VIDEO: Obama press conference in 2 minutes

President Obama took questions from reporters at the White House on Tuesday, discussing Syria, the Boston bombings, closing Guantanamo, immigration reform, and Jason Collins.

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Adam Lambert to be honored with the Davidson/Valentini Award at 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco

New York, Thursday, March 28, 2013 - GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today announced it will honor singer, songwriter, and stage performer Adam Lambert at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented nationally by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo.

Adam Lambert will receive the Davidson/Valentini Award at the San Francisco ceremony on May 11, 2013 at the Hilton San Francisco – Union Square, presented locally by Southwest Airlines. The Davidson/Valentini Award is named after Craig Davidson, GLAAD’s first executive director, and his partner Michael Valentini. The award is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.  Previous Davidson/Valentini honorees include Lee Daniels, Chad Allen, Ilene Chaiken, Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, Alec Mapa, B.D. Wong, and Sandra Bernhard.

“Adam Lambert’s continued success as one of the world’s best-selling pop stars shows LGBT people that they can be themselves and make it in a mainstream industry that many feel unfairly rejects them,” said GLAAD’s Wilson Cruz. “Adam is fearless on stage and astonishes audiences in every country he performs in.”

Upon the release of Lambert’s second album Trespassing, of which he is the executive producer and principal writer, Lambert became the first out LGBT artist to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The album made numerous year-end “best of” lists, including Rolling Stone and People, and Lambert supported the album by embarking on a successful world tour. Lambert also performed with legendary rock band Queen in critically-acclaimed sold-out shows across Europe.  He has also established himself as one of the few high-profile Western acts across Asia with recent TV performances on the finale of “The Voice of China” and the MNET Music awards, reaching more than three billion viewers.

As an out mainstream pop star, Lambert has used his status to help advance equality and raise visibility of the LGBT community. In September 2012, he participated in a benefit performance to raise money for marriage equality efforts in Maryland and engaged in several interviews, in which he spoke about the importance of empowering and supporting LGBT young people. Lambert has also been recognized by other LGBT advocacy organizations, including Equality California’s Los Angeles Equality Awards and the PFLAG National Los Angeles event. In December, he performed at “Cyndi Lauper and Friends: Home for the Holidays,” a benefit concert supporting homeless LGBT youth.

In addition to his music, Lambert has appeared on stage and television. His guest spot on the Halloween special of Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family was the highest rated annual Halloween special ever for the network. He also hosted and performed during VH1′s Divas, a show benefiting the Save the Music Foundation.

Adam Lambert is a two-time GLAAD Media Award nominee, garnering nominations for both of his albums. He performed two of his songs during the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles in 2010.


Additional honorees and special guests for the San Francisco event will be announced.

Nominees for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here: http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. Each year, the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco bring together more than 5,000 advocates and allies to raise critical funds for the organization’s work.

The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are executive produced by Marc Honaker, Director of Creative Development at GLAAD, and by Josh Wood, founder and president of Josh Wood Productions. Emmy Award-winning production designer James Connelly will design this year’s set across the three cities. Acclaimed producer and editor Brett Henrichsen will also contribute to this year’s GLAAD Media Awards.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

About GLAAD: GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: GLAAD

Kimberly Caldwell performs; Culture Swimwear, LA Fashion Magazine, Public Counsel winners at 2013 LA Fashion Weekend Awards

On Saturday, March 16, 2013 The Gallery Los Angeles closes LA Fashion Weeked at Sunset Gower Studios with something different. They presented their 2013 L.A. Fashion Weekend Awards 2013 at Sunset Gower Studios located at 1438 N Gower St in  Hollywood, CA 90028 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The L.A. Fashion Weekend march 2013 grand finale closes closes with a twist and something different the 2013 L.A. Fashion Weekend Awards. The 2013 L.A. Fashion Weekend Awards featured a celebrity and vip’s red carpet arrivals and guest lounge for guests with various vendors. The show was open with the live performance of former American Idol Kimberly Caldwell. Then it went on to present the awards.

The 2013 LA Fashion Weekend Awards winners are:

• The Founder Award to Sunset Gower Studios accepted by Christopher Barton, Executive Vice President
• Title Sponsorship & Artistry Team Award to Wella Professionals
• The Beauty Sponsorship & Artistry Team Award to Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics
• Lounge Sponsorship & Activation Award to Nobu Hotel Las Vegas
• Media Partnership Award to LA Fashion Magazine accepted by Csaba Fikker
• Fashion Achievement Award to Planet Salon accepted by Ginger Boyle
• Lifetime Achievement Award to Public Counsel
• Womens Couture Award to Designer Dina Bar-El
• Mens Couture Award to Designer Anthony Franco
• Contemporary Designer Award to Designer Betsey Johnson
• Resort Wear Award to Culture Swimwear accepted by Designer Hope Reiners
• Emerging Designer Award to Flynn Skye accepted by Designer Amber Farr

Sabrina Antoinette performed live during the middle of the show and closes the 2013 L.A. Fashion Weekend Awards grand finale show. Something else different about LA Fashion Weekend from other fashion events in Los Angeles County is that they have celebrity power presence at their events.



About The Gallery Los Angeles/Mikey Koffman:
Mikey Koffman, Founder of The Gallery Los Angeles and Executive Producer of L.A. Fashion Weekend, has been a mainstay in L.A.’s fashion world for over 10 years as both a producer and innovator. Koffman’s extensive background producing runway shows in L.A., Las Vegas, and New York City led her to start The Gallery Los Angeles, Fashion and Entertainment Productions.
Since 2005, Koffman and The Gallery LA have been an integral force to Los Angeles Fashion Week and an original member of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. After Mercedes Benz Fashion Week’s final season, Koffman created L.A. Fashion Weekend and moved her high-profile fashion show to Sunset Gower Studios in the heart of Hollywood. Today, L.A. Fashion Weekend continues to be one of L.A. Fashion Week’s most sought-after events and sets the stage for high-level brands, products, and services. For more information on Mikey Koffman and L.A. Fashion Weekend, please visit www.thegalleryla.com and www.losangelesfw.com. You can like them on Facebook.com/thegalleryla or follow on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/thegalleryla

Photos credit to: Gisele Rebeiro/PartyBy5.com “The Shooter Diva”, Idan Ozeri /Tal Photography.

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2013 L.A. Fashion Weekend Awards. Please come back to see our coverage of the fashion shows for Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15, 2013. Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV teams wants to Thanks The Gallery LA/LA Fashion Weekend staff, management and team for inviting us to cover their event.

VIDEO: Entertainment News – Oz, Justin Timberlake, Mindy Kaling

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Fox Broadcasting Company Launches New Digital Content Syndication Network

Launch Partners Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV and NextGuide to Feature

FOX NOW Sync-to-Broadcast Content Within Their Multi-Platform Environments.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 - Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) today announced that it is launching a new, first-of-its-kind syndication network that will distribute FOX’s custom sync-to-broadcast experiences – currently available exclusively in FOX NOW apps – to other second-screen TV app providers. Powered by content syndication platform Watchwith®, the new network allows partners to take advantage of FOX’s high-quality companion content and ensures that fans can enjoy a premium, cohesive FOX digital content and advertising experience across multiple TV apps and platforms.

Syndication partners at launch include digital leaders Shazam®, the world’s leading media engagement company; Viggle℠, a leading second-screen TV platform that makes TV more rewarding; ConnecTV, the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans; and NextGuide, the hyper-personalized TV guide app (from Dijit Media) that helps people discover and experience TV shows and movies. Through these partnerships, viewers using Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV or NextGuide can easily access FOX’s social, behind-the-scenes and interactive content around their favorite FOX shows while synced to the broadcast.


“FOX has some of the most loyal, invested fans on the planet, so we want them to have the richest, most immersive experience possible with our shows and our brand partners – no matter which TV app or platform they use,” said David Wertheimer, President, Digital, Fox Broadcasting. “By syndicating the content we’ve built around our show broadcasts, we’re extending the FOX experience to viewers across all digital platforms and providing our partners with new and valuable opportunities around our content.”

“FOX’s focus on the creation of second-screen content as the shows are being produced is a really important step in the industry, and we’re proud to be one of FOX’s launch partners,” said Doug Garland, Chief Revenue Officer at Shazam. “Given the significant reach of Shazam – 85 million users in the US alone – we’re excited to partner with FOX to engage a wide audience with compelling second-screen content.”

In addition to mobile and tablet second-screen environments, the network is designed to allow FOX to create, manage and syndicate content to the rapidly evolving industry of Smart TVs, Connected TVs and television service providers looking to increase audience engagement. FOX is currently in discussions with such providers and plans to announce additional partners soon.

“FOX is a leader in creating premium sync-to-broadcast experiences,” said Zane Vella, CEO at Watchwith. ”The launch of this syndication network is a true path to scale for FOX, their distribution partners, and advertisers. Watchwith is excited to help power this vision for the innovators at Fox Broadcasting Company.”

About Shazam®:
Shazam® is the world’s leading media engagement company with more than 300 million people in 200 countries and adding another two million new users each week. With the industry’s unlimited fastest tagging in the Free and premium Encore Apps on iOS and Android devices, Shazam is the best way for people to discover, explore, buy and share more music, TV shows and branded content they love.

Shazam makes it easy for people to share their discoveries with their friends on Facebook using the Shazam Friends feature, as well as on Twitter and Google+.  For people who don’t yet have the Shazam application on their smartphone, it is available for FREE on every major platform and can be found on iTunes App Store, Google play, Amazon App Store, AT&T’s AppCenter, Verizon VCast app store, Nokia Store, Windows Phone Marketplace, Blackberry App World and GetJar.

For further information about Shazam Entertainment visit www.shazam.com and @ShazamNews or follow us on Facebook.  For daily music updates follow theShazam Blog and @Shazam.

About Viggle℠:
Launched in January 2012, Viggle is a free second-screen media platform that rewards its members for watching their favorite TV shows. Viggle enhances TV with interactive games like Viggle LIVE and the first ever real-time fantasy sports game, MyGuy. Viggle members get rewarded for their TV time from places like Best Buy, Papa John’s, Fandango, Hulu Plus and Groupon, among others. Viggle also allows like-minded fans of their favorite shows to connect through Viggle Chatter features. Viggle’s audio verification technology recognizes shows on TV and allows members to check into live and DVR’d TV content from more than 170 of the most popular broadcast and cable channels. For more information, visit www.viggle.com, follow us on Twitter @Viggle or like us on Facebook.

About ConnecTV:
ConnecTV is the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans – a second-screen companion entertainment experience that complements the video programming delivered from cable, satellite, telecom, over-the-air or online service providers. ConnecTV automatically connects television viewers while they watch their favorite programs and synchronizes engaging second-screen content, including the latest news, celebrity information, trivia, polls and play-by-play sports stats – as well as top Tweets and real-time chat with guest chat stars and other Superfans. ConnecTV subscribers can see what TV shows their friends are watching and invite them to a “viewing party” for conversation, games and prizes. ConnecTV also makes it easy to “one touch” share viewers’ favorite TV moments using Facebook, Twitter and email. ConnecTV was founded by pioneering executives at the intersection of media, entertainment and technology: Ian Aaron, Alan Moskowitz and Stacy Jolna.

About Dijit Media:
Dijit Media is a startup transforming the way people discover and experience TV shows and movies. Dijit’s newest product is NextGuide, a hyper-personalized TV listings guide designed specifically for the iPad™. The company’s first app, launched in 2011, was the Dijit Remote – the top-rated iOS remote control app, which also powers the experience for the Griffin Beacon iOS accessory. The company is venture-backed, based in San Francisco and is helmed by a team of serial entrepreneurs including TV technology industry veterans Jeremy Toeman and Adam Burg, as well as Stanford alum Thomas Quinto. More information about the company is available at www.dijit.com and more information about the app is available at www.nextguide.tv.

About Watchwith®:
Watchwith, the leader in related content syndication, unlocks value across the entertainment industry by transforming how people experience film and television. Watchwith gives content owners and app developers a way to realize new value by creating an engaging layer of time- based related content events, one-click commerce, and contextual advertising around film, television programming and commercials. Watchwith also provides business rules-based syndication of the related content experience to smartphones, tablets, connected TVs, game consoles and OTT set-top boxes. Powered by the Related Content Database™, Watchwith enables content owners to create new licensable related content properties that will generate profits across media far into the future. Watchwith is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information visit watchwith.com.

 Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

Anti-paparazzi bill pushed by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler approved by Hawaii Senate committee‏

The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee approved an anti-paparazzi bill that would allow people who are photographed on their private property or while taking part in “personal or family activities” to sue the photographer for invasion of privacy.

The bill — dubbed the “Steven Tyler Act” due to the Aerosmith lead singer’s role in initiating and drafting the initial legislation — was amended by Senate Committee Chairman Clayton Hee to limit the bill’s scope and clarify the wording. The bill is now expected to be voted on by the full state Senate.

Tyler and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac testified before the Senate committee last week, urging members to approve the act. The stars argued that they should be able to enjoy time with their families on Hawaii’s beaches without being constantly stalked by paparazzi.

Hee amended much of the bill’s language, which was originally written by Tyler’s attorney, to mirror California’s anti-paparazzi law. The amendments include specifying what defines private property where a plaintiff would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, deleting language about civil fines and clarifying the definition of “personal or family activity.”

The bill would also outlaw the use of telephoto lenses and other advanced camera and recording equipment to view people on private property. Although the bill is supported primarily by celebrities and is aimed at paparazzi, it would apply to everyone.

Media organizations have criticized the bill for being too vague and infringing upon the First Amendment rights of photographers. The National Press Photographers Association, joined by 14 media organizations including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, submitted a letter to the Legislature arguing against the measure.

“[The bill] imposes civil penalties of alarming breadth and burdens substantially more speech than is necessary to advance a compelling government interest,” the NPPA letter stated. “While we recognize the right of privacy, we oppose a broadening of these protections by abridging the clearly established tenents of First Amendment Jurisprudence.”


While most states have some sort of privacy laws that affect photography, California’s privacy laws have provisions taking aim at overzealous photographers seeking to snap celebrity photos. The state’s so-called “anti-paparazzi” law, which was first passed in 1999, prohibits trespassing with the intent of capturing photographic images or sound recordings of people in “personal or familial activity.”

The state’s vehicle code was also recently amended to include penalties for anyone who interferes with the driver of a vehicle, follows too closely or drives recklessly “with the intent to capture any type of visual image, sound recording or other physical impressions of another person for a commercial purpose.”

The California laws permit the subjects of illegally obtained photos to file a civil suit, and anyone who publishes illegally obtained photos can also be subject to fines.

Source: By Lilly Chapa from Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

TV and Radio Host/Producer Ryan Seacrest Named Honorary Chair of the GRAMMY Foundation Board

GRAMMY Foundation^® and The Recording Academy^®
Partner to Institute First Annual Music Educator Award.

Santa Monica, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2013) — The GRAMMY Foundation^® — one of two affiliated charities of The Recording Academy^® — announced today that Ryan Seacrest has been appointed Honorary Chair of the GRAMMY Foundation Board. The GRAMMY Foundation offers year-round music education programs for high school students and schools; and advancement, archiving and preservation, and grant-making programs to safeguard important collections and fund research at the intersection of music and science. Seacrest joins current GRAMMY Foundation Board Chairman and new venture backer Rusty Rueff; Vice Chair Tim Bucher, founder and CEO of TastingRoom.com and Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur; Secretary/Treasurer Geoff Cottrill, chief marketing officer of Converse; and Chair Emeritus Beatriz R. Perez, chief sustainability officer of the Coca-Cola Company, in leadership positions at the organization.

“I speak for all of the officers and directors of the GRAMMY Foundation in wholeheartedly welcoming Ryan to our Board,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Foundation. “I’ve known Ryan personally and professionally for many years, and his energy, integrity and keen vision will bring an increased strength to our mission and programs.”

“Contributing to the great work of the GRAMMY Foundation will be an honor and privilege, as music has forever been a powerful force in my life,” said Seacrest. “It’s truly exciting to join the Board and help launch the Music Educator Award, which will recognize one of America’s greatest treasures: music teachers.”

In recognition of the significant role of teachers in shaping their students’ musical experiences, the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy are partnering to present the first Music Educator Award. Open to current U.S. music teachers kindergarten through college, the Music Educator Award will be awarded annually starting in 2014 during GRAMMY Week. The nomination process will launch online beginning Feb. 10 at www.grammymusicteacher.comand the deadline for submissions is April 15.


Seacrest holds preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, nationally syndicated radio and local radio as both an Emmy^®-winning producer and host. He is celebrated internationally as host of the top-rated primetime talent showcase “American Idol” on Fox, serves as an executive producer and host of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” on ABC, and has a groundbreaking agreement with NBCUniversal that includes on-air broadcasting and producing duties across the NBC and E! networks. On radio, Seacrest is host of “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” his market-topping No. 1 nationally syndicated Los Angeles morning drive-time show for Clear Channel’s 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally syndicated Top 40 radio show.

He launched Ryan Seacrest Productions in 2006, which has since become an Emmy-winning television production powerhouse creating unscripted, scripted and digital programming. RSP produces the E! hit series “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” and spin-offs “Kourtney And Kim Take Miami” and “Khloe And Lamar.” RSP is currently producing “Married To Jonas” on E! and “Shahs Of Sunset” on Bravo. The company also produced the Emmy Award-winning reality series “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.”

Seacrest is an investor in media and entertainment companies: he recently made an investment in Civic Entertainment Group, a marketing services company, as well as in the new cable channel, AXS TV. He has strategic partnerships with several blue-chip brands, including Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and Ford.

He is also chairman of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill and injured children through unique programs that utilize multimedia and interactive platforms. RSF is building broadcast media centers within hospitals for children to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media. RSF has opened broadcast media centers in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Dallas.

About The GRAMMY Foundation:
The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with its founder, The Recording Academy^®, to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.grammyfoundation.org

About The Recording Academy:
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, 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.

Source: The Recording Academy

Platinum-Selling Global Megastar Mariah Carey Joins “American Idol” as new Judge

On Monday, July 23, 2012 Fox announced that Mariah Carey, one of the best-selling female recording artists of all time, has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a new judge. A five-time Grammy Award-winning global superstar with more than 200 million records sold worldwide and more No. 1 songs than any solo artist in history, her 18 Billboard No. 1 singles (17 of which Carey wrote) rival all but The Beatles. Carey joins the judges’ panel when AMERICAN IDOL returns in January 2013 on FOX.

“As a singer, songwriter and producer, it’s going to be fun and rewarding to help find new talent and give back with AMERICAN IDOL,” said Mariah Carey. “I’m currently in the studio working on my new album and its first single, ‘Triumphant,’ which will be out early next month. I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon.”

“We are proud to have one of the world’s greatest-ever female singers join our show,” said IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Mariah defines the word ‘Idol’ and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her.”

“Mariah Carey is a global icon whose list of musical accomplishments is unprecedented,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia. “Having sold more than 200 million records worldwide, she’s a true artist, ideally suited to identify and nurture AMERICAN IDOL’s next great music superstars. We warmly welcome her to the IDOL family.”

“Mariah Carey is the real deal. Not only is she one of the best-selling artists and performers on the planet and one of the world’s most gifted vocalists, she also is a successful songwriter, record producer and actress,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “She has a deep knowledge of music and a career insight that will make her a really amazing asset to our judges’ table and to our contestants. It’s the dream of almost everyone who auditions for IDOL to sing like Mariah and we couldn’t be happier to have her be part of the show.”

With a distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting and producing talent, Carey has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard’s Artist of the Decade Award, the World Music Award for World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium and BMI’s Icon Award, to name a few. She has two consecutive and unparalleled Billboard Song of the Decade titles: “One Sweet Day” (with Boyz II Men); and “We Belong Together,” further marking her massive presence on the charts since her 1990 song debut “Vision of Love.” Mariah became the second artist in history and the first female performer to have a song debut at No. 1 with “Fantasy” (1995), the groundbreaking collaboration with O.D.B. of the innovative rap group Wu-Tang Clan. Carey’s original holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas is You,” redefined its place in pop culture as one of the greatest holiday hits of all time when it reached

No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2011, 17 years after its debut. Carey’s influential and stellar contribution to the music industry spans multiple genres and is showcased through a multifaceted hit catalogue as well as a long list of diverse collaborations.

Carey’s ongoing impact transcends the music industry and has left an indelible imprint upon the world at large. She recently made a substantial mark in film with her critically acclaimed role as a social worker in “Precious,” the 2009 film based on the novel “Push,” by Sapphire. A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has generously donated her time and energy to a range of domestic and international philanthropic causes near to her heart, including The Fresh Air Fund/Camp Mariah (a retreat where inner-city children explore career development), Save the Music Foundation and Make-a-Wish Foundation, among several others.

Carey is currently in the studio, writing, recording and executive-producing her next album for Island Def Jam Music Group, with the lead single “Triumphant.”

AMERICAN IDOL has been the No. 1 entertainment program among Total Viewers for the past nine consecutive seasons. To date, IDOL alums have produced 349 No. 1 Billboard hits and garnered nearly 250 million iTunes downloads. Last year, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released his debut album “Clear As Day,” which dominated the Billboard Country Albums chart and has gone platinum, selling more than one million copies. Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips’ first single, “Home,” which was released May 23, has been certified gold.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Visit www.americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. “Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #idol.

Photo credit to: Mark Cant.
Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

BREAKING NEWS: Steven Tyler Quits as Judge of American Idol on broadcast on FOX

On Thursday, July 12, 2012, Fox announced that Steven Tyler has decided to depart his role as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL. Tyler served as a judge during the 10^th and 11^th seasons of IDOL.

“After some long…hard…thoughts…I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’before she boils my rabbit,” said Tyler. “I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back – but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I’ve got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass – the ultimate in auditory takeover…On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars…IDOL was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it…Now it’s time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD.”

“It’s been a tremendous honor to have Steven – one of the most prolific artists in the world – on AMERICAN IDOL for the past two seasons,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.  “He’s been a terrific judge, a true friend and great mentor to everyone involved with the show, and we know he’ll continue to be a huge inspiration to IDOL hopefuls for years to come. We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock ’n’ roll legend, he would go back to the music.  We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime.”

“Steven Tyler is a real ‘Idol,’ a rock legend. If you had told me 10 years ago he would be a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, I would have thought it impossible,” stated IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “The fact that this became a reality and we had the pleasure of him gracing our stage for two seasons makes me very proud. I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America’s greatest-ever rock band. AMERICAN IDOL will miss him!”

“We’re all very thankful and privileged that Steven joined AMERICAN IDOL two years ago,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia. “A true music icon, he not only brought rock ’n’ roll to the show, but also his exceptional taste in spotting and nurturing undiscovered talent. We will sincerely miss his poetic phrases, his remarkable creativity and his unique spirit. We’re sad about his departure from the show, but understand his decision to return to music full-time and hope he’ll be back to grace the AMERICAN IDOL stage in seasons to come.”

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Photo credit to: Michael Becker /FOX.
Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

News Corporation Statement on Consideration to Restructure Company Assets

NEW YORK, NY – June 26, 2012 – News Corporation confirmed today that it is considering a restructuring to separate its business into two distinct publicly traded companies.

About News Corporation:
News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of March 31, 2012 of approximately US$61 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$34 billion. News Corporation is a diversified global media company with operations in six industry segments: cable network programming; filmed entertainment; television; direct broadcast satellite television; publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and Latin America.



ADDITIONAL NEWS CORPORATION INFORMATION:
News Corporation’s Cable Network Programming segment produces and licenses programming for distribution on cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite platforms in the U.S and Asia. The segment’s expansive operations include the FOX News Channel and FOX Business Network, FX, STAR and many other popular pay-TV channels.

News Corporation’s motion picture and television programming operations bring the best in comedy and drama to audiences around the globe.

Fox Filmed Entertainment is a global leader in movie production and distribution. Twentieth Century Fox Film is responsible for some of the top grossing movies of all time, including history’s most successful movies, Avatar and Titanic.

In television production, Twentieth Century Fox Television, together with the Company’s other TV studios, produce and distribute some of the world’s most popular television programming. The Company’s TV studios are leaders in animated series and supply many of the most popular series to each of the major U.S. networks.

News Corporation’s television operations capture more viewers, more desirable demographics and more awards than perhaps any other television group in the world.

Its businesses include the FOX Broadcasting Company, which is the number one network in the United States; the 27 stations in the Fox Television Stations group and various television operations throughout the world.

News Corporation wholly owns Italy’s most popular pay-TV company, SKY Italia, which has more than 4 million subscribers. The Company also has significant holdings in British Sky Broadcasting, the U.K.’s largest digital pay-TV platform reaching a third of all homes and a leading broadcaster of sports, movies, entertainment and news; Germany’s leading Sky Deutschland; Asia’s TATA SKY and FOXTEL in Australia and New Zealand.

The Publishing segment encompasses our world-leading English-language newspapers and their digital brands, including three national news brands in the U.K., almost 150 national, capital city and suburban news brands in Australia, the New York Post and Community Newspaper Group in the U.S., and The Wall Street Journal and its many related publications in the U.S., Europe and Asia; Dow Jones and its information services business; HarperCollins, one of the world’s pre-eminent English-language book publishers, headquartered in New York City; and News America Marketing, which publishes free-standing inserts and in-store marketing products and services in North America that reach hundreds of millions of shoppers.

News Corporation’s Other assets include several next generation media properties; hulu, a joint venture with NBC Universal and Disney that is the leading online video site helping people find and enjoy the world’s premium video content when, where and how they want it.

Source: http://www.newscorp.com
Graphic credit to: News Corporation

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