The recession seems to be driving viewers away from reality programming with some of the networks' biggest unscripted series sinking in the ratings lately. Horizon Media's analysis of Nielsen data for the first two months of the TV season finds that established reality and game shows, including "Dancing With the Stars," "Survivor" and "Deal or No Deal," are suffering a slump. While you could argue that all network TV is down this fall, the fact is all of the series that have shown improvement are scripted shows. Part of the explanation is that many of the reality shows …

You didn't have to visit the CNN Grill at election time to have experienced America's original cable news network laying it on thick. For much of the 2008 election, CNN's mission seems to have been to go over the top -- to swagger through "the leanest of times." The network sponsored seven debates, signed up a roster of all-star political pundits and unleashed an array of new audio-visual technology, some from military defense contractors. "When you have the wind at your back in the form of a very profitable streak, you've got to try things, to embrace innovation, …

Magazine industry imperatives that existed before the financial meltdown -- like finding new ways to reach consumers -- probably matter even more now. Despite industry tumult, Rodale's Best Life is going ahead with plans to take over an airline lounge at New York JFK airport. Starting Nov. 24, the Delta Crown Room in Terminal 2 will host the Best Life Experience, where travelers will be offered product samples, a wine bar, driving simulators and other amenities. i>Best Life has sold 20 ad pages in conjunction with the program. Chief sponsors are Mercedes-Benz, Tommy Bahama, Kendall-Jackson and Clarins. …

The pressure on Arbitron has jumped from the state level to the federal level as an FCC commissioner called Tuesday for an FCC investigation of Arbitron Inc.'s new electronic radio-ratings system. Democratic commissioner Jonathan Adelstein asked current FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to open a formal investigation into the Arbitron system. The move makes it more likely that the Feds will look into the matter by early next year. Attorneys general in New York and New Jersey are already investigating Arbitron's rating system. Minority broadcasters and interest groups say Arbitron's Portable People Meter system significantly undercounts minority listenership. …

A television news director who was fired by Univision last year contends in a lawsuit that company executives shaped stories to woo advertisers. Jorge Mettey served for five years as the news director of KMEX-TV Channel 34, Los Angeles' top-rated station. He was ousted in April 2007 after the company determined that he breached ethics policies in directing news coverage. The suit claims that Mettey was fired because he refused to go along with Univision's alleged practice of tailoring news coverage for some advertising sponsors. The situation intensified in early 2007, after a group of investors acquired …

Another shelter magazine bites the dust. Four-year-old Cottage Living is being shut down by Time Inc. The November/December issue now on newsstands will be its last. With a circulation of 1 million, Cottage Living had 141 ad pages in its debut issue in 2004, making it the largest launch in terms of pages in the history of Time Inc. But its ad-page growth didn't keep pace with its costly circulation growth. In 2008, its ad page tally slumped by 5 percent to 514.3. Some expect Cottage Living editor Lindsay Bierman to move to the top editor spot …

MPG reached outside the agency world to hire Shaun Holliday as CEO of MPG North America, replacing Charlie Rutman, who will remain a senior advisor to the agency. "Shaun's unique skills and background make him ideally suited to bring next generation leadership to the industry," says Maria Luisa Francoli, worldwide CEO of MPG. What is the ideal background for a next generation agency leader? Most recently, Holliday was CEO at Gryphon Investors, a leading private-equity firm. Before that, he was a top executive at various consumer brands, including Rubbermaid, Pepsi, Diageo's Guinness and Frito-Lay. He also has served …

In a move that could backfire if anti-Detroit public sentiment grows, the Radio Advertising Bureau wants radio companies to back the controversial GM bailout plan. RAB has posted on its site a letter from General Motors' ad director Betsy Lazar, asking for radio's support "during a difficult period of the U.S. auto industry." RAB CEO Jeff Haley reinforces the message with an intro that says, "One of our great partners, General Motors, has reached out and asked for our help... I appreciate your giving this matter your attention." Lazar's letter claims that auto companies were making progress …