• by John Gaffney , November 4, 2002

Even James Lipton Would Applaud: I don’t like a lot of acquisitions in today’s media world, but I do think NBC wrapping Bravo is a brilliant move. Here’s why. Let’s say it’s January, and NBCs primetime is still close to sold out or even sold out. You, the media buyer, want to place an ad for yet another zero-finance deal for an auto client. You must be in front of the 34 year-old, intelligent high-income couple. “I don’t think I can get you on Friends,” the NBC rep says. “But, tell ya what. Buy ‘Inside The Actor’s Studio’ next week, and I’ll give you first shot at Fraser if it opens up. Or even better, we’re going to run The Best of Friends on Bravo in April. I can get you on there.” NBC just bought itself a high-end syndicated channel. It has made people forget about the NFL deal that it bailed on. It’s playing a smart hand right now.

Outhouse Humor: There was a lot made in the trade press yesterday about the fact that more people in American own outhouses than own TiVos or other PVRs. TiVo is one year away from one of those big Christmas seasons where it is the gift of the year. Laugh now.

Rosie-Martha: I could riff about the Rosie comments about wanting her talk show back so she could sing love songs to Martha Stewart. I respect Martha for her fighting spirit, not her stock acumen. Rosie, I must admit, I’m so done with.