• Universal Reduces Media Knowledge, Puts Less Stock In Future Of Media Futures by Joe Mandese

    In the wake of its Coca-Cola Co. media buying account loss, Universal McCann has begun making some high-profile cuts. Among the executives to be let go as part of the cost-containment move was Jon Swallen, senior vice president and director of media knowledge. What makes Swallen's departure so ironic, was that he also oversaw Universal's so-called "media futures" program, an area that was thrown into question less than a year ago when Universal fired its former head of media futures Mitch Oscar. ...Read the whole story

  • Nielsen Plan Would Whack 'Sopranos,' Other Pay Cable Ratings by Joe Mandese

    HBO would probably have a difficult time proving it, but it appears that the broadcast networks may have ordered Nielsen to whack high-profile premium cable TV shows like its "The Sopranos." In a surprising move, Nielsen Media Research Monday said that beginning in January, it would alter the way it reports ratings for premium pay cable networks in a way that will show smaller audience numbers and make it impossible to trend their results for at least another year. ...Read the whole story

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