For cable networks, only one show is needed for success --- but at least one. These days if you are without, you'll need a winner fast. Spike TV doesn't have that - and neither does BET, which has proven to be dangerous ground for networks and their executives.

Media consolidation is still a headache, still a threat, and advertisers are still footing the bill. Under chairman Michael Powell, the Federal Communications Commission was moving towards wholesale media deregulation. But a federal appeals court last year ordered the FCC to reconsider its action. Now the Bush Administration has decided not to challenge that decision - which critics say effectively kills the FCC's efforts.

Video on Demand (VOD) has a lot of demand from viewers, but little demand from networks right now. The Wall Street Journal reported on the subject today with the angle that while VOD is most assuredly the next wave of TV, the networks aren't biting with their big popular primetime TV shows. According to David Zaslav, president of the cable division at NBC Universal, it's because VOD doesn't have a promising economic model.

The mouth from the South is at it again, spicing up a National Association of Television Program Executives meeting in Las Vegas to the delight and chagrin of press and executives, respectively. The wide-ranging interview covered Turner's philanthropic activities, environmental issues, a growing liking of Bill Clinton, as well as his involvement in a chain of restaurants serving bison burgers.

For years TV marketing executives have moaned about the decreasing ways viewers can sample their new shows.

The day after NBC Universal TV Group president Jeff Zucker said NBC was headed for another "very good year" in upfront ad revenues, Johnny Carson, the network's beloved long-time late night host, died.

When it comes to cooking up a delicate branded entertainment deal, some consumer product companies get it well done; others get it cheesy. Give Burger King its due.

National TV advertisers who bought Fox's "American Idol" must be thinking Christmas has come again --- about 11 months early.

Future news personalities on "The CBS Evening News" will be younger, and not the "voice of God, single anchor" type, according to Les Moonves, co-president, co-COO of Viacom and chairman of CBS.

Tasting a reality programming recipe gone wrong, Fox offered some change to its main course. But no harm here -- the business press hasn't taken a bite so far.