Disney won over more fans on Wall Street with its latest quarterly performance, despite a slight drop in its earnings. Disney digested higher programming costs at its ESPN television network and dealt with a less appealing line-up of home video releases in its movie studio.
A federal appeals court has upheld a $319 million verdict over profits from the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and rejected Disney's request for a new trial. A jury decided in 2010 that Disney hid the show's profits from its creators, London-based Celador International.
Usually, the Oscars highlight the chasm between Hollywood's elite and average Americans. But, says one movie critic: "This is one of the rare years when critics and paying audiences backed the nominees." Also notable in 2011 is a youth movement in the nominees -- and the show's hosts.
The 79-year-old announced his departure -- where else -- on ABC's Live With Regis and Kelly. The Internet gasped in disbelief, judging from the reaction on Twitter. He's one of the last reminders of a kinder, gentler American pop culture.
Disney is considering lending some of the keys to its television kingdom to Yahoo for its Yahoo Connected TV. If Yahoo is successful in inking such a deal, it would bolster its Internet TV efforts and put on better footing to compete against rival products such as Google TV and Apple TV.
A conservative TV watchdog group wants consumers to consider patronizing companies that advertise on family-friendly television shows this shopping season, rather than those that buy commercials on racier programs, but price is still likely to be the biggest influence on holiday shoppers.
Time Warner Cable customers will now get ESPN3 at no extra charge, thanks to a long-negotiated deal with Disney. The agreement is part of a larger long-term deal between the companies.
The Primetime Emmy Awards Show continues to rebound with host Jimmy Fallon. The bold and new, like Glee, were rewarded, while former favorites, like Lost, were forgotten.
Prestige means a lot in Hollywood. TV companies use a show's Emmy Award to help sell commercials, and advertisers enjoy being linked with hot shows. Sometimes, an Emmy can even help a program avoid the ax.












