Fox is getting pricing premiums of between 35-40% for ad space in two new 2008-09 dramas that are running only half the typical number of commercials. The shows "Fringe" and "The Dollhouse" have cut the portion of ads and promotions in an effort to maximize viewer engagement. Fewer ads mean the commercial pods will be shorter. "Fringe" will premiere this fall, while "The Dollhouse" will begin airing in January. Fox's prime-time packages with its so-called "Remote Free TV" are averaging increases in the low-double digits, while packages with the traditional number of spots are averaging increases …

In another sign that Hollywood is reevaluating the independent movie market, Paramount Pictures' main studio will absorb the marketing, distribution and production of its specialty label, Paramount Vantage. The move will save millions each year in overhead, say studio execs. Previously, Hollywood studios created specialty labels to tap into the market for small, inexpensive films, such as "Juno," that can be highly profitable if they achieve commercial success. But the indie field has become more crowded and expensive, thanks to nontraditional financing sources, from hedge funds to independent investors. Consolidation is seen as the best way for studios …

The parent company of Variety, Broadcasting & Cable and other trade publications eliminated 41 jobs this week, with more layoffs possible in the near future. The publisher, Reed Business Information, says the job cuts are part of a company-wide restructuring. They run across several of RBI publications and business units and include several editors, sales representatives and online staffers. "Trimming costs in advance of the sale is the right way to go to capture additional proceeds in the sale," says DeSilva + Phillips managing partner Reed Phillips. "Otherwise, the buyer will make those cuts but not …

Welcome to China. Beijing has threatened to crack down on "ambush" marketers that try to use the publicity of the games to promote their brands without paying for the right to do so. It specifically named organized groups of spectators wearing the brand logos of non-sponsors. At a news conference Tuesday, marketing director Chen Feng said companies will be monitored for illegal advertising and unauthorized use of the Olympic symbols and "serious action" will be taken against violators.

MediaNews Group CEO William Dean Singleton urged newspaper leaders at the World Newspaper Congress to "discard our arrogance" and focus on what readers need. At the conference he said his industry should embrace the Internet, while making the core print product more efficient. "Once and for all, we're going to have to quit writing and editing for each other and write and edit for that consumer out there," he said. Singleton's privately held MediaNews, with 60 papers in 12 states, has been busy acquiring newspapers in recent years, including several in California. He says by 2012, half his …