CBS2 LA Crew Attacked By Unidentified Man While Covering Story

On Saturday, November 17, 2012 CBS 2 is reporting that an unidentified Man attacked their crew while covering a story.

The crew was following-up on last night’s deputy shooting in Florence.

Fortunately, their crew only suffered minor injuries in the attack.

If you have any information about this suspect you are asked to call the LA County Sheriff’s Department at at (323) 890-5500.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Can you identify the guy on the picture. Contact LA County Sheriff’s Department at the above contact information.

About CBS2:
KCBS-TV is the CBS owned-and-operated television station in Los Angeles, California. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 43 (virtual channel 2.1 via PSIP) from a transmitter atop Mount Wilson. Owned by the CBS Television Stations subsidiary of CBS Corporation, KCBS-TV is sister to independent station KCAL-TV and both stations maintain offices at the CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles’ Studio City section.

It is also co-owned locally with CBS Radio‘s KAMP-FM, KCBS-FM, KNX, KROQ-FM, KRTHand KTWV; though they operate from a separate facility located in the Mid-Wilshire district. In the few areas of the western United States where an CBS station is not receivable over-the-air, KCBS-TV is available on satellite television through DirecTV.

Sources: CBS2, Wikipedia, LA County Sheriff’s Department
Photos credit to: CBS 2 Facebook fan page

Editor’s Note: We are glad nothing serious happen to the crew, but people should not attack media outlet crews while on duty.

Vanessa Williams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Craig Robinson & Corey Reynolds Announced The 43rd NAACP Image Awards Nominees

On Thursday, January 19, 2012 Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives), Tracee Ellis Ross (Reed Between the Lines), Craig Robinson (The Office) & Corey Reynolds ( The Closer) announced the 43rd NAACP Image Awards Nominees during a live press conference from the Paley Center for Media located at 465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, CA 90210 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

The event featured a red carpet for photographers to take photos of the celebrities and afterward, press conference where all the nominees categories and names were announced and concluded with celebrities been interview on the red carpet by various media outlets.

The Award winners will be announced during the two-hour star-studded
event, which will air live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium on Friday, February 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on NBC.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

The awards show is a production of Vicangelo Films and the executive producer is Vicangelo Bulluck. The event sponsors for the 43rd NAACP Image Awards include UAW/Chrysler, Hyundai, FedEx, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company and Bank of America.

The following is the list of categories and nominees for the 43RD NAACP IMAGE AWARDS:

TELEVISION CATEGORIES
Outstanding Comedy Series
• “Love That Girl!” (TV One)
• “Modern Family” (ABC)
• “Reed Between the Lines” (BET)
• “The Game” (BET)
• “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA Network)
• Malcolm-Jamal Warner – “Reed Between the Lines” (BET)
• Phil Morris – “Love That Girl!” (TV One)
• Pooch Hall – “The Game” (BET)
• Terry Crews – “Are We There Yet?” (TBS)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
• Tatyana Ali – “Love That Girl!” (TV One)
• Tia Mowry-Hardrict – “The Game” (BET)
• Tracee Ellis Ross – “Reed Between the Lines” (BET)
• Vanessa Williams – “Desperate Housewives” (ABC)
• Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (BET)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
• Craig Robinson – “The Office” (NBC)
• Damon Wayans, Jr. – “Happy Endings” (ABC)
• J.B. Smoove – “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
• Nick Cannon – “Up All Night” (NBC)
• Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
• Amber Riley – “Glee” (FOX)
• Gabourey Sidibe – “The Big C” (Showtime)
• Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• Maya Rudolph – “Up All Night” (NBC)
• Sofia Vergara – “Modern Family” (ABC)
Outstanding Drama Series
• “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
• “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
• “The Good Wife” (CBS)
• “Treme” (HBO)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
• Andre Braugher – “Men of A Certain Age” (TNT)
• Hill Harper – “CSI: NY” (CBS)
• L.L. Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)
• Taye Diggs – “Private Practice” (ABC)
• Wendell Pierce – “Treme” (HBO)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
• Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• Khandi Alexander – “Treme” (HBO)
• Regina King – “SouthLAnd” (TNT)
• Sandra Oh – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• Taraji P. Henson – “Person of Interest” (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Corey Reynolds – “The Closer” (TNT)
• Ice T – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
• James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
• Nelsan Ellis – “True Blood” (HBO)
• Omar Epps – “House M.D.” (FOX)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Alfre Woodard – “Memphis Beat” (TNT)
• Anika Noni Rose – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
• Archie Panjabi – “The Good Wife” (CBS)
• Diahann Carroll – “White Collar” (USA Network)
• Loretta Devine – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• “Five” (Lifetime Movie Network)
• “Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith” (ABC)
• “Luther” (BBC America)
• “The Least Among You” (Showtime)
• “Thurgood” (HBO)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• Esai Morales – “We Have Your Husband” (Lifetime)
• Idris Elba – “Luther” (BBC America)
• Laurence Fishburne – “Thurgood” (HBO)
• Louis Gossett, Jr. – “The Least Among You” (Showtime)
• Samuel L. Jackson – “The Sunset Limited ” (HBO)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• Anika Noni Rose – “Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith” (ABC)
• Jenifer Lewis – “Five” (Lifetime Movie Network)
• Rosario Dawson – “Five” (Lifetime Movie Network)
• Taraji P. Henson – “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story” (Lifetime)
• Tracee Ellis Ross – “Five” (Lifetime Movie Network)

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
• Aaron D. Spears – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
• Bryton James – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
• Emerson Brooks – “All My Children” (ABC)
• James Reynolds – “Days of Our Lives” (NBC)
• Texas Battle – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
• Christel Khalil – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
• Julia Pace Mitchell – “The Young & the Restless” (CBS)
• Tatyana Ali – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
• Tonya Lee Williams – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
• Yvette Freeman – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)
• “BET News Exclusive: The President Answers Black America” (BET)
• “Judge Mathis” (Syndicated)
• “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (HBO)
• “Unsung” (TV One)
• “Washington Watch with Roland Martin” (TV One)
Outstanding Talk Series
• “Anderson” (Syndicated)
• “Oprah’s Lifeclass” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
• “The Doctors” (Syndicated)
• “The View” (ABC)
• “The Wendy Williams Show” (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Series
• “All-American Muslim” (TLC)
• “American Idol” (FOX)
• “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC)
• “Sunday Best” (BET)
• “Tia & Tamera” (Style Network)
Outstanding Variety Series or Special
• “2011 BET Awards” (BET)
• “Black Girls Rock!” (BET)
• “Oprah Presents: Master Class” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
• “Prince! Behind the Symbol” (The Africa Channel)
• “UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to Chaka Khan” (BET)
Outstanding Children’s Program
• “A.N.T. Farm” (Disney Channel)
• “Dora The Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
• “Go, Diego! Go!” (Nickelodeon)
• “I Can Be President: A Kid’s-Eye View” (HBO)
• “My Family Tree” (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/ Children’s Program – (Series or Special)
• China Anne McClain – “A.N.T. Farm” (Disney Channel)
• Keke Palmer – “True Jackson, VP” (Nickelodeon)
• Lance Robertson – “Yo Gabba Gabba” (Nickelodeon)
• Leon Thomas III – “Victorious” (Nickelodeon)
• Zendaya Coleman – “Shake It Up” (Disney Channel)
RECORDING CATEGORIES
Outstanding New Artist
• Committed (Epic)
• Diggy Simmons (Atlantic Records)
• Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. (Columbia Records)
• Mindless Behavior (Streamline/Conjunction/Interscope Records)
• Wynter Gordon (Big Beat/Atlantic Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
• Anthony Hamilton (RCA Records)
• Bruno Mars (Elektra Records)
• Cee Lo Green (Elektra Records)
• Chris Brown (Jive Records)
• Common (Warner Bros. Records)
Outstanding Female Artist
• Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• Jennifer Hudson (Arista Records)
• Jill Scott (Warner Bros. Records)
• Ledisi (Verve Forecast)
• Mary J. Blige (Geffen)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
• Boyz II Men (Benchmark Entertainment/MSM Music Group)
• Cee Lo Green feat. Melanie Fiona (Elektra Records)
• Mary J. Blige feat. Drake (Geffen)
• Sounds of Blackness (Malaco Music Group)
• The Roots (Island Def Jam Music Group)
Outstanding Jazz Album
• “Chano y Dizzy” – Terence Blanchard and Poncho Sanchez (Concord Music Group Inc.)
• “Friends” – Stanley Jordan (Mack Avenue Records)
• “Guitar Man” – George Benson (Concord Jazz)
• “Legacy” – Gerald Wilson (Mack Avenue Records)
• “Road Show Vol. 2″ – Sonny Rollins (Emarcy)
Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)
• “Becoming” – Yolanda Adams (N House Music Group)
• “Church on the Moon” – Deitrick Haddon (Verity Gospel Music Group)
• “Hello Fear” – Kirk Franklin (Verity Gospel Music Group)
• “Something Big” – Mary Mary (Columbia Records)
• “The Journey” – Andraé Crouch (RiverPhlo Entertainment)

Outstanding World Music Album
• “Afrodiaspora” – Susana Baca (Luaka Bop)
• “Carnival Fever” – Brother B (King Chero Records)
• “Live at 2011 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival” – Boukman Eksperyans (MunckMix,
Inc.)
• “Sounds of Blackness” – Sounds of Blackness (Malaco Music Group)
• “The First Grader” – Alex Heffes (Varese Sarabande)
Outstanding Music Video
• “25/8″ – Mary J. Blige (Geffen)
• “Hear My Call” – Jill Scott (Warner Bros. Records)
• “I Was Here” – Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• “Someone Like You” – Adele (Columbia Records)
• “Where You At” – Jennifer Hudson (Arista Records)
Outstanding Song
• “Best Thing I Never Had” – Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• “Fool for You feat. Melanie Fiona” – Cee Lo Green (Elektra Records)
• “I Smile” – Kirk Franklin (Verity Gospel Music Group)
• “So In Love feat. Anthony Hamilton” – Jill Scott (Warner Bros. Records)
• “Someone Like You” – Adele (Columbia Records)
Outstanding Album
• “4″ – Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
• “F.A.M.E” – Chris Brown (Jive Records)
• “I Remember Me” – Jennifer Hudson (Arista Records)
• “Lasers” – Lupe Fiasco (1st & 15th/Atlantic Records)
• “The Light of the Sun” – Jill Scott (Warner Bros. Records)
LITERATURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
• “A Silken Thread” – Brenda Jackson (Harlequin Kimani Press)
• “Boundaries” – Elizabeth Nunez (Akashic Books)
• “Say Amen, Again” – Reshonda Tate Billingsley (Gallery Books)
• “Silver Sparrow” – Tayari Jones (Algonquin Books)
• “The Plot Against Hip Hop: A Novel” – Nelson George (Akashic Books)
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
• “Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America” – Melissa Harris-Perry
(Yale University Press)
• “Super Rich” – Russell Simmons (Gotham Books)
• “The Cosmopolitan Canopy” – Elijah Anderson (W. W. Norton & Company)
• “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place” – Hill Harper (Gotham Books)
• “Who’s Afraid of Post- Blackness?: What It Means to Be Black Now” – Toure (Free Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
• “2Grieve 2Gether: A Journal from the Heart Helping Survivors & Supporters Navigate the
Healing Process” – Denise Hall Brown (2Lift 1Up Publishing)
• “A Defining Moment” – Patricia Duncan (IJABA Publishing Inc.)
• “The Loom” – Shella Gillus (Guideposts Books)
• “The Strawberry Letter” – Lyah Le Flore (Ballantine/Random House)
• “We the Animals” – Justin Torres (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto-Biography
• “A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother” – Janny Scott (Riverhead
Books)
• “Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention” – Manning Marable (Penguin Group (USA)-Viking)
• “My Song” – Harry Belafonte (Knopf)
• “No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington” – Condoleezza Rice (Crown
Publishers)
• “The John Carlos Story” – John Carlos, Dave Zirin (Haymarket Books)
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
• “A Year to Wellness and Other Weight Loss Secrets” – Bertice Berry (Freeman House
Publishing)
• “Living My Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing” – Synthia Saint James (Create Space)
• “Our Difficult Sunlight: A Guide to Poetry, Literacy, & Social Justice in Classroom &
Community” – Quraysh Ali Lansana (Teachers & Writers Collaborative)
• “The T.D. Jakes Relationship Bible: Life Lessons on Relationships from the Inspired Word of
God ” – T.D. Jakes (Atria Books)
• “Too Important to Fail: Saving America’s Boys” – Tavis Smiley (Author), Juan Roberts,
(Illustrator) (SmileyBooks)
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
• “Afro Clouds & Nappy Rain: The Curtis Brown Poems” – James Golden (iUniverse)
• “Head Off & Split” – Nikky Finney (TriQuarterly Books / Northwestern University Press)
• “Honoring Genius: The Narrative of Craft, Art, Kindness and Justice” – Haki Madhubuti
(Third World Press)
• “Intimate Thoughts” – Darrin Henson (Author), Anna Saunders (Illustrator) (Godzchild
Publishing)
• “Last Seen” – Jacqueline Jones Lamon (University of Wisconsin Press)
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
• “Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band” – Kwame Alexander (Author), Tim Bowers
(Illustrator) (Sleeping Bear Press)
• “Before There Was Mozart” – Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), James Ransome (Illustrator)
(Schwartz & Wade Books / Random House Children’s Books)
• “Heart and Soul” – Kadir Nelson (Author/Illustrator) (Balzer + Bray, an imprint of
HarperCollins Children’s Books)
• “White Water” – Michael S. Bandy (Author), Shadra Strickland (Illustrator) (Candlewick
Press)
• “You Can Be A Friend” – Tony Dungy (Author), Ron Mazellan (Illustrator) (Simon & Schuster
Children’s Publishing – Little Simon)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
• “Camo Girl” – Kekla Magoon (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing – Aladdin)
• “Eliza’s Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary” – Jerdine Nolan (Author), Sadra
Strickland (Illustrator) (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing – Paula Wiseman Books)
• “Jesse Owens: “I Always Loved Running”" – Jeff Burlingame (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)
• “Kick” – Walter Dean (HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books)
• “Planet Middle School” – Nikki Grimes (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Motion Picture
• “Jumping the Broom” (TriStar Pictures)
• “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• “The First Grader” (National Geographic Entertainment)
• “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)
• “Tower Heist” (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• Eddie Murphy – “Tower Heist” (Universal Pictures)
• Laurence Fishburne – “Contagion” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Laz Alonso – “Jumping the Broom” (TriStar Pictures)
• Oliver Litondo – “The First Grader” (National Geographic Entertainment)
• Vin Diesel – “Fast Five” (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Adepero Oduye – “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• Emma Stone – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)
• Paula Patton – “Jumping the Broom” (TriStar Pictures)
• Viola Davis – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)
• Zoë Saldana – “Colombiana” (TriStar Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
• Anthony Mackie – “The Adjustment Bureau” (Universal Pictures)
• Charles Parnell – “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• Don Cheadle – “The Guard” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Jeffrey Wright – “The Ides of March” (Columbia Pictures)
• Mike Epps – “Jumping the Broom” (TriStar Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
• Bryce Dallas Howard – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)
• Cicely Tyson – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)
• Kim Wayans – “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• Maya Rudolph – “Bridesmaids” (Universal Pictures)
• Octavia Spencer – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone  Pictures)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
• “I Will Follow” (AFFRM)
• “Kinyarwanda” (AFFRM)
• “MOOZ-lum” (AFFRM)
• “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• “The First Grader” (National Geographic Entertainment)
Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture
• “A Separation” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• “Attack the Block” (Screen Gems)
• “In the Land of Blood and Honey” (FilmDistrict)
• “Le Havre” (Janus Films)
• “Life, Above All” (Sony Pictures Classics)
DOCUMENTARY
Outstanding Documentary – (Theatrical or Television)
• “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” (Submarine Deluxe)
• “Sing Your Song” (HBO Documentary Films)
• “The Rescuers” (Michael King Productions)
• “Thunder Soul” (Roadside Attractions)
WRITING
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
• Arthur Harris – “Reed Between the Lines” – Let’s Talk About Ms. Helen’s Son Part 1 (BET)
• Prentice Penny – “Happy Endings” – The Girl with the David Tattoo (ABC)
• Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil – “The Game” – Parachutes….Beach Chairs (BET)
• Vali Chandrasekaran – “30 Rock” – It’s Never Too Late For Now (NBC)
• Vince Cheung, Ben Montanio – “Wizards of Waverly Place” – Wizards vs. Angels (Disney Channel)
Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series
• Cheo Hodari Coker – “SouthLAnd” – Punching Water (TNT)
• Janine Sherman Barrois – “Criminal Minds” – The Bittersweet Science (CBS)
• Lolis Eric Elie – “Treme” – Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get the Blues? (HBO)
• Pam Veasey – “Ringer” – Oh Gawd, There’s Two of Them? (The CW)
• Zoanne Clack – “Grey’s Anatomy” – I Will Survive (ABC)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture – (Theatrical or Television)
• Alrick Brown – “Kinyarwanda” (AFFRM)
• Ann Peacock – “The First Grader” (National Geographic Entertainment)
• Dee Rees – “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• Elizabeth Hunter, Arlene Gibbs – “Jumping the Broom” (TriStar Pictures)
• Tate Taylor – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)

DIRECTING
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
• Jay Chandrasekhar – “Happy Endings” – The Girl with the David Tattoo (ABC)
• Kevin Hooks – “Drop Dead Diva” – Mother’s Day (Lifetime)
• Leonard R. Garner Jr. – “Rules of Engagement” – The Set Up (CBS)
• Miguel Arteta – “How to Make It in America” – Mofongo (HBO)
• Salim Akil – “The Game” – Parachutes/Beach Chairs (BET)
Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series
• Ernest Dickerson – “Treme” – Do Watcha Wanna (HBO)
• Ken Whittingham – “Parenthood” – Opening Night (NBC)
• Kevin Sullivan – “NCIS” – Tell-All (CBS)
• Paris Barclay – “Sons of Anarchy” – Out (FX Network)
• Seith Mann – “Dexter” – Get Gellar (Showtime)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture – (Theatrical or Television)
• Alrick Brown – “Kinyarwanda” (AFFRM)
• Angelina Jolie – “In the Land of Blood and Honey” (FilmDistrict)
• Dee Rees – “Pariah” (Focus Features)
• Salim Akil – “Jumping the Broom” (TriStar Pictures)
• Tate Taylor – “The Help” (DreamWorks Pictures/Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)

About NAACP:
Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its one-half million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their
communities, and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net.

Source: http://www.naacpimageawards.net
Photos credit to: Carlos Zeron for Diversity News Magazine, Examiner.com & Yahoo Voices (C) 2012 Carlos Zeron & Diversity News Publications. All Rights Are Reserved.
Videos by our TV Channel’s Blip TV and YouTube

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the nominees and good luck.

BREAKING NEWS: Yahoo Co-Founder Jerry Yang Resignation Announcement

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Yahoo! Inc announced that  that Jerry Yang has resigned from its Board of Directors and all other positions with the company, effective today. In addition, Yang resigned from the Boards of Yahoo Japan Corporation and Alibaba Group Holding Limited, effective today.

In a letter to the Yahoo! Board Chairman Roy Bostock, Yang wrote:

“My time at Yahoo!, from its founding to the present, has encompassed some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life. However, the time has come for me to pursue other interests outside of Yahoo! As I leave the company I co-founded nearly 17 years ago, I am enthusiastic about the appointment of Scott Thompson as Chief Executive Officer and his ability, along with the entire Yahoo! leadership team, to guide Yahoo! into an exciting and successful future.”

Yang co-founded Yahoo! Inc. in 1995 with David Filo and served as a member of the Board of Directors since March 1995 and as Chief Executive Officer from June 2007 to January 2009. The Company went public in 1996.

“Jerry Yang is a visionary and a pioneer, who has contributed enormously to Yahoo! during his many years of service,” said Roy Bostock, Chairman of the Yahoo! Board. “It has been a pleasure to work with Jerry. His unique strategic insights have been invaluable. He has always remained focused on the best interests of Yahoo!’s stakeholders, including shareholders, employees and more than 700 million users. And while I and the entire Board respect his decision, we will miss his remarkable perspective, vision and wise counsel. On behalf of the Board, we thank Jerry and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.”

Bostock concluded, “We appreciate Jerry’s comments and share his enthusiasm for the company’s prospects. With Scott Thompson leading an outstanding team of Yahoos to deliver innovative products and an engaging customer experience, Yahoo!’s future is bright.”

“I am grateful for the warm welcome and support Jerry provided me during my early days here,” said Scott Thompson, Yahoo!’s Chief Executive Officer. “Jerry leaves behind a legacy of innovation and customer focus for this iconic brand, having shaped our culture by fostering a spirit of innovation that began 17 years ago and continues to grow even stronger today. Jerry has great confidence in the future of Yahoo!, and I share his confidence in the enormous potential of Yahoo! in the days ahead.”

About Jerry Yang:
Jerry Yang is an Internet Entrepreneur, the co-founder and former CEO of Yahoo! Inc.

Early life

Born in Taipei, Taiwan on November 6, 1968, Yang moved to San Jose, California at the age of ten with his mother and younger brother. His father died when Yang was two. He claimed that despite his mother being an English teacher, he only knew one English word (shoe) on his arrival. Becoming fluent in three years, he was placed into an AP English class.

Yang graduated from Sierramont Middle School and Piedmont Hills High School. Yang went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Stanford University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

Career

While Yang studied in Electrical Engineering at Stanford, he co-created in April 1994 with David Filo an Internet website called “Jerry and Dave’s Guide to the World Wide Web” consisting of a directory of other websites. It was renamed “Yahoo!” (an exclamation). Yahoo! became very popular, and Yang and Filo realized the business potential and co-founded Yahoo! Inc. in April 1995. They took leaves of absence and postponed their doctoral programs indefinitely.

About Yahoo!:
Yahoo! is the premier digital media company, creating deeply personal digital experiences that keep more than half a billion people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the globe. And Yahoo!’s unique combination of Science + Art + Scale connects advertisers to the consumers who build their businesses. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net) or the company’s blog, Yodel Anecdotal (yodel.yahoo.com).

Yahoo! is the trademark and/or registered trademark of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Yahoo! Inc., Wikipedia & BUSINESS WIRE

BREAKING NEWS: The 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards to Air on NBC Friday, February 17, 2012

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment announced that NBC will broadcast the 43rd “NAACP Image Awards,” a live, two-hour special on Friday, February 17 (8-10 p.m. ET) that will showcase the best achievements and performances of people of color in the arts featuring a star-studded lineup of performers, winners and presenters.

“We are happy to be coming home to NBC this year,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. ”The NAACP Image Awards is the nation’s premier event that spotlights the outstanding achievements of people of color in the arts as well as those who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. We are excited to honor their efforts this year.”

The nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 19, and will include contributions in television, film, music and literature.

The awards event is a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer is Vicangelo Bulluck.
The event sponsors for the 43rd NAACP Image Awards include UAW/Chrysler, Hyundai, FedEx, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company and Bank of America.

About NAACP:
Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its one-half million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their
communities, and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net.

Source: http://www.naacpimageawards.net & NBCUniversal Media Village
Graphic logos credit to: naacpimageawards.net & http://www.naacp.org

Hollywood and West Hollywood Residents Wake Up on Arsonist Fire Friday Morning

On Friday, December 30, 2011 around 5:00 pm we received a tactical alert call from the Los Angeles Police Department notifying us of  arsonist fires in Hollywood area. They asked if the public see any fire to call immediately 911.

KTLA News is reporting that Authorities are searching for one or more suspects after a rash of arson fires in West Hollywood and Hollywood early Friday morning, including one that damaged the former residence of Jim Morrison.

At least 19 fires have erupted, officials said. The fires have mainly started in vehicles or carports.

Remember to report any fire you believe to be arson or of suspicious origin, you can call the 24-hour L.A. County Arson Hotline: 1-800-633-2836 or the City of Los Angeles Arson Hotline: 213-893-9800.

Sources: LAPD, KTLA, ABC 7 & Associated Press
Photo credit to: benwatts

Breaking News: Specific Media Acquires Myspace from News Corporation

On Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Specific Media, a digital media company, announced its acquisition of Myspace, a leading social networking destination for consumers, celebrities and artists. As part of the deal, Emmy and Grammy winning artist Justin Timberlake will also take an ownership stake and play a major role in developing the creative direction and strategy for the company moving forward. Specific Media and Timberlake plan to unveil their vision for the site in an exclusive press conference later this summer.

“There’s a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favorite entertainers, listen to music, watch videos, share and discover cool stuff and just connect. Myspace has the potential to be that place,” says Timberlake. “Art is inspired by people and vice versa, so there’s a natural social component to entertainment. I’m excited to help revitalize Myspace by using its social media platform to bring artists and fans together in one community.”

Myspace has created a robust social networking infrastructure that connects people with the artists and content they love. Specific Media and Timberlake plan to evolve Myspace into the premiere digital destination for original shows, video content and music.


Specific Media will also leverage the Myspace social networking infrastructure to deploy socially-activated advertising campaigns, enabling brands to turn their campaigns viral by allowing users to share their favorite ads with friends.

Brothers Tim, Chris and Russell Vanderhook founded Specific Media in 1999 to address the needs of the burgeoning online advertising space. Since then, the company has developed into one of the world’s largest online advertising companies, with capabilities spanning addressable advertising, original programming and cross-media distribution. By bringing its advertising technology and Fortune 500 client base to Myspace, Specific Media is creating a digital hub where consumers, content and brands connect based on mutual interest and relevance.

“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to rebuild and reinvigorate Myspace,” said Tim Vanderhook, CEO of Specific Media. “We look forward to partnering with someone as talented as Justin Timberlake, who will lead the business strategy with his creative ideas and vision for transforming Myspace. This is the next chapter of digital media, and we are excited to have a hand in writing the script.”

As part of the agreement, News Corporation will take a minority equity stake in Specific Media. Additional terms of the agreement are confidential and will not be disclosed.


About Myspace: Myspace, Inc. is a leading social entertainment destination powered by the passions of fans. Aimed at a Gen Y audience, Myspace drives social interaction by providing a highly personalized experience around entertainment and connecting people to the music, celebrities, TV, movies, and games that they love. These entertainment experiences are available through multiple platforms, including online, mobile devices, and offline events.

Myspace is also the home of Myspace Music, which offers an ever-growing catalogue of freely streamable audio and video content to users and provides major, independent, and unsigned artists alike with the tools to reach new audiences. The company is headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA.
http://www.myspace.com/pressroom/

About Justin Timberlake: Justin Timberlake is an actor-singer/songwriter/producer, and entrepreneur. He has become an accomplished artist who is now widely-considered one of pop culture’s most influential entertainers. Timberlake came to fame as a member of the pop group, *NSYNC and, through a successful solo career, has gone on to win six Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and dozens of accolades from around the world. As an entrepreneur, Timberlake co-created the popular denim lifestyle brand, William Rast; launched a spirits company with 901 Silver Tequila; runs the Tennman Records label and founded the award-winning Mirimichi Golf course located outside Memphis, TN.

About Specific Media: Specific Media is a digital media company driving viewership for content owners, engagement for brands and relevance for consumers. With capabilities spanning original programming, cross-channel distribution and addressable advertising, the company connects audiences, content and brands, adding meaning to each touch-point. As people discover new ways to consume content, Specific Media creates impactful media experiences no matter where they are. For more information visit www.specificmedia.com

Photo credit to: MySpace
Source: Specific Media

Editor’s Note: Good luck to Specific Media as well Justin Timberlake and we hope they can turn MySpace around and become powerful like Facebook. Diversity News Publications our parent company is also on MySpace, visit us at http://www.myspace.com/diversitynewspublications

BREAKING NEWS: Lindsay Lohan Sentenced to 120 Days Jail Time

CBS Los Angeles reports that Actress Lindsay Lohan has been ordered taken into custody after a judge has ruled the actress violated her probation in the theft of a necklace from a Venice jewelry store.

Lohan, whose grand theft case was just reduced to a misdemeanor charge, has been fighting the accusation that she stole the necklace from the store, Kamofie & Co. Lohan has claimed she borrowed the $2,500 necklace with the knowledge of the store’s owners.

A judge sentenced the actress to 120 days in jail for violating her probation, which includes also 480 hours of community service.

Attorney are preparing an immediate appeal, after which the judge can grant bail. Lohan will likely be freed on bail.


A misdemeanor charge carries a potential penalty of a year in jail. A trial for the misdemeanor charge has been tentatively set for June 3.

Kamofie & Company is located at 1350 Abbot Kinney, suite 102 • Venice, CA 90291.

Source: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com

Photo credit to: Koi Sojer / PR Photos


Editor’s Note: We contacted via email Kamofie & Co asking for their reacting to the judge ruling. We will update story posting as soon we heard from representatives of the company.

F.Y.I.: Sources to Diversity News Magazine tell us that she will not be the total 120 days in jail, she may just get 1 week. What do you think? Please leave your comments. Thanks

Neil Portnow Contract Extended Through 2015 By The Recording Academy

On March 24, 2011 The Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy^® announced it has  extended President/CEO Neil Portnow’s contract through 2015, it was announced by Chair of the Board George P. Flanigen IV.

At its semi-annual meeting in November 2010, the Board voted unanimously to keep Portnow at the helm of the nonprofit music membership organization for four more years. Portnow became President of The Academy in December 2002, and was promoted to President/CEO in September 2007.

“Neil’s extensive experience and relationships across all aspects of the music and entertainment business combined with his collaborative, inclusive spirit are just a few of the qualities that make him an exceptional leader,” said Flanigen. “As a member and volunteer elected leader of The Academy for more than 25 years, and as musician himself, he has an innate understanding of the needs of our constituents and how best to serve them — especially in an ever-evolving industry. He continues to innovate and expand the scope of programs, events, and services we offer regionally, nationally and internationally, always advancing The Academy’s profile and mission and always with its best interests at heart. Neil’s vision, humility, compassion, and creativity have served the organization well, and I, along with our Board, look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”


“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the continued confidence and support of our Board in steering and guiding this remarkable organization,” said Portnow. “Along with our extraordinary staff, and elected leaders from across the country, we will continue to raise the bar on the level of excellence and achievement that can be attained by our Academy with a spirit of collaboration, diligence, and innovation on behalf of and for the betterment of our creative community, both domestically and globally.”

In addition to being President/CEO of The Recording Academy, Portnow also is President/CEO of MusiCares^® and the GRAMMY Foundation^®, as well as Chair of the Board of The GRAMMY Museum^®.

Portnow will continue to serve as the lead executive of The Recording Academy, working closely with the Board of Trustees and its Chair, as well as The Academy’s senior management team to advance the organization’s goals and purpose, including the creative and strategic vision and the operations of The Academy and its related entities (the GRAMMYAwards, the Latin GRAMMY Awards, The Latin Recording Academy^®, MusiCares, the GRAMMY Foundation, the GRAMMY Museum, the Producers & Engineers Wing, and other programs). Additionally, he will continue to represent The Academy to its many constituents and partners; serve as a trusted and important industry leader on issues relating to the music industry — including participation in national caucuses, seminars and similar events; and provide service/counsel to key domestic and international industry-related organizations. In keeping with The Academy’s position as an advocate for its constituents, Portnow will develop and manage strategic advocacy positions at the national, state and local levels — both governmental and within music and its related industries.

Portnow has served The Academy as a volunteer leader in a variety of roles, both locally and nationally, for more than 25 years. He was Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations for the Zomba Group of Companies (including Jive Records and Zomba Music Publishing), responsible for the overall vision and direction of Zomba’s businesses  on the West Coast, including sales and marketing, corporate and talent acquisitions, and management of all of Zomba’s creative talent, the Film and Television Music Division, Zomba Music Services, Segue Music, and Ingenuity Entertainment. Prior to Zomba, he was Vice President of A&R at EMI America Records; Vice President/General Manager West Coast Arista Records; and President, Twentieth Century Fox Records. He began his career as a musician, record producer, and music publisher. In 2003, he was honored with City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award, the highest philanthropic honor bestowed upon an individual by the world-renowned cancer treatment and research center. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from George Washington University.


About The Recording Academy:
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and aYouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.

Photo Courtesy of The Recording Academy & Photo By Jordan Strauss/Wire Image