VideoAge. This Issue will be at MIFED (covering the controversy with the AFM) and at
the Jornadas in Buenos Aires for the Latin American satellite and cable
market. At MIFED, VideoAge will have a Daily and the monthly will be covering the
International Emmys.
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