Feb 2009
Long goodbye for Fox4's Henderson
02/27/09 11:22 AM
Fox4 devoted much of Friday's
four-hour Good Day to a "Mega Megan Celebration" in honor
of departing co-anchor Megan Henderson. Also, the
latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.
And unclebarky.com slumps to five out of six after
missing on one of Thursday's selections to
American Idol's top 12 finalists. Plus, CBS has a
new Jesse Stone movie Sunday night, with
Tom Selleck again in fine form as a weather-beaten
small-town cop. Check out our review here.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Good Day re-percolates
02/26/09 01:27 PM
Dallas-based Fox4 will go an
unconventional route -- at least in the short-term --
after co-anchor Megan Henderson signs off Friday from
the station's early morning Good Day. Read our
report here. Also, Jerry Seinfeld is
returning to NBC as creator-producer of a new
comedy-reality series about marital discord. The
TV Bulletin Board page has details
on this and more. And on the Network News & Reviews page,
see what new shows are coming in March -- and
which Big 4 broadcast networks are leading the
ratings pack.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Jury duty done
02/26/09 10:24 AM
Uncle Barky, jury foreman? Yes, that
actually happened Wednesday. But the justice system
presumably survived, and we're back in business after
a day-long trial and buildup. Check out our picks of
which three contestants will
survive Thursday's American Idol
vote-off. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings
are in for both a President Obama-infused Tuesday and
Idol's delayed Wednesday
sing-off.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Gotta go
02/24/09 10:32 PM
Two words: Jury duty.
So cornfed unclebarky.com will be out of commission for at least part of Wednesday.
Ed Bark
So cornfed unclebarky.com will be out of commission for at least part of Wednesday.
Ed Bark
Wake up and smell the ratings
02/24/09 01:27 PM
Megan Henderson's impending departure
from Fox4 and the imminent arrival of a new guy at
WFAA8 make early mornings a fertile field for NBC5. Also, the
latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are a grim reaper for
NBC's fallen Heroes. And
woo-hoo, it's gonna be Conan and Andy together
again. Get the details on our TV Bulletin Board page.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Oscar audience grows from last year's low
02/23/09 02:28 PM
Sunday night's Oscar ceremony topped last year's all-time low in
the national Nielsens, but still is no blockbuster
on the all-time list. Also, Mel Gibson resurfaced
deep into the night on Jimmy Kimmel's post-Oscar
show. Check out the movie spoof he brought with him.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
It's official: Henderson leaving Fox4
02/23/09 08:28 AM
Megan Henderson, co-anchor of Fox4's
Good Day since August 2003, is heading West to
KTLA-TV. Get the details here. Also, check out our review of
Sunday's Oscar-cast. And the
latest D-FW Nielsen ratings take a
look at how Oscar performed in these parts.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
P(l)ay ball: A record number of Rangers games will be on Fox Sports Southwest
02/20/09 01:30 PM
The Texas Rangers have just announced
their TV schedule, which mostly will be out of reach
for fans without cable or satellite packages. Get our
play-by-play here. Also, the new BBC America
series Mistresses has both sex
appeal and substance.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Ruminating on "Pete's Tweets" and Dale's "procedure"
02/19/09 03:58 PM
Actually, "ruminating" is way too long
a word for any self-respecting, character-deprived
Tweeter. See what we mean in regards to
Dallas-based WFAA8's oft-childlike duo of Pete
Delkus and Dale Hansen. Also, unclebarky.com
gets lucky with American
Idol's first three finalists. And Jimmy
Fallon's first-week guest list has some big names attached.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
New for you
02/18/09 01:29 PM
Psst, Fox4's local newscasts at last
are in high-definition. The first one quietly arrived at noon Wednesday
with no fanfare -- or technical difficulties.
Also, unclebarky.com picks the survivors from
Tuesday night's 12-way American Idol
sing-off, from which only three will emerge
Wednesday night after Season 8's first viewer
votes are announced.
Note to readers: Nielsen Media Research won't be releasing any further local market ratings until Friday because of digital switchovers by some stations on the previously announced date of Feb. 17 (now pushed back to June 12). So our daily "Local Nielsen ratings snapshot" will be off until then. Also note that all D-FW stations are waiting until June 12 to make the transition.
Also, we want to thank photojournalist Mike Irvin for his pre-paid ad on the right hand side of all unclebarky.com pages. These are what help to keep this Web site going. So check out his services if you would. Especially if you're planning a wedding. And click on the red "Advertise on Uncle Barky" tag if you're interested in placing an ad yourself.
Ed Bark
Note to readers: Nielsen Media Research won't be releasing any further local market ratings until Friday because of digital switchovers by some stations on the previously announced date of Feb. 17 (now pushed back to June 12). So our daily "Local Nielsen ratings snapshot" will be off until then. Also note that all D-FW stations are waiting until June 12 to make the transition.
Also, we want to thank photojournalist Mike Irvin for his pre-paid ad on the right hand side of all unclebarky.com pages. These are what help to keep this Web site going. So check out his services if you would. Especially if you're planning a wedding. And click on the red "Advertise on Uncle Barky" tag if you're interested in placing an ad yourself.
Ed Bark
Two new faces -- and lotsa Facebook -- on the The 33's 9 p.m. local newscast
02/17/09 03:16 PM
Dallas-based The 33 unveiled its
new anchor team on Monday's 9 p.m.
newscast. Jocular Walt Maciborski tripped over his
tongue a few times while Amanda Salinas showed off
a nice smile. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen
ratings are in for both last weekend and Monday. And on our still relatively
new Web Browser page, CBS says that 2.5
million sets of eyeballs watched David
Letterman/Joaquin Phoenix on the Internet within
36 hours of the initial Feb. 11th telecast. We
celebrate with a clip from Letterman's perhaps
even more bizarre encounter with actor Crispin
Glover.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Linking to a pair of self-penned D CEO articles on WFAA8 anchor John McCaa, Latina Lista founder Marisa Trevino
02/17/09 09:41 AM
Your friendly content provider has written an extended profile of WFAA8 anchor John McCaa for the new issue of D CEO magazine. He's long been under-recognized and is nearing the 25-year mark at the Dallas-based station. The rock-steady headmaster of WFAA8's 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts used to be an R-rated standup comic among other things. You can read all about him here.
That same issue of D CEO also has another of your dutiful servant's "Media Matters" columns. This one is on the Web site Latina Lista, which speaks to Latinas/Latinos in ways that the mainstream media doesn't, can't or won't. Here's the link.
Ed Bark
And the Oscar goes to . . .
02/16/09 03:29 PM
ABC's 1979 Oscar telecast hasn't been
equaled since, at least in this view. Relive our
Top 10 moments on its 30-year
anniversary. Also, D-FW-based NBC5 has a replacement for departing
meteorologist James Aydelott. And scroll down on
the same page for video of a former D-FW
weathercaster's crowd-pleasing performance at a
Dancing with the Stars-themed charity event
in Austin.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Inside stuff
02/13/09 12:28 PM
Creator Joss Whedon of Buffy, the Vamper Slayer fame looms large over his new Dollhouse series, as he did during Fox's January press conference. Our review is here. Also, WFAA8 Daybreak co-anchor Cynthia Izaguirre at least temporarily renounces the correct pronunciation of her surname. But should she? The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in the house. Plus, HBO further debases baseball with Eastbound & Down, a new comedy series about a profane, cocksure, washed-up relief pitcher.
Ed Bark
Phoenix redux
02/12/09 10:50 AM
Well, so what do you make of this?
Bit? Serious meltdown in progress? Or did Dave
sometimes act like a bigger ass? Below are highlights
from bearded Joaquin Phoenix's already historic
Wednesday night visit to Late Show with David
Letterman, which surely will have more viewers
than his new and supposedly last movie, Two Lovers, which opens
Friday and was sneak previewed Wednesday on Mark
Cuban's HDNet Movies.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
By the time you get to Phoenix
02/11/09 06:00 PM
Mark Cuban's HDNet Movies channel has
another three-pronged "Sneak Preview" Wednesday night
(Feb. 11) of a film opening in theaters this Friday.
This one, Two Lovers, is billed as Joaquin
Phoenix's "final feature film performance," even if
he'll likely be back for more after knock, knock
knockin' on rap's door. FYI, Gwyneth Paltrow's also
in it. And our review is here.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Weather ups and downs
02/11/09 10:50 AM
Tuesday night's severe weather
throughout the D-FW viewing area brought disruptions to prime-time schedules
as well. Also, see which stations topped the
weather-infused Nielsen ratings.
And meanwhile, there's a little more turbulence at
"The 33."
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Inside pages
02/10/09 03:30 PM
Bad weather's movin' in again, which
is great for both local newscast ratings and the
profiles of their featured forecasters. We elaborate
via a recent promo for CBS11's Larry
Mowry, who's still a relative newcomer. Also, the
latest D-FW ratings chart the
network-by-network audiences for President Obama's
first prime-time news conference. And does Comedy
Central have a worthy new find in Demetri Martin,
whose weekly series premieres Wednesday? Our
review is here.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Babe vs. Romo
02/09/09 12:35 PM
CBS11 sports anchor Babe Laufenberg
and Cowboys QB Tony Romo went one-on-one late Sunday night after
the Grammys went overtime. But did Tony finally
rev up his Romo? Also the new Dancing with the Stars
field might not floor you. And you can chat
with the stars of TNT's Trust Me right
after the Monday, Feb. 9th episode. Details and a
link-a-dink are here. Plus, the latest D-FW ratings are groovy for
the Grammys.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Take a look inside
02/06/09 01:12 PM
Deposed anchors are taken out with
less dignity than garbage bags while their
replacements are extolled as news messiahs. We're
gonna bitch about that here. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in,
and the Back Channels page looks fondly
upon Lonesome Dove on its 20th anniversary.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Checking out: WFAA8 anchor Jeff Brady leaving to become own boss
02/05/09 04:44 PM
Jeff Brady will be joining the ranks
of D-FW television newsies who want to try something
new. Our complete story is here.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
"The 33" names new anchors of 9 p.m. newscast
02/05/09 01:51 PM
Two new anchors, one previously
revealed on unclebarky.com, will be helming "The
33's" 9 p.m. newscast later this month. The hires
were announced on the day after veteran anchor Tom
Crespo was dropped. Get the story here. Also, Fox has a big night in the latest
D-FW Nielsen ratings. And don't get rid of those
cwazy wabbit ears just yet.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Another KO at "The 33"
02/04/09 04:08 PM
Weeknight news anchor Tom Crespo is
out as "The 33" continues to chop station veterans.
Our story is here.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Inside pages
02/04/09 01:54 PM
Veteran WFAA8 reporter Jim Douglas tackled a tough topic
Tuesday night -- but as usual handled it
impeccably. Also, the latest D-FW ratings are in, and a previously
junked Bob Saget sitcom has been
resurrected by a rival network.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Flight of the Conchords touching down at Nokia
02/03/09 12:38 PM
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6th, for Flight of the Conchords' May 5th show at Grand Prairie's Nokia Theatre.
New Zealanders Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are in the midst of their second season on HBO, which slots Conchords on Sundays at 9 p.m. (central) following Big Love.
"Special guest" Eugene Mirman will open the Nokia show.
Ed Bark
Riggs, Cheaters creator get in bed together
02/02/09 11:34 PM
Former TV investigative reporter
Robert Riggs talks to unclebarky.com about his
new duties at Dallas-based Bobby
Goldstein Productions, home port for the TV show
Cheaters. Also, a former host of WFAA8's
defunct La Vida program will be joining The 33's news team,
according to sources.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark
Absolutely, positively final national Nielsens bump Supie XLIII from II to I on all-time list (updated)
02/02/09 04:05 PM
By ED BARK
"Unusual and unexpected adjustments" Tuesday to Super Bowl XLIII's national Nielsen numbers have vaulted it to No. 1 on the all-time list, NBC has announced.
The Peacock's first telecast of a Super Bowl since 1998's XXXII averaged 98.7 million viewers, not the 95.4 million tabulated on Monday. That's the biggest audience in the game's 43-year history, surpassing last year's recording-setting 97.5 million viewers for the New York Giants' upset of the unbeaten New England Patriots.
NBC also had a thriller in view, with the Pittsburgh Steelers scoring their come-from-behind winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with just 35 second left in the game.
NBC sports chairman Dick Ebersol equated the Super Bowl to a humanitarian gesture.
"The National Football League should feel a great sense of pride in providing a day of enjoyment to American families -- especially those who are struggling in these difficult times," he said in a press release.
NBC also clicked its heels to the tune of a record $206 million in advertising revenue, with each in-game 30-second spot costing $3 million, according to the network.
"Commercials are nearly as big a part of the day as the football itself," NBC Universal president and CEO Jeff Zucker said. "This is an extraordinary story for NBC against the backdrop of this economy."
NBC's post-Super Bowl attraction, a one-hour episode of The Office, drew 22.9 million viewers nationally from 9:40 to 10:40 p.m. Last year's followup act, Fox's House, did appreciably better with 29 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.
The all-time record-holder, which may never be beaten, is NBC's 1996 episode of Friends, which amassed 52.9 million viewers after 94.1 million viewers watched the Dallas Cowboys beat the Steelers.
More inside stuff
02/02/09 02:03 PM
Monthly rollover
02/02/09 02:48 AM
January content has been archived on
the Dallas-Fort Worth and Network News & Reviews
pages as we begin another new month here at
unclebarky.com central. Our first February posts on
those pages are a highlight reel from Sunday's Super Bowl
XLIII and an update on a Dallas-made film with ties to a
veteran CBS11 reporter.
Ed Bark
Ed Bark