Pay to play
Television networks paid more than $5 million for exclusive rights to show events surrounding President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, including tomorrow's Lincoln Memorial concert and Tuesday night's Neighborhood Ball, where Beyonce will serenade the new first couple.
Nearly half the money, $2.5 million, will be paid by HBO. The cable network will show tomorrow's concert - featuring U2, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and others - live. It will repeat it tomorrow night.
Obama's inaugural committee said the Walt Disney Co. is paying $2 million to show the Neighborhood Ball on ABC and for a kids' concert Tuesday on the Disney Channel. MTV is paying $650,000 for a Youth Ball that will be shown worldwide.
The committee said it made the deals to ensure as many people as possible could enjoy the events for free.
NBC renews shows
Like anyone thought they were in jeopardy - but just to make things clear, NBC is renewing Tina Fey's 30 Rock for the 2009-2010 season, along with The Office and The Biggest Loser.
NBC also announced yesterday that it has set April 9 as the premiere date for Amy Poehler's new comedy, a mockumentary about local government, which is still in search of a title.
NBC is keeping the 10 p.m. Thursday time period reserved for drama as it announced that Southland, a new police drama from ER executive producer John Wells, also will make its debut at 10 p.m. April 9. NBC said ER will have three more episodes than previously announced before the show ends for good. That will push its two-hour finale to April 2.
Angela Bromstad, new president of prime-time entertainment for NBC, also told the meeting of the Television Critics Association that Heroes, now in its third season, is secure.
And, she said, the network feels "very strongly" about Life, Friday Night Lights and Lipstick Jungle.
From Sun news services
today's birthdays
Actress Betty White, 87.
Actor James Earl Jones, 78.
Former boxing champion Muhammad Ali, 67.
Actor Jim Carrey, 47.
Future first lady Michelle Obama, 45.
Actor Naveen Andrews, 40.
Rapper Kid Rock, 38.
