Fargo’s On-Location Filming Brings Jobs, Tourism to Illinois
Before a TV show starts filming, a lot of big decisions have to be made. Chief among them, where will production take place? Sometimes, an elaborate set is built (that sometimes can be a holodeck). Other times a location scout works to find an already built environment to use as a backdrop. On-location projects come with perks that are absent with a set: authenticity, scale, and often times support from local government offices. These projects also bring significant economic stimulus to an area by employing local crews and talent. The effects on the community can often go far beyond those
NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell Talks Infrastructure and More on C-SPAN
NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell is the featured guest this week on C-SPAN’s The Communicators, where much of the discussion focused on the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan, specifically its broadband provisions. While the full 30-minute interview is available here, we used C-SPAN’s video clipping tool to develop several soundbites on the key issues that were covered. Those topics include: Importance of targeted funding, How to future proof new networks, The success of direct consumer subsidies, and Warning against rate regulation. Powell also talked about other topics ranging
Discovery's Documentary on Pope Francis Issues a Call to Action to all Humanity
When the world's leader of the Catholic Church grants filmmakers unprecedented access to his life, it's a pretty big deal. This week, viewers are getting the opportunity to learn more about Pope Francis and the issues that matter most to him through Discovery's documentary, "Francesco." Released on Discovery+ at the start of Holy Week and just in time for Easter Sunday, "Francesco" is the first of a whole new slate of original programming by the streaming service—which launched in January—and represents the network's new investment towards premium documentaries. At the Television Critics
Nielsen Data Shows that People Working From Home Are Watching "The Office"
The COVID-19 pandemic has reached its one-year mark across much of the globe. In a year marked by a constant deluge of bad news, political polarization, and pervasive uncertainty, TV and video entertainment provided Americans with a much needed escape. New data from Nielsen calls attention to the importance of TV as a means for Americans to sustain themselves and their sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain new releases, like “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, saw spikes during the stay home period, Nielsen data indicates that most viewers sought the comfort of old, familiar
Turner Reimagines March Madness Live to Meet Fans Where They Are
After last year’s disappointing March Madness cancellation due to COVID-19, the tournament is back for 2021 and fans are getting ready for the Sweet 16. Viewers have also been on the receiving end of a whole new entertainment experience this year. Turner and CBS are providing live coverage of all 67 games from the tournament across TBS, CBS, TNT, and truTV. But in addition, March Madness Live (MML)—the NCAA tournament app produced jointly by Turner and CBS—is sporting a new look and design to encourage more interactivity and engagement with viewers. Notably, MML is now available on a record 18
OWN's New Show, 'Delilah,' Reflects the Realities of Many Black Women
The premiere of the Oprah Winfrey Network's (OWN) show, "Delilah," could not have come at a better time as Americans celebrate Women's History Month and as the country continues to go through a reckoning over racial and social injustice. The first episode of the legal drama aired earlier this week and spotlights a Black female lawyer, Delilah, who seeks justice at every turn while simultaneously juggling family and personal responsibilities. A focus on strong Black female characters has always been a priority for Oprah Winfrey and her network, as Creator & Executive Producer Craig Wright
Upcoming Cable TV Shows Spotlight Women in Unique Ways
Women's History Month marks a time to honor those women who fought against gender inequality and opened news paths forward for women. But it is also a time to recognize and celebrate the projects currently underway that continue to challenge gender roles and stereotypes in unique ways, and that highlight real women paving the way for other women around them. TV and media can be huge drivers in this arena, and cable TV networks are busy producing programs and shows that feature strong female characters and that focus on female empowerment. At the Television Critics Association press tour last
How TV Production Crews Made the Best Out of an Unprecedented Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has had and continues to have a profound effect on TV productions. Productions were halted, premieres were delayed and obstacles were planted. Despite this, cable TV networks have shown that they have the ability to not only adapt to the new environment and overcome these challenges, but to continue to create and produce the rich and compelling stories that audiences have come to expect. During the virtual Television Critics Association press tour held earlier this month, executives, producers and talent from various shows expressed their awe and amazement of their teams
BET's Specials Educate Viewers on the History of Injustice and What Can Be Done
Black History Month in 2021 has looked different from previous years, understandably. With COVID-19 still forcing millions of Americans to stay home, TV networks are airing special themed programming so viewers can continue to learn about Black History and celebrate Black achievement while social distancing. Notably, on February 21, Black Entertainment Television (known as BET) began airing two ground-breaking unscripted series for Black History Month: “Boiling Point,” which explores Black America’s long-standing struggle for racial justice and equality, and “Disrupt & Dismantle,” an
National Geographic Focuses on Stories With Impact
As the world continues to react to the ongoing pandemic and as the United States wrestles with issues of racial and social justice, many are eager for TV programming that challenges them to learn about the systemic discrimination that has been inherent in many societies across the world. National Geographic has been long been committed to telling the story of not just the planet Earth, but of the people who call it home, their cultural differences, and the struggles and discrimination that marginalized groups face every day. So when National Geographic announced its new lineup earlier this