Former AOL CEO Rumored to Buy Yahoo: MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer December 3, 2008

The WSJ is reporting that former AOL Chief Executive Jonathan Miller maybe purchasing Yahoo for between $28-30 billion, roughly $22 a share. Yahoo's stock benefited from the rumor, up 7% to $11.50. While the rumor mill is heating up, it should be noted that Miller is still under a non complete agreement with AOL, which prohibited him from joining Yahoo's board over the summer.

Amazon may launch an HD streaming option for its Amazon Video on Demand service on TiVO. While the porthole is currently unavailable, it is expect that movies will play for two minutes while users are searching the library, giving them the option to purchase and download or store in an Amazon cloud. According to Bill Carr, Amazon's VP for digital media, "Our goal is to create an immersive experience where people can't help but get caught up in how exciting it is to simply watch a movie right from Amazon.com with a click of the button."

NBC News is expected to name chief White House correspondent David Gregory the new anchor on Meet the Press. Gregory, who will replace Tim Russert, recently hosted MSNBC's election night coverage and has been known to spare with White House officials on occasion. This sunday on Meet the Press, temporary anchor Tom Brokaw will interview President-elect Barack Obama.

Last night RIM announced that sales fell approximately 9% below its estimated projection. The BlackBerry manufacturer's subscriber growth also fell 10% below its forecasted rate. The good news for RIM is that Verizon Wireless is still sold out of the new BlackBerry Storm, which, if back in stock, could be a major holiday player.

Plus, today's consulting question, "Am I any closer to getting theatrical day-and-date released on VOD?" Shelly has the answer on today's MediaBytes.

Shelly Palmer is a consultant and the host of MediaBytes a daily show featuring news you can use about technology, media & entertainment. He is Managing Director of Advanced Media Ventures Group LLC and the author of Television Disrupted: The Transition from Network to Networked TV (2008, York House Press). Shelly is also President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY (the organization that bestows the coveted Emmy® Awards). You can join the MediaBytes mailing list here. Shelly can be reached at [e-mail]