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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 8, 2006

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Los Angeles County’s New Ordinance – Spay or Neuter or Go to Jail

May 7, 2006

Similar to a parent sending their child off to military school when they have no idea what to do, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, striving to make their mark, have developed the most anti-dog legislation in the nation. Did they forget the message it would send as Long Beach prepares to host the AKC\Eukanuba Nationals competition this December 2006?

In efforts to control the canine population, owners are not only fined but can find themselves behind bars, if the requirements are not met. The City of Los Angeles and Orange County are currently looking at similar mandatory spay and neuter programs, but before we forget, the City of Los Angeles is part of the County of Los Angeles.

The ordinance becomes effective June 2^nd and requires mandatory spay and neutering of all dogs 4 months of age or older and microchipping. What was glaringly absent was the education of responsible canine ownership. Could you imagine a similar ordinance for people to handle irresponsible parents?

While animal overpopulation has long been an issue, rottweilers and pit-bulls have been targeted in recent years due to their attacks. These two issues, overpopulation thus leading to higher quantities of euthanasia of unwanted dogs, and public safety by reducing stray dogs on streets, were the reasons given by Marcia Mayeda, Director, Department of Animal Care and Control in the County of Los Angeles.

Mayeda’s departmental goal is to save 95% of the county’s healthy, adoptable animals by 2011. Last year, 18,800 dogs were put to sleep out of 40,000 brought in to shelters. In reaching that goal, she’s been working with rescue organizations and figuring ways to reduce the number of unwanted dogs. Cats were not mentioned nor were other animals and pets.

The following exceptions were shared by Mayeda during the Board of Supervisor’s meeting on April 18^th.

THERE ARE A FEW EXCEPTIONS TO THIS ORDINANCE. ONE IS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT DOGS, ONE IS FOR SERVICE DOGS THAT ASSIST THE DISABLED AND ONE IS FOR COMPETITION DOGS, AND THESE ARE SHOW DOGS OR COMPETITION DOGS THAT PEOPLE USE FOR DOG SPORT SUCH AS OBEDIENCE, CONFIRMATION, HERDING, TRACKING AND OTHER COMPETITIONS THAT DOGS ARE ENGAGED IN. TO BE A COMPETITION DOG, THE DOG MUST BE PUREBRED AND REGISTERED WITH AN APPROPRIATE REGISTRY AND THEY MUST DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING. THEY DO NOT HAVE TO DO ALL THREE. THEY MUST EITHER COMPETE IN AT LEAST ONE DOG COMPETITION EVENT PER YEAR OR HAVE ALREADY EARNED A TITLE IN THEIR AREA OF COMPETITION OR, IF THE OWNER DOES NOT PREFER TO SHOW, THEN THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE A MEMBER OF A PUREBRED DOG BREED CLUB THAT HAS A BREEDING CODE OF ETHICS. THIS DOES NOT PREVENT PEOPLE FROM BREEDING TWO PUREBREDS TOGETHER. THERE'S BEEN A CONCERN ABOUT SOME OF THE NEW, QUOTE, DESIGNER DOGS LIKE LABRADOODLES AND PUGGLES AND WHAT THOSE ARE, ARE CREATED FROM THE BREEDING OF, IN THE LABRADOODLE CASE, A LABRADOR AND A POODLE. AS LONG AS THOSE DOGS ARE PUREBRED AND REGISTERED AND MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPETITION DOGS, THEY WOULD ACTUALLY BE ALLOWED TO DO THAT. IT'S JUST THAT THE OFFSPRING THEN WOULD HAVE TO BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED.

SOME PEOPLE IN THE SHOW WORLD HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THE AGE BECAUSE THEY DON'T START SHOWING THEIR PUPPIES UNTIL PERHAPS SIX MONTHS OF AGE OR OLDER. THOSE PEOPLE WOULD STILL HAVE AN EXCEPTION UNDER THE JOINING A BREED CLUB WITH A BREEDING CODE OF EXCEPTION, SO THEY WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO BE SHOWING THEIR ANIMALS AT THAT AGE”

Besides the newer designer dogs such as labradoodles there are other newly developing breeds that are not eligible for American Kennel Club registration called Foundation Stock Service Breeds. Some of these FSS purebred breeds are approved to compete in AKC Companion Events such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking and Rally.

Numerous breeders and breed organizations were in attendance as well as a who’s who of local animal rescue organizations with Cesar Milan of the Dog Whisperer, Joann Worley – Vice President of Actors and Others for Animal, Lila Brooks – California Wildlife Defenders, Teri Austin – President of The Amanda Foundation, Wendy Aragon – President of Pet Assistance Foundation, Angela Paap – Director of the San Simon Foundation that provides free services to all low income resident of the City of Los Angeles, Theresa Macellaro – The Rescue and Humane Alliance with over 50 member groups of nonprofit organizations and humane associations, and Michael Patton of Dogtv.

The animal rights organizations, struggling with the unwanted issue, support the ordinance. Even opening my mail, I discovered address labels from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with “Think to the Future Spay and Neuter.”

Further clarifications were shared by Mayeda during the Board of Supervisor’s meeting on May 2^nd.

“MOST PEOPLE WHO SHOW DOGS SHOW MUCH MORE OFTEN THAN THAT BUT, YOU KNOW, AT THE MINIMUM, ONCE A YEAR. OR THE DOG COULD ALREADY HAVE ACHIEVED ITS TITLE, WHETHER IT'S A CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE OR THE WORKING DOGS HAVE CERTAIN OTHER TITLES THAT THEY ACHIEVE, THERE'S A NUMBER OF THEM, BECAUSE THERE'S A NUMBER OF SPORTS THAT DOGS CAN ENGAGE IN, AND WE RECOGNIZE ALL OF THOSE. SO WHETHER IT'S A HERDING DOG OR A TRACKING DOG OR A PROTECTION DOG OR A CONFIRMATION DOG, AND SO FORTH, IF IT'S ACHIEVED A TITLE IN THAT AREA, MANY TIMES THEY WON'T SHOW IT ANY FURTHER OR MAYBE EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS JUST TO KEEP GOING ON WITH THE HOBBY, BUT IF THEY'VE ACHIEVED THAT TITLE, THEN THAT ALSO EXEMPTS THEM-- OR ALLOWS THEM TO GET THE EXEMPTION. OR, THIRD, IF THEY DON'T SHOW THE DOG BUT THEY PLAN TO BREED, AS LONG AS IT'S PUREBRED AND REGISTERED, THEY WOULD THEN HAVE THE OPTION OF JOINING A DOG BREED CLUB FOR THAT BREED OF…”

Create an ordinance to resolve issues. It is just one tool to utilize, however what happened to enforcing existing ordinances?

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

TOM CRUISE M:I3' Goes down the toiletERIC CARDINAL NAMED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH, THE CW

WHILE GIBBS RECOVERS FROM A BOMB EXPLOSION,

NCIS TRIES TO STOP TERRORISTS FROM CARRYING OUT A DEVASTATING ATTACK ON THE NAVY, IN THE SECOND HOUR OF THE THIRD SEASON FINALE, ON "NCIS," TUESDAY, MAY 16

March Down, Quarter Up For National Radio GAMES, SUBURBAN SECRETS, MUSIC AND ALL-STARS COME TO CBS THIS SUMMER

Al Jarreau in Concert

Legendary Norteño music icons and Latin Grammy Award winning artists, Los Tigres Del Norte deliver yet another chapter of compelling stories

Cleopatra”Reigns over “Great To Be Nominated”P.T. Barnum Authority to Reveal Mermaid Online and in Downtown Austin, Texas

TIPA Chooses Nokia N80 as Best Mobile Imaging Device 2006

Beehive's Wasp'3D - the real-time 3D graphics  solution - has featured in Microsoft's list of innovative products in India.

Virginia Arts Festival Brings Rhythm and Blues Legend Ruth Brown Home for Mother's Day Weekend

Monster Kid Home Movies Wins Silver to King Kong's Gold

Up Front Uncertainty

The online arms race is heating up.

Dodge, Quiznos Rescue New TNT Drama From Ads Premiere of 'Saved' Will Be Commercial Free

M.A.C Cosmetics the Official Makeup Brand for the British Academy Television Awards and Title Sponsors of the Aftershow Party Glamourise the Stars of 2006!

NewTek, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading video and 3D animation products, was recently presented with an NAB AIM Award

Teacup Tables Offers Unique and Enchanting Line of Furniture for Kids EL LAGO

I wanted to let you know about Jools

At Poquito Spoiled(TM), Twins Are Double Happiness(TM) Bilingual boutique apparel line debuts twin-inspired gifts for Mother's DayRecognizing Entertainment's Most Visionary Talents

SPORTS & AUTOS

Oakland & Dodger Baseball

Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised

Aflac All-American Baseball Classic to be Played in San Diego "Mr. October," Reggie Jackson selected as Honorary Chairman; Two San Diego players named to West squad

Crufts on Animal Planet

Supermodel Petra Nemcova Wears One-of-a-Kind GREY GOOSE(R) Vodka Designer Hat to 132nd Kentucky Derby DOD

Golden Knights Parachute Team Jumps for Joy of Crowd

'Measles Chart' Shows Reconstruction Progress in Iraq

NEWS & NEWS IN SPANISHNEWSWEEK MEDIA LEAD SHEET/May 15, 2006 Issue (on newsstands Monday, May 8) Dick Askin Set to Leave Tribune Entertainment NEWSWEEK INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS: Highlights and Exclusives, May 15/22, 2006 NEWSWEEK COVER: 'Aids At 25'; Peter Piot on What He's Learned About Aids in The Past 25 Years:

NEWSWEEK COVER: 'Aids at 25'; Clinton on Needed Efforts to Provide Affordable Aids Medication in Developing Countries:

VATACIN NEWS

NASA NEWS

L.A.'s Prestigious Leader in Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. George Orloff, Hosts Plastic Surgery Expo Join L.A.'s Hottest Plastic Surgeons for a Unique, Must-See Event for Those Interested in Cosmetic Enhancement

Casinos Give Away Free Money Through Leading Online Gambling Portal

NASA Sued Over Fraudulent Contract Data Vegas Pubcrawlers, Inc. Adds More Amenities to Luxury Pub Crawls

Los Tigres del Norte Presentan Su Nueva Producción “Historias Que Contar” Su Primer Sencillo “Señor Locutor” Ya es No. 3 En Las Radios de Los Estados Unidos! “El Mejor Disco de Los Tigres del Norte en Cinco Años” Según La Revista Billboard

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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

TOM CRUISE M:I3' Goes down the toilet
Fewer people chose Tom Cruise’s latest M;I3 a sign that the odd behavior of Hollywood's biggest star may have taken a toll on his box-office charm.

Paramount's "Mission: Impossible III" debuted with $48.025 million, a solid opening yet well below industry expectations and almost $10 million lower than the franchise's previous installment, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Industry analysts had expected the movie to open in the range of "Mission: Impossible II," which debuted with $57.8 million from Friday to Sunday over Memorial Day weekend in 2000, and Cruise's "War of the Worlds," which premiered with $64.9 million from Friday to Sunday over Fourth of July weekend last year.

Cruise's antics in the past year or so, publicity over his romance with Katie Holmes and the tabloid blitz regarding their daughter's birth in April may have left some movie-goers burned out or disenchanted with the actor.

Traditionally reserved about his private life, Cruise abruptly became an open book, jumping up and down on a couch while professing his love for Holmes in an interview with Oprah Winfrey and spouting his Scientology beliefs, including rants against psychiatry.

"Expectations were really high for this film. I think it's a good number, but people were obviously expecting better numbers," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "There's a lot to be said for how a star's public persona can affect a movie's box office."

"Mission: Impossible III" earned generally favorable reviews, some critics calling it the best in the franchise and many offering high praise for Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays Cruise's nemesis.

Along with potential Cruise backlash, the long six-year interval since "Mission: Impossible II" may have dulled audience appetites.

Head-to-head comparisons are difficult, since the previous "Mission: Impossible" movies and "War of the Worlds" opened over long holiday weekends, when Sunday grosses typically are much stronger than during a regular weekend.

Debuting in about 55 other countries, "Mission: Impossible III" took in $70 million, for a worldwide total of $118 million. Paramount noted that the new movie beat the $115 million worldwide debut of "Mission: Impossible II" in those same countries.

Adding to this mix higher ticket prices, the debut for "Mission: Impossible III" looks worse. About 7.3 million people saw the new movie, compared with 10.7 million over the opening weekend for "Mission: Impossible II" and 10.3 million for "Mission: Impossible," which opened with $45.4 million over Memorial Day weekend in 1996.

The weekend's other wide releases had fair to poor openings. Freestyle Releasing's "An American Haunting," starring Sissy Spacek and Donald Sutherland in a 19th century supernatural tale, debuted at No. 3 with $6.4 million.

New Line's family film "Hoot," adapted from Carl Hiaasen's novel about teenagers trying to save endangered owls, flopped with $3.4 million, tied for No. 9.

"Mission: Impossible III' led Hollywood to its seventh-straight weekend of rising revenues. The top-12 movies took in $99.4 million, up 27 percent compared to the same weekend last year, when "Kingdom of Heaven" led the box office with an anemic $19.6 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.

1. "Mission: Impossible III," $48.025 million.

2. "RV," $11.1 million.

3. "An American Haunting," $6.4 million.

4. "Stick It," $5.5 million.

5. "United 93," $5.2 million.

6. "Ice Age: The Meltdown," $4 million.

7. "Silent Hill," $3.9 million.

8. "Scary Movie 4," $3.8 million.

9. (tie). "Akeelah and the Bee," $3.4 million.

9 (tie). "Hoot," $3.4 million.

Eric Cardinal has been named Senior Vice President, Research, The CW, the new fifth broadcast television network, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation scheduled to launch in the Fall of 2006. The announcement was made today by Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, The CW, to whom Cardinal will report.

Cardinal will oversee all research for the network, including the planning, development and analysis for all audience, program, market and technical research.

"It's with great pleasure that we welcome Eric to The CW, as he's proven time and again to be one of the most well-respected and astute research executives in our industry," said Ostroff. "His valuable insight and keen understanding of audience behavior and viewing patterns will be of the highest importance as we create the ultimate entertainment destination for young adults 18-34."

Previously, Cardinal served as Senior Vice President, Research at UPN, a position he had held since July 1999.

Prior to joining UPN, Cardinal spent 20 years at NBC, which he first joined in 1979 as an analyst in the network’s New York research department. He held several research jobs over the next 10 years, including Administrator, Commercial Evaluations and Director, News Audience Research, prior to relocating to Burbank, Calif., where he was promoted to Vice President, Program Research, NBC Entertainment in 1989, a position he held until he left the network.

Cardinal received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Duke University and a Master of Arts degree in psychology from Columbia University.

As previously announced, the new CW Network will consist of a six-night, 13-hour primetime lineup including Monday through Friday nights from 8:00-10:00 PM (ET/PT); Sundays from 7:00-10:00 PM (ET/PT); Sunday from 5:00-7:00 PM (ET/PT) outside of prime time as well as a Monday-Friday afternoon block from 3:00-5:00 PM (ET/PT) and a five-hour Saturday morning animation block. Altogether, the network will program 30 hours a week over seven days.

"Hiatus Part II" -- While Gibbs recovers from an injury caused by a bomb explosion, he experiences temporary memory loss, while his team tries to stop a terrorist group from carrying out a devastating attack on the Navy, in the second hour of the third season finale, on NCIS, Tuesday, May 16 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Dennis Smith directed the episode from a script by series' creator and Executive Producer Donald P. Bellisario.

As the team tries to track down the terrorists behind the bombing that injured Gibbs, they learn that the terrorist group is planning another bombing of 9-11 magnitude -- and that Gibbs has information about their plan. Meanwhile, Gibbs receives a visit from his former boss and mentor that conjures up suppressed memories. As Gibbs regains his memory, he finds himself on a race against the clock to fill in the gaps and stop the terrorists.

NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs Mark Harmon

NCIS Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo Michael Weatherly

Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard David McCallum

Abby Sciuto Pauley Perrette

NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee Sean Murray

Ziva David,  Mossad Liaison Cote de Pablo

NCIS Director Jenny  Shepard Lauren Holly

Jimmy Palmer Brian Dietzen

Navy Capt. Todd  Gelfand .Brett Cullen

NIS Agent Mike Franks Muse Watson

NCIS Special Agent in  Charge Sam Stevens Cotter Smith

Capt. Aris Mahir Christopher Maher Abog Galib Burt Bulos

Navy Lt. Morgan Tolliver Jarvis George

Nurse Maria Baliad Tess Lina

Camila Charo Susan Santiago

Mario Kevin West

Director Dan Welsh TBD

Captain Zill TBD

Commander Fletcher TBD

Highlighting CBS's original summer programming are GAMESHOW MARATHON, an elimination-style game show competition featuring celebrities playing classic television games; TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB, a titillating peek into the lives of a group of real middle class women in suburbia; ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA, a competition show to find the lead singer for the new super rock group, Supernova, made up of legendary performers from some of America's biggest rock bands; and BIG BROTHER 7: ALL-STARS, the seventh edition of the summer reality hit that will reunite some of the most memorable, entertaining and controversial houseguests from previous BIG BROTHER seasons as they compete for the $500,000 grand prize.

"Together, these offerings represent everything viewers seek in summer entertainment -- games, guilty pleasures, escapism and energizing music," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. "We think the combination of these light and fun new offerings with re-broadcasts of our top-rated comedies and dramas can make CBS the ultimate summer vacation destination for television viewers."

GAMESHOW MARATHON, hosted by Emmy Award-nominee Ricki Lake ("The Ricki Lake Show") and based on the hit U.K. game show "Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon," will be broadcast twice weekly for two weeks beginning Wednesday, May 31 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) and Thursday, June 1 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) and the following week Wednesday (6/7) and Thursday (6/8) before settling in to its weekly regularly scheduled Thursday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) time period on June 15.

GAMESHOW MARATHON features six celebrity contestants competing in a weekly elimination-style tournament in which they play different classic game shows each episode including "The Price Is Right," "Let's Make a Deal," "Beat the Clock," "Press Your Luck," "Card Sharks," "Match Game" and "Family Feud." Celebrities participating include Tim Meadows ("Saturday Night Live"), Leslie Nielsen ("Airplane"), Kathy Najimy ("Sister Act"), Lance Bass (‘N Sync), Paige Davis ("Trading Spaces") and Brande Roderick ("Baywatch"). A champion will be crowned at the end of the competition. In addition, the program will include a viewer participation element whereby they will have a chance to win the celebrity's grand prize each episode through a wireless (text message) trivia game that enters viewers into a sweepstakes. GAMESHOW MARATHON is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Granada Entertainment USA. Cecile Frot-Cruz, Paul Jackson and Stuart Krasnow are executive producers.

TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB, a one-hour series which follows the lives of a group of real women in a middle class suburb as they deal with the day-to-day pressures of raising kids, maintaining households, satisfying their husbands and even revealing their intimate secrets, premieres Tuesday, June 13 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB will explore the good, the bad and the surprising elements of life in suburbia as seen through the eyes of a group of women who get together each Tuesday night to reconnect and discuss everything in their lives, from sex to spouses to inner-most conflicts. TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB is produced by The Jay and Tony Show for Magic Molehill Productions, Inc. Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh are executive producers.

ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA returns for its second edition with two weekly broadcasts, beginning with a special premiere on Wednesday, July 5 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by another special broadcast on Thursday, July 6 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) before moving to its regularly scheduled Tuesday (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and Wednesday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) time periods the following week. This year's edition will feature an all-star line-up of rock musicians who will join forces to form the new rock super group, Supernova. The new super group will use this summer's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA as the competition to determine their new lead singer. Members of Supernova, featuring drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses) will take over couch duty with returning co-host Dave Navarro to judge the rock singers. Co-host Brooke Burke returns for stage introductions when the hopeful vocalists begin the quest to become Supernova's new lead singer. The winner will record an original CD with Supernova, to be co-written and produced by Butch Wagner (hit songwriter/producer for Avril Lavigne and Pink), that will be released in the fall before the band embarks on a world tour in early 2007. ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA is produced by Mark Burnett Productions. Mark Burnett, David Goffin, Lisa Hennessy, Dave Navarro, Tommy Lee and Carl Stubner are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Eden Gaha are co-executive producers.

BIG BROTHER 7: ALL-STARS, hosted by Julie Chen, premieres Thursday, July 6 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) and will be broadcast three times weekly on Tuesday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), Thursday (8:00-9:00 PM, live eviction show, live ET/delayed PT) and Saturday (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). This seventh edition will, for the first time, let America help choose who will participate in the game from among a pool of 20 of their favorite former houseguests. BIG BROTHER 7: ALL-STARS is produced by Endemol U.S.A. Inc., in association with Allison Grodner Productions and Arnold Shapiro Productions. Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Arnold Shapiro, Emmy Award-winner Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan are executive producers.

The following is CBS's summer schedule effective Wednesday, May 31.

Wednesday, May 31

8:00-9:00 PM GAMESHOW MARATHON (Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY

8:00-9:00 PM GAMESHOW MARATHON (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM CSI

10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE

Wednesday, June 7

8:00-9:00 PM GAMESHOW MARATHON (Special Broadcast)

Tuesday, June 13

10:00-11:00 PM TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB (Premiere)

Thursday, June 15

8:00-9:00 PM GAMESHOW MARATHON

Wednesday, July 5

8:00-9:00 PM ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA (Premiere)

8:00-9:00 PM BIG BROTHER 7: ALL-STARS (Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA (Special Broadcast)

8:00-9:00 PM BIG BROTHER 7: ALL-STARS (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA (Time Period Premiere)

10:00-11:00 PM TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB

9:00-10:00 PM BIG BROTHER 7: ALL-STARS (Time Period Premiere)

According to the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) Ad Sales Index, 1^st Quarter 206, national dollars continue to lead Radio ad revenues with a 1% increase for March 2006 over March 2005. Local revenue slipped 2% for the month when compared to the same month from a year ago. Total combined local and national sales figures also dropped 1% for March of this year over March of last year,

On a year-to-date basis, national figures climbed 3% for first quarter 2006 compared to that same quarter from a year ago. Local dollars for January through March of 2006 dropped 2% when compared to those same months from last year. Total combined local and national ad sales figures for the first quarter of 2006 fell 1% when compared to first quarter of 2005. Non-spot revenue experienced a healthy climb of 9% January through March 2006 over January through March 2005.

The monthly totals are based on the RAB Radio Revenue Index of more than 150 markets.

Al Jarreau in Concert

on their new studio recording titled “Historias Que Contar” (Stories to Tell) available today in the United States and Mexico on Fonovisa Records.

“Historias Que Contar” as its name implies ‘Los Jefes de Jefes’ continue to chronicle their journey through the music world on each song. As true spokespersons of their ‘pueblo’ (the people) Los Tigres del Norte’s new album is filled with rich lyrical content delivered via 14 stories/songs written by prominent composers who have been instrumental in giving life to Los Tigres del Norte’s musical message such as: Paulino Vargas, Manuel Eduardo Toscano, Juan Villareal among others.

In each song Los Tigres del Norte narrate a tale that explores not only their people’s emotions, whether it be love, loss, deceit, betrayal but also brings to light human error and the consequences of an irreconcilable past.

As true spoke persons of their people the first single “Señor Locutor” currently at No. 3 on Billboard’s ‘Regional Mexican Airplay’ chart and rising, leads us to their new musical journey, written by Manuel Eduardo Toscano, this cut is a compelling story that details the too-familiar tale of a man who is reunited with his estranged son through a radio DJ.

The video for “Señor Locutor” was directed by renowned Pablo Croche and filmed in Oakland, California using the city as a backdrop as well as a local radio station. The video does an amazing job at portraying the story as each of Los Tigres del Norte participate as actors, the video runs the story simultaneously through four separate screens as the drama of the story unfolds.

Musically “Historias Que Contar” features an even mix of their classic corridos, norteño cumbias and ballads such as: “Señor Locutor,” “Al Estilo Mexicano,” “Regalo Caro,” “Ingratitud,” “Tu Decides,” “El Vestido,” “Una Herida de Amor,” “Le Compre La Muerte A Mi Hijo,” “Falso Amor,” “No Diet,” “Me Haces Falta,” “Que Te Parece,” “Libidinosamente,” “El Zacatecas” and a bonus track “Que Te Parece” for Karaoke.

The album’s repertoire accounts for many tales offering romantic themed songs such as “Tu Ingratitud” magnificently interpreted by Eduardo, the touching track about confronting the tough decision of leaving behind ones life for the ‘American Dream’ on “Tu Decides” sung by Jorge and Hernan, while the song “Al Estilo Mexicano” is beautifully interpreted by Hernan, this song pays tribute to women and rejoices in the Mexican culture and “Me Haces Falta” sung by Luis, is an emotion driven song about losing the love of your life. At the same time the group includes corridos such as: “Regalo Caro” boldly interpreted by Jorge, this song tells the tale of a gun man who sets out to prove his loyalty to his ‘boss’ and “Le Compre La Muerte A Mi Hijo” a corrido that offers a moral as to nurture family with love and not with material wealth and lastly, “No Diet” a quirky and highly danceable cumbia about the turmoils of ‘dieting.’

Aside from musical excellence, the DVD features two music videos; “Señor Locutor” and “Directo Al Corazon” (from their previous musical effort), plus behind the scenes of the recording of the video “Señor Locutor”, a special interview with the group’s commentary and a deluxe photo gallery.

Once again on “Historias que Contar” Los Tigres del Norte prove to be true spokespersons, narrating not only music history but also the history of the Latin American people.

Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 98% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 86% of U.S.
Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 4 stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and a 50% interest in Mexico-based Disa Records labels as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S., and a non-voting 14.9% interest in Entravision Communications Corporation, a public Spanish-language media company. Univision Communications is headquartered in Los Angeles with television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.

Cleopatra”Reigns over “Great To Be Nominated”

The 1963 Best Picture nominee “Cleopatra” will be screened, in a newly restored 70mm print, as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The historical epic, famous for being the most expensive film made up to that time, will be shown on Monday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, “Cleopatra” stars Elizabeth Taylor as the Egyptian queen who first seduces Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison), then Marc Antony (Richard Burton). The feature earned a total of nine Academy Award® nominations and took home four Oscars® for Color Art Direction (Art Direction: John DeCuir, Jack Martin Smith, Hilyard Brown, Herman Blumenthal, Elven Webb, Maurice Pelling, Boris Juraga; Set Decoration: Walter M. Scott, Paul S. Fox, Ray Moyer), Color Cinematography (Leon Shamroy), Color Costume Design (Irene Sharaff, Vittorio Nino Novarese and Renie) and Special Effects (Emil Kosa, Jr.).

Other nominations for “Cleopatra” include Best Picture (Walter Wanger, Producer), Actor (Harrison), Film Editing (Dorothy Spencer), Music Score – substantially original (Alex North) and Sound (20th Century-Fox Studio Sound Department, James P. Corcoran, Sound Director; and Todd-AO Sound Department, Fred Hynes, Sound Director).

Passes for “Great To Be Nominated” are still available at a cost of $30 for film buffs wishing to see the rest of the series. A $5 discount is available for those who wish to renew their passes from Parts One and/or Two of the series. Inclusive of “Cleopatra” there are 15 screening dates remaining in Part Three.

Tickets for each individual screening may be purchased at a cost of $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3600.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®

P.T. Barnum expert Dr. Joe Vitale, author of "There's a Customer Born Every Minute: P.T. Barnum's Amazing 10 Rings of Power for Creating Fame, Fortune, and a Business Empire Today - Guaranteed" (J. Wiley publisher, 2006, hardcover, $24.95), announced today he will display an actual mermaid artifact at a free public event at Wooldridge Park in Austin, Texas on May 9th at noon Central, and online at 1 Pm Central at www.BarnumReturns.com.

"Barnum displayed a mermaid at his museum in New York City in the mid-1800s," states Vitale, who spent twelve years researching the historic promoter of the circus to write his latest book, the first ever to reveal Barnum's business secrets. "That mermaid was half monkey and half fish and truly ugly. I found another mermaid that Barnum would display if he were alive today."

According to Vitale, mermaids have fascinated people since the 1700s. The famous "Feejee" mermaid that Barnum promoted cost the owner $6,000. Barnum said he showed it at his museum and three times the usual amount of people would stand in line to view it.

"Barnum loved people," says Vitale, 52, president of Hypnotic Marketing, Inc., and author of numerous books about marketing. "You have to remember that practical jokes and oddities were the entertainment of the 1800s. His displays -- from mermaids to Siamese twins to General Tom Thumb to Jumbo the elephant -- were all designed to educate while entertaining. He always gave people much more than their money's worth."

Vitale's new book is available in book stores, from Amazon, or from www.BarnumReturns.com.

Web site: http://www.barnumreturns.com/

Nokia (NYSE:NOK) today revealed that the Nokia N80 multimedia computer has been voted the Best Mobile Imaging Device in Europe 2006 by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), the largest photo and imaging press association in Europe. The award is an endorsement of the Nokia N80's industry-leading feature set, which makes it one of the most high performance devices currently available in the marketplace.

Commenting on the award, TIPA praised the Nokia N80 as "so much more than just a camera phone." The official comment from the TIPA Awards 2006 jury reads: "the Nokia N80 is a multimedia device with a host of superb functions. It combines a 3 megapixel camera, integrated flash, 20x digital zoom, video and MP3 player into one stylish package. As soon as you switch on, the N80 is ready to shoot. Using a 2GB miniSD card you can store nearly 1000 images at up to 2048x1536 (JPEG up to 16.7 million/24-bit color). Printing your images is easy, too. You can take the images off the miniSD card or connect the N80 to your printer via PictBridge or Bluetooth. The WiFi feature also allows you to send your images to any compatible TV or PC, plus you can edit your images, add text and some special effects."

The Nokia N80 is part of the Nokia Nseries, a range of high performance multimedia computers that incorporate multiple functionalities in one beautifully designed device. With Nokia Nseries products, people can use a single device to do everything from snapping print-quality images, reading email, listening to music, browsing the Web, watching TV on the move, and much more. Moreover, multimedia computers can effortlessly be connected to the Internet, enabling people to communicate, create and share experiences, participate in Internet communities and access digital content using available mobile broadband connections such as WLAN and 3G.

"The compact yet feature-rich Nokia N80 has raised the bar for mobile devices, and we are delighted to receive this accolade from consumer electronics magazines across Europe," said Mads Winblad, vice president, Multimedia Sales and Channel Management, EMEA, Nokia. "This award is also an endorsement of the technological leadership of the Nokia Nseries range of multimedia computers. Comprising the functionality of a highly advanced converged mobile device, the Nokia N80 empowers people to pursue professional goals and personal passions with equal fervor."

TIPA was founded in 1991 as an independent, non-profit association of European photo and imaging magazines. With 31 member magazines from twelve countries, it is currently the largest photo and imaging press association in Europe. Once a year, editors from the TIPA member magazines meet to vote for the Best Photo and Imaging Products in Europe. The TIPA Awards Ceremony this year will take place in Cologne, Germany, on the opening day of Photokina 2006.

About Nokia Nseries

Nokia Nseries is a range of high performance multimedia devices that delivers unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences by combining the latest technologies with stylish design and ease of use. With Nokia Nseries products, consumers can use a single device to enjoy entertainment, access information and to capture and share pictures and videos, whenever and wherever they want.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Source: Nokia

May 8, 2006--AOL today announced the appointment of Neal Scarbrough as the company's new General Manager and Editor of Sports. Neal previously served as Vice President and News Editor for ESPN. In his role, Scarbrough will oversee the news and programming content for AOL Sports (http://sports.aol.com). Scarbrough will report to Lewis D'Vorkin, Editor-in-Chief, AOL News and Sports.

"Neal has a proven track-record guiding and implementing top-notch programming and editorial content with some high-profile news organizations," said D'Vorkin. "His extensive experience will help to further propel the great strides AOL Sports has made in streaming video - including over 41 million streams of Super Bowl XL commercials, live sports coverage and original content, such as our exclusive program Sports Bloggers Live, our Fantasy sports offerings and more."

"I am delighted to be joining a company that is leading the way in bringing sports fans into the center of a vibrant online experience," said Neal Scarbrough, GM and Editor of Sports. "By combining interactive features with blogging, fantasy leagues, breaking news, on-demand programming and scoreboards, AOL enables sports fans to connect and express themselves and their sports passion on the largest stage of all -- the Internet."

While at ESPN (R), he also served as editor-in-chief of ESPN.com during its most successful period. Under his guidance, ESPN.com received the Online Journalism Award for General Excellence. Scarbrough first joined ESPN as a Senior Editor for ESPN, The Magazine, overseeing the magazine's pro football coverage.

Before his time with ESPN, Scarbrough held positions as sports editor for The Denver Post and The Tennessean newspapers. Scarbrough has also held editing positions with The Chicago Sun-Times, The Seattle Times, National Sports Daily, Newsday and The Sacramento Bee.

Scarbrough, who received the Colorado Association of Black Journalists' award as Journalist of the Year in 1999, received a BS - News Editorial from the University of Colorado. He resides in Avon, Conn., with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Siena.

About AOL LLC

AOL LLC and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL, which is based in Dulles, Virginia, is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner

Online Gamers Twice As Likely To $500 or More per Year on Gaming than
Non-Online Gamers

Who needs the bright lights and attractions of the big city. According to the AP-AOL Games poll*, city dwellers who play video or computer games are more likely to play on the Internet than people who live in the suburbs. The poll found 52 percent of gamers in cities play games online, compared to 41 percent of gamers who live in the suburbs and 43 percent of gamers in rural areas.

It's no surprise that more men than women (45% vs. 35%) play computer or video games. However, a social aspect of their play is emerging. According to the AP-AOL Games poll, males are more likely to play computer or video games with other people (32% vs. 23%), while more women than men say they prefer to play computer or video game by themselves (69% vs. 59%). One-in-four men who play online have formed ongoing friendships or relationships from playing online games with strangers (24% vs. 13% of women).

Despite the sluggish economy and concerns over rising gas prices, the poll also revealed that online gamers are twice as likely to spend more than $500 or more per year on gaming than non-online gamers. Nearly one-in-five (17%) of online gamers spent more than $500 last year on items like game software, online charges, consoles and accessories, versus 7% of non-online gamers who spent that amount. A full 35% of online gamers spent at least $200 on gaming last year.

Additional findings:

-- 41% of all gamers play at least 3-4 hours a week, including 10% who play at least 10 hours a week.

-- Those who play online are more likely to be the most hardcore of gamers - 16% of online gamers play at least 10 hours a week, compared to 6% of those who don't play online.

-- 14% of adults age 65 or older play at least 10 hours or more a week.

-- Online gamers prefer casual games (30%), strategy games (20%) and adventure/role-playing (15%).

"The findings continue to affirm that gaming is a social experience that hits all spectrums of consumers - males, females, young and old," said Ralph Rivera, Vice President and General Manager, AOL Games. "At AOL, we are in the business to provide the best online experience for gamers of all types - whether they are interested in playing a casual game or wanting details about their favorite video game."

* Methodology

The Associated Press/AOL Games Poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs by telephone April 18-20 and April 24-27, 2006. Ipsos interviewed a representative national sample of 3,024 adults, including 1,046 who said they play games on a computer or electronic gaming console. The margin of sampling error is +/- 2 percentage points for all adults, +/- 3 points for gamers; sampling error for subgroups may be higher.

About AOL(R) Games

Consistently ranked among the leading online gaming sites, AOL Games (http://aol.com/games) offers more than 150 online games, exclusive demos of the hottest video games, comprehensive video games information including cheats, tips and reviews, and exclusive original video games programming. More than 11 million game fans visit the AOL Network for games each month*.

About the Associated Press

The Associated Press is the world's oldest and largest newsgathering organization, providing content to more than 15,000 news outlets with a daily reach of 1 billion people around the world. Its multimedia services are distributed by satellite and the Internet to more than 120 nations. For more information, visit www.ap.org.

*comScore Media Metrix, March 2006

Beehive's Wasp'3D - the real-time 3D graphics  solution - has featured in Microsoft's list of innovative products in India.

In a unique summit named "India is Innovation" held in Bangalore on
April 18 and 19, Microsoft presented a list of innovative products and
companies that have created intellectual property and promise to "unleash
next wave of IT growth in India". These products were featured in an
innovation booklet comprising 27 unique case studies of successful
products developed by Indian ISVs over the last few years. The summit was
held with the intention of promoting Indian software companies build
world-class software products and solutions.

Commenting on 'India is Innovation Summit', Mr. Ravi Venkatesan,
Chairman, Microsoft India said, "At Microsoft we are deeply conscious of our
responsibility to help grow the local software economy and to help
Indian software companies move up the value chain. We hope that initiatives
such as these, not only create greater respect for IPR creation among
Indian companies, but also serve as an impetus to helping them create IP
out of great ideas, and realize their true potential."

On being included in the prestigious innovation list of Microsoft, Mr.
Tushar Kothari, Director, Beehive Systems, said, "It is indeed a matter
of great pride for us that Wasp'3D has been named one of the most
innovative products made in India. We have put in years of effort to build
this real-time 3D graphics solution. It is very satisfying to see that
the solely indigenous product is now gaining world-wide recognition at
various forums - from a company like Microsoft and from global
broadcasters at events like NAB."

Wasp'3D, the real-time 3D graphics solution from Beehive, is a one of
its kind technology that incorporates multiple functionalities in single
software - from real-time 3D to chroma keying and virtual sets and from
channel branding to 3D compositing and digital video effects. Wasp'3D
is applicable for live news, weather, business and sports coverage.

Besides the six core solutions embedded in single Wasp'3d software, the
solution is endowed with unique technological advantages including
Programmable Palette Technology (PgP), Real-time Phong Shading, futuristic
DirectX(tm) technology from Microsoft, compatibility with newsroom
systems and more.



About Beehive Systems:
Beehive Systems (http:www.beesys.com) is a global leader in developing
cutting-edge broadcast solutions meant to provide superior returns on
the client's investment. Our portfolio of end-to-end solutions is
designed to deliver out-of-the-ordinary results in real-time 3D and 2D
graphics, newsgathering, digital newsroom, interactive TV and digital logging
and archiving.

With 15 years of broadcast expertise and a commitment to deliver
maximum value to our clients, Beehive is the most respected name with
international broadcasters like CNBC, Fox-promoted STAR News, KTRK, ESPN, Sony
MAX, Astro, SCTV and many more. Beehive is the winner of the
prestigious 'Nasscom IT Innovation Award' for 2004.

Virginia Arts Festival Brings Rhythm and Blues Legend Ruth Brown Home for Mother's Day Weekend

Ruth Brown, the legendary blues and R&B singer and Portsmouth, Virginia native, highlights a new collaboration between the City and the Virginia Arts Festival with a star-studded celebratory concert Saturday, May 13. The Ruth Brown Blues Festival jumps off at 8 p.m. at the nTelos Pavilion. The electrifying singer, known as "Miss Rhythm," rocked the house last year at Norfolk's Attucks Theater and wowed Festival audiences with her Hampton Roads performance on "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor. Brown, a Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame member, is one of VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock 'n' Roll." She also won Broadway's Tony Award for Best Actress for her role in "Black and Blue." On the all-star blues bill with Miss Brown are Shemekia Copeland, a Grammy Award nominated singing sensation; guitarist Bo Diddley, one of Rolling Stone's "Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time," performing with the Debbie Hastings Band; and New Orleans legend Clarence "Frogman" Henry. Copeland is often compared to Brown, Etta James and Aretha Franklin, and is acclaimed not only for her singing but also for her original music. Diddley, the Southside Chicago bluesman, is in the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Henry's remarkable falsetto helped him score hits with "I Don't Know Why I Love You (But I Do)" and "You Always Hurt the One You Love." The Ruth Brown Blues Festival is just one of several noteworthy concerts scheduled for Mother's Day weekend in Portsmouth. Jazz at Lincoln Center's Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, described by the Los Angeles Times as "rhythmic energy bursting in all directions," performs at Willett Hall at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Pianist Arturo O'Farrill, the son of famed jazz musician and composer Chico O'Farrill, leads the 18-piece orchestra. The group performs classics from the Afro-Latin canon by composers Mario Bauza, Machito and the late Chico O'Farrill.

The weekend's attractions begin in a different tempo with chamber music Thursday, May 11 at noon at the Trinity Episcopal Church. Violinist Ani Kavafian, pianist Charles Woodward and the Miami String Quartet open the Lunchtime Chamber Music series, led by pianist Andre-Michel Schub. About Virginia Arts Festival Virginia Arts Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary season of world-class arts, April 26-June 4, 2006. Twenty-one venues in nine cities from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach host 52 performances by the world's top-flight artists in classical music, dance, theatre, and jazz. Visit http://www.vafest.com; call the Festival at 757-282-2800 or toll-free 877-741-ARTS (2787) for ticket information and travel packages.

Monster Kid Home Movies has won two prestigious horror-industry film awards: "Best Independent Film" in the 4th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, and the Silver Medal for "Best DVD of 2005" by Mark Clark of Horror-wood.com, an online magazine of news and reviews in the classic horror and sci-fi fields. Monster Kid Home Movies is a 30-film collection of 8mm homemade horror shorts made by kids and young fans in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

"I'm surprised, humbled and downright shocked," said compilation Producer Joe Busam. "In winning the Silver Medal from Horrorwood.com, Monster Kid Home Movies beat out releases from major studios and distributors including Warner Bros., Fox and Universal. It was topped only by Warners' long-awaited DVD release of the 1933 classic KING KONG, which won the Gold."

Adds Busam, "The DVD also won against some stiff competition for the Rondo Award, including Flesh & Blood: The Hammer Heritage of Horror, Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years, and CALL OF CTHULHU, a new silent film in the 1920's style produced by the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society."

Horrorwood.com's Clark cited Busam's Cincinnati-based PPS Group for issuing "this lovingly compiled assortment of nostalgia-drenched home movies made by lifelong horror fans when they were kids." He noted they are great fun, and a few, "like Disney artist Frank Dietz's early stop-motion animation films, are surprisingly effective."

Several of the now-grown filmmakers, including Robert Tinnell and Dietz, provided narrations for the amateur films, which were restored and color- corrected after years of neglect and deterioration. "The audio commentaries, included for every feature, are sometimes as entertaining as the films," adds Clark.

Begun in 2002, the Rondo Awards, named after 1940's character actor Rondo Hatton, are an email survey of the classic horror fan community sponsored by the Classic Horror Film Board. Five weeks of balloting in 23 categories were solicited through websites, online discussion groups and mailings. Rondo voters include diverse respondents, from well-known film critics such as Leonard Maltin to film industry veterans, and monster-genre film fans worldwide.

Horror and monster-movie fans can learn more about the Monster Kid Home Movies DVD at www.monsterkidhomemovies.com. For more on the Rondo Awards, the Horrorwood.com Awards or the Classic Horror Film Board, go online to: http://www.horror-wood.com/, http://www.rondoaward.com/ and http://p075.ezboard.com/bmonsterkidclassichorrorforum.

Web site: http://www.monsterkidhomemovies.com/
http://www.horror-wood.com/
http://www.rondoaward.com/
http://p075.ezboard.com/bmonsterkidclassichorrorforum

With so much uncertainty surrounding this year's TV upfront market as everyone sorts through digital offerings, DVR ratings and one less broadcast network, it's hard to predict where the dollars will fall.

Conventional wisdom is the market will be flat, and if that's the case the broadcast networks will be scrambling for their share of the $9.1 billion spent last year. Buyers are predicting a positive upfront for ABC and Fox, think CBS will fall in the middle and NBC will be flat or forced to cut rates for the second straight year.

Not surprisingly, ABC is expected to come out with the highest cost-per-thousand viewer increases this year on the back of its still hot shows. The Walt Disney Co. network has already been approached with agency requests to do early deals and is widely expected to pitch CPM rates at 6% or above. Last year, ABC booked $2.1 billion in ad commitments after pitching a moderate 4%-6% CPM increase. One buyer said ABC might have a harder time asking for more than a 6% increase, because there isn't any more strength on the network than in the previous season.

Buyers are also fairly bullish on News Corp.'s Fox, which, in addition to a still-growing "American Idol," has seen medical mystery "House" build its audience, along with "24" and new entrants "Prison Break" and "Skating with Celebrities." Geoff Robison, senior VP-national TV, Palisades Media Group, who buys for a variety of movie studios and will be active in this year's upfront, said: "Fox is in good shape. They'll be in the 4%-6% range."

The pre-upfront speculation suggests that NBC might again be looking at rolling back CPM rates, though a strong development slate coupled with the arrival of "Sunday Night Football" might help the General Electric Co. network stave off cuts. The network is, for many advertisers, still the most expensive. Last year, it got no increase on its CPM rate, and in some cases wrote business at 2% less than the previous year's rate.

"If I were NBC I'd be going out and trying to write share and get back money they didn't write last year," one media buyer advised. The network booked around $2 billion, down $900 million from the previous year. However, this buyer suggested that NBC might not need to go any deeper than negative three, if they do end up in a roll-back situation. "At a certain point, no-one's going to shift any more money so what's their incentive to write deeper than that," said one agency executive.

Palisades' Mr. Robison added: "It is going to be a fight for share of budgets. NBC will have another tough year, though its development was strong and maybe they'll get some momentum out of that. They've still only had one correction year. They had such big CPMs, they may be in for another year of it, but it depends on what the money is."

CBS is yet again the steady network in the middle of the pack. While the network has admirably kept its hold on Thursdays, buyers say its pricing for the 18- to 49-year-old audience may be on the high end. Traditionally, CBS has sold on the power of its slightly older demographic, 25-to-54, and with fewer 18-to-49 ratings points to sell, its price is higher than other networks. Others complain that while CBS's shows do well with viewers, they don't have the same buzz factor as ABC or Fox programs.

CBS has kept its cards close to the vest, though buyers expect CBS to fall in the middle of the pack with regard to CPM-rate increases. CBS Corp. President-CEO Leslie Moonves told analysts during a first-quarter call that he expects the upfront market to increase 4%, a much more buoyant prediction than conventional wisdom.

Several buyers voiced frustration about the lack of detail available about the CBS/Time Warner joint venture, the CW, the merger of WB and UPN. One buyer said agencies needed to know now if the network was going to be "obnoxious" on pricing. Others have said they don't think the network can charge any more than the WB was charging, even with the additional strong shows from UPN that are being added to the mix. The WB took $675 million during last year's upfront market, while UPN took $375 million, with CPM rate increases at 3%.

The Cable Advertising Bureau, meanwhile, is predicting that cable channels might take a further $750 million out of the expected $18 billion TV advertising market this year. Cable took around $6.5 billion of the total pie last May. While one buyer said he would make significant commitments to top-tier cable channels in order to retain prize inventory, many others said they doubted cable would grow much more. "People have reached a tipping point with cable. How much can they put there?"

The football market is likely to be strong this year, with many clients signaling their interest in buying DVR-proof programming such as sports and news. CBS is already out shopping the Super Bowl, which next year will be played in Miami. But the hoped-for "enhancements" that the NFL was touting to buyers in the last few weeks look like they're increasingly unlikely to happen. One buyer said "in-game sponsorship" opportunities might be shelved until next year. The NFL did not immediately return calls.

A negotiating point that is sure to lead to a face-off between agencies and networks is the debate over digital video recorder ratings, known as "Live +7." Nielsen Media Research late last year began reporting viewers who watched programming "live," meaning when it aired, as well as how many viewers recorded the program on a DVR and watched it withi