The LAPD opened an investigation as to whether photos reportedly showing Rihanna after an alleged fight with Chris Brown surfaced on TMZ.com can be used in an impending investigation. The photo appears as the main post on the tabloid site. The post is titled "Rihanna--The Face of a Battered Woman."
Despite rumors that SAG may strike a deal with the AMPTP this weekend, talks have now been cut off. Sources say that talks broke down after SAG insisted that a new contract expire June 30, 2011. Upon this, the AMPTP issued a "last, best and final" offer to the Actors Guild.
In another case of reality TV going too far, British reality TV star Jade Goody is in negotiations to broadcast her death on national television. Goody, known for her loud mouth antics on Big Brother, has terminal cancer. While this sort of television is truly despicable, the truly disgusting part is that the show will probably score a very high rating.
Nielsen is reporting that Nintendo's success with the popular Wii gaming system is due to young boys and women. Unlike the PS3 and Xbox 360, which appeal more to traditional hardcore gamers, the Wii is a casual system that has proven popular with kids of all ages. Nielsen's report indicates that Boys 6-11 and Women ages 18-24 and 35+ are the Wii's bread and butter.
The Wall Street Journal has an article today entitled "Cable Firms Look to Offer TV Programs Online." While the premise of the article is true, the piece seriously mischaracterizes the players, the playing field and what's a stake. It also implies that the threat of over-the-top media consumption is somehow new, which it isn't. From a content provider's perspective, the only question is whether or not they can sustain a dual revenue model without a walled garden.