Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz Named Interim Heads of CNN

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorAMC Networks will unveil a new ad-sales initiative called “Avenue” aimed at helping advertisers reach diverse audiences more effectively and more frequently.Slated to be unveiled at a virtual “upfront” event on Thursday, “Avenue” aims to give advertisers more resources to reach different audiences and new events that will make that outreach possible throughout the calendar year, says Kim Kelleher, , president of commercial revenue and partnerships for AMC Networks, in a recent interview.“We are part of this greater industry that’s really striving to be more representative, and more authentic in that representation,” says Kelleher. “What we have done is organized our audiences, our data tools, and our creators in a way that can more easily be tapped by our advertising and marketing partners.” “Avenue” will initially focus on five key groups: women, Black audiences, LBGTQ+, Asian-American Pacific Islanders) and Hispanic/Latinx.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorThe Murdochs, the media-mogul family that controls Fox News Channel, are about to be the subject of a new documentary series that will be distributed by one of their main rivals.CNN expects to launch a six-part documentary series, “The Murdochs: Empire of Influence,” on CNN Plus, the streaming video site slated to launch in weeks to come. The series is produced with The New York Times and Left/Right and is based on the New York Times Magazine article “How Rupert Murdoch’s Empire of Influence Remade the World,” by journalists Jonathan Mahler and Jim Rutenberg.

Quiana Burns’s leadership role at Tamron Hall is becoming permanent. The Good Morning America Weekend executive producer joined the syndicated daytime talk show as interim executive producer in October, shortly after Tamron Hall moved from ABC Entertainment to ABC News where it is overseen by the team of ABC News President Kim Godwin. It was Godwin who announced Burns’ official appointment today.

UPDATED, with Allison Gollust comment: Less than two weeks after Jeff Zucker resigned from CNN, the cable newser’s chief marketing exec Allison Gollust is out too.

Just under two weeks after Jeff Zucker resigned from CNN, the cable newser’s chief marketing exec Allison Gollust is out too.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorNBCUniversal wants to add an interesting new story to Jenna Bush Hager’s “Today” book club.For nearly four years, the co-host of the 10 a.m. hour of “Today” has chosen a book each month for members of her “Read with Jenna” club to peruse and discuss.

Amy Schumer takes a whirl on an amusement ride in the first trailer for her new Hulu series, Life & Beth.

Amy Schumer takes a whirl on an amusement ride in the first trailer for her new Hulu series, Life & Beth.

Harry Potter game Hogwarts Legacy looks as though it may be releasing this September if the release of a book is anything to go by.As noted by The Rowling Library, a book titled The Art And Making Of Hogwarts Legacy will release on September 6 of this year, leading to the assumption that the game will be released around the same time, as long as it isn’t delayed this year.Searching the books ISBN 9781647226190 number of does lead to a Google Books page that confirms the release date and publisher, Insight Editions. According to The Rowling Library, the book will be authored by Jody Revenson, who has written other tie-in books within the franchise.Last month HBO’s CEO Jason Kilar did make it clear that Hogwarts Legacy is scheduled for this year, backing up the general idea that the book could tie in roughly to the game’s upcoming release date.As noted by IGN, September 1 is also “Return to Hogwarts” day in the world of Harry Potter, as it’s the first day of a new term for the students at the school.

You are allowed to disagree, Bill Maher argued during his Friday Real Time on HBO. And he brought up two instances of news this week from the world of television to underline his point.

Sex and the City sequel series And Just Like That hasn't written out Samantha Jones completely, but as for Kim Cattrall? Well, that's a different matter. As And Just Like That prepares to wrap up its first season, Sex and the City showrunner Michael Patrick King has opened up about the possibility of Kim Cattrall returning as Samantha at some point in the future. And it's about as unlikely as it gets.

Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz will serve as interim co-heads of CNN following the resignation of Jeff Zucker.

Fans got a first look at Disney+’s new series “Life & Beth” on Tuesday.

The first look photos from Hulu’s Life & Beth starring Amy Schumer and Michael Cera have just debuted online!

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorAnheuser-Busch is counting on smooth-jazz impresario Kenny G to add a few new notes to an increasingly appealing strategy for beer advertisers around the Super Bowl.When the musician sounds his interpretation of a jingle for Busch Light beer that has been around since the late 1970s, he won’t do so in a national commercial during the Big Game, slated to air February 13 on NBC.  Instead, he will play in a 30-second ad spot set to appear on local TV stations showing the event in 41 different markets.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorRhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, who have zigged and zagged their way through careers in digital content, comedy and books over the past several years, are now ready to try their hands at food journalism.The hosts of the daily web-based comedy show “Good Mythical Morning,” are set to debut “The Taste Buds with Rhett & Link,” a new Food Network series that will have the duo explore some of America’s favorite food brands and meet the people behind their production. Food Network recently wrapped production on the series, which is slated to debut later this year on both Food Network and Discovery Plus, the streaming hub owned by the network’s parent, Discovery.“Rhett & Link have captivated audiences for years with their humor, insatiable curiosity and commitment to answering life’s burning questions like ‘what’s the best pickle-flavored snack?’ and ‘where in the world did this bacon dish come from?’,’’ said Courtney White, president of Food Network and streaming food content for Discovery, in a statement.

Julia Child knew her way around a sauce the way Leonard Bernstein knew his way around a sympathy, the way Patrick Mahomes knows his way through a defense. That is to say, with panache.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorABC News is planning a wide array of special coverage in February devoted to Black History Month, including two primetime specials and bespoke segments across the news division’s various programs.“While we remain dedicated to telling the impactful and important stories around the Black community all year long, ABC News will provide special coverage throughout February to salute Black excellence,” said Kim Godwin, president of ABC News, in a prepared statement. “We will celebrate and honor Black culture across all programs and platforms, taking an in-depth look at issues past and present while spotlighting those who have overcome significant obstacles and paved the way for a better future.”The ABC News series “Soul of a Nation” will present “Screen Queens Rising” on Thursday, February 3 at 8 p.m..

Off to the races! The Pegasus World Cup is back for another year of thoroughbred horse racing and thoroughly entertaining performances. On Saturday, January 29, legendary racehorses will join legendary artists at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida for the championship invitational stakes. Presented by 1/ST Experience, the 2022 entertainment line-up includes DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic, featuring Ja Rule, Lil’ Kim, Mase and special surprise performers.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorAnheuser-Busch InBev has used the Super Bowl for decades primarily as a vehicle to sell beer. In a few weeks, however, the brewing giant will be serving a much wider array of beverages at the Big Game.The company’s flagship beverage, Budweiser, will chart a return to the gridiron classic after staying on the sidelines in 2021 for the first time in 37 years.