CBS will take the "Evening News with Katie Couric" into the HDTV era July 28. CBS News has lagged behind other major news organizations in moving to HD, but the network is now moving aggressively to take its offerings to the higher-resolution format. Flagship magazine show "60 Minutes" will go HD in September, while "48 Hours" and "CBS Sunday Morning" will make the switch in 2009. "The Early Show" could go to HD later this year or in 2010, depending on whether it renews its lease at the General Motors Building.

In a preview of what might be ahead for interactive television, The Walt Disney Company is tapping social networking and interactive features to encourage viewers to buy Blu-ray DVDs of "Sleeping Beauty." In October, the company will release a 50th-anniversary edition of the animated classic, which allows viewers to watch the movie with friends in other locations and chat using a laptop, P.D.A. or cellphone. Shared comments and video messages appear on the screen as the movie plays. The interactive activities are possible because of technology that connects Blu-ray discs with the Internet, called BD Live. Disney, …

A new Japanese export is attracting U.S. consumers: television game shows that inflict pain and humiliation for a laugh. For instance, contestants on ABC's "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" had trash hurled at them and were smashed against a car windshield while dressed as bees. The show got 8 million viewers on its June debut, according to Nielsen. "It was one of the most absurd things we've ever put on the air," says John Saade, ABC executive. But the warm U.S reception means network agents went to Japan this month and are "buying up [similar] formats left …

Recession, what recession? Newspaper food magazine Relish, published by the Publishers Group of America, will increase circulation from 12 million to 15 million in January 2009 issue and add a 13th issue. Ad revenues at Relish are about $62.3 million, up more than 80% from last year. Ad pages are up 29.4% for the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year, per PIB. "Relishhas been a rocket that has resonated with advertisers, publishers and readers," says publisher Tracy Altman. Relish launched in February 2006 and has increased circulation by 3 million each year. …

Microsoft is working with Netflix to enable Xbox 360 owners to play movies on demand through their game consoles. Under the agreement, Netflix's streaming-movie service will be playable on televisions connected to the console without additional software or hardware. Netflix has been partnering with consumer electronics companies to make its streaming movie service a TV experience, as opposed to a PC experience. Netflix already has deals with LG Electronics and Roku. ,br> The deal potentially gives Netflix access to more than 12 million Xbox Live subscribers and boosts Microsoft's efforts to turn the Xbox 360 into a digital …

Struggling local newspapers might find salvation from their readers--if they have the right readers. The 142-year-old Putnam County News and Recorder numbers Roger Ailes, the chairman of Fox News and a local resident, among its devoted readers. Ailes likes the paper so much he bought it. Ailes and his wife Elizabeth purchased the 3,000-circulation paper in Putnam County, about 60 miles north of New York City. The paper will "probably stay the same." says Elizabeth Ailes, who will be the publisher. In the 1990s, she worked at NBC, CNBC and the cable channel America's Talking. "It's a really …