Samuel L. Jackson to Host the BET Awards

Somebody better bring the bleep button into the shop for a tune-up: Samuel L. Jackson is hosting this year's BET Awards.

The "Snakes on a Plane" star's hosting gig was revealed Tuesday by the network, along with nominees for this year's event.

Past hosts for the ceremony, which was launched in 2001, include Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Damon Wayans and Jamie Foxx. Last year's event was hosted by actor/comedian Kevin Hart. 

On the nominee front, the Video of the Year award will be vied for by Beyonce's "Love on Top" and "Countdown," Kanye West and Jay-Z's "Otis" and "N----- in Paris" and Usher's "Climax."

Denzel Washington, Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Common and Idris Elba will battle it out for the best actor award, while Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Regina King and Zoe Saldana are competing for best actress honors.

Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj will be this year's performers for the event, which takes place July 1.

Jo Brand to host TV Choice Awards 2012

Jo Brand will be the host of this year's TV Choice Awards, taking place on Monday, September 10 at The Dorchester.

Voting has opened for the 16th year of the awards show, which celebrates the most popular TV stars and shows.

2011 winners included David Tennant, Doctor Who's Karen Gillan, Ant & Dec and Celebrity Juice host Keith Lemon.

The longlist is now available for fans to vote on at tvchoicemagazine.co.uk. Longlist voting ends on June 15.

For the first time, BBC One's The Voice will battle it out with Simon Cowell's reality shows for a gong, while Call The Midwife and Homeland will be hoping to make an impact in the 'Drama' category.

"The calibre of stars who walk the red carpet into our awards every year shows that it's an event the TV industry loves and respects, knowing that it's the viewers who pick the winners.

"We are delighted to be gearing up for our 16th year of prize-giving and another truly memorable night," said TV Choice editor-in-chief Jon Peake.

TV Remote Control Inventor Eugene Polley Dies at 96

Eugene Polley, who invented the first wireless remote control for television, died of natural causes Sunday at a Chicago hospital, the Associated Press reports. He was 96.

A former engineer for Zenith, Polley created the Flash-Matic tuning system -- a ray gun-shaped device that shot a beam of light at photo cells at the corners of television screens, allowing viewers to change channels and turn the picture and sound on and off -- in 1955. Advertising for the device noted that it was "[a]bsolutely harmless to humans!"

Polley, a native of Chicago, received an Emmy, along with fellow Zenith engineer Robert Adler, in 1997 for his work in developing television remotes. He was also given the Masaru Ibuka Consumer Electronics Award from the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers in 2009.

An engineer for 47 years, Polley rose through the ranks from the stockroom at Zenith, and worked for the U.S. Department of Defense during World War II, focusing on advances for radar. In all he amassed 18 U.S. patents, helping to create such groundbreaking products as the push-button radio for cars and the video disk, which preceded the DVD.

Zenith spokesman John Taylor told the AP that Polley remained proud of his invention well into his sunset years, showing it off to visitors at his home: "He always kept his original remote control with him."

Rita Ora, Avril Lavigne on Cowell's 'X Factor' UK judge shortlist

Rita Ora and Avril Lavigne are the latest musicians tipped to take on a judging role in this year's The X Factor UK.

Following Kelly Rowland's exit from the ITV1 show and Dannii Minogue's snubbing of a return to the panel, there is still a vacant spot on the ITV1 reality series.

Geri Halliwell, Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart are reportedly among the guests who will fill in during the audition rounds across the summer, but a full-time judge will be needed by the time Judges' Houses is filmed later in the year.

According to the Daily Star, Ora and Lavigne have joined Alicia Keys as possible full-time judges.

Ora has been No.1 in the UK charts for two weeks, while Lavigne was linked to a spot on the US X Factor panel.

The X Factor's first filmed auditions start in Liverpool tomorrow. Halliwell is the first guest judge, who will join Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh on the UK tour.

The Voice UK: BBC boss Danny Cohen wants all four coaches back in 2013

BBC One controller Danny Cohen has said that he hopes all four Voice UK coaches return next year.

There has been mounting speculation in recent weeks on whether Jessie J will quit the singing contest, which also features will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and The Script's Danny O'Donoghue on the panel.

Quizzed by the Radio Times on whether he wants to reinstate the same coaches next year, he said: "I hope so. God, yeah. I'd love all our judges to come back. I love them in multiple ways."

Cohen challenged the view that the judges are too friendly, insisting: "It's one of the great aspects of the show, that tonal quality, which we are very keen to maintain.

"I think the emphasis on constructive criticism is one of the fresh and exciting things about it."

Meanwhile, responding to Simon Cowell's claims that The Voice is similar to X Factor and other talent shows, Cohen hit back: "They made their decision about who they believed in with their backs turned.

"The key thing is that the selection of the teams by the judges is blind."

The 38-year-old boss also suggested that he will not use NBC's revamp as a precedent to shake up the reality show's format in the UK.

"We'll look at the end of the series but I think we're in a good place and I don't imagine mega-changes," he added.

Reports earlier this month indicated that producers would make immediate changes to the BBC programme because of falling viewing figures.

Ratings for The Voice have tailed off from a peak of 10.7m in April to under 6m in the last fortnight.

Olly Murs, Caroline Flack return to host 'Xtra Factor'

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack have been confirmed to return as hosts of The Xtra Factor.

The pair will present the ITV2 spinoff for a second year, though Flack will cover the auditions, Boot Camp and Judges' Houses alone while the 'Dance With Me Tonight' is on tour with One Direction in the US.

Murs will be "recording special items" for the series in his absence, before rejoining his colleague at the live shows.

Flack said: "I had a fantastic time on The Xtra Factor last year with my TV husband Olly, so I can't wait to get started on the show again.

"Even though Olly and I won't be reunited in person until the live shows we will be together all the way in spirit; he's bound to be calling me mid-interview to check what has been happening on the judges' tour to ensure he doesn't miss out on any crucial gossip."

Murs added: "I can't wait to get back to The Xtra Factor this year, especially now my partner in crime Caroline is confirmed to be joining me. I know it's going to be a great year and we'll be grilling the judges and contestants more than ever before."

Flack had personally confirmed her return to The Xtra Factor back in March, while Murs said on Daybreak this morning that he had "officially signed on the dotted line".

The pair were frequently romantically linked throughout last year's series, but always denied the rumours.

Elsewhere on The X Factor, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow have been confirmed for the judging panel, with Tulisa Contostavlos expected to return.

Dermot O'Leary will host the ITV series for a sixth year, while guest judges will fill in for departed panelist Kelly Rowland.

Geri Halliwell is tipped to both guest at auditions in Liverpool tomorrow (May 23) and take a permanent judging role later in the contest.

Giuliana Rancic Re-Ups With E! News

E! News Anchor and Managing Editor Giuliana Rancic has extended her overall agreement with the cable network through April 2015, E! announced Tuesday.

Rancic will anchor and serve as managing editor of E! News for the next three years, and host red carpet events. She will also continue to co-host "Fashion Police," and E! will have the first-look rights to her ideas for series, specials and other broadcast projects, both scripted and non-scripted.

Rancic shares the managing editor title with Ryan Seacrest, who re-upped with E! last month. She also stars on Style's "Giuliana & BIll," which chronicles her life with "Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic.

The couple recently announced that they were expecting their first child after the Style series followed their struggles to conceive. Rancic learned she had breast cancer last year while she was preparing to undergo fertility treatments. But they said on "Today" last month that they are having the child with the help of a gestational carrier.

"Our viewers feel a special connection to Giuliana since in many ways she’s grown up on our air over the past decade," said E! President Suzanne Kolb. "Giuliana's on-air charm, charismatic personality and outstanding professionalism have made her one of TV's most recognized hosts, and her work has helped propel E! News to new heights. She possesses a deep passion about pop culture that keeps her constantly in the know and up to date on the same topics that fascinate our viewers."

Giuliana joined E! in 2002 as a correspondent for E! News, and she has been anchor and managing editor for the show since January 2005.

Chris Cowan to Lead Unscripted TV and Digital Video at BermanBraun

Producer Chris Cowan has joined BermanBraun to run the company's unscripted television and digital video efforts, BermanBraun said Tuesday.

Former Rocket Science Laboratories and Angel City Factory principal Cowan, whose productions include offerings such as "Temptation Island," "Joe Millionaire" and Howie Mandel's reality show "Mobbed," has a long personal and professional relationship with company founders Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun.

In addition to heading up BermanBraun's unscripted offerings, Cowan is charged with overseeing video development and production in the company's digital unit, including the construction of an in-house video studio that will supply content for the company's YouTube channels and websites.

"Chris is one of the best story tellers and producers we have ever worked with”, Berman and Braun said of Cowan in a statement. “We are thrilled to have Chris join our company as the leader for all of our company’s unscripted content, regardless of the platform for which it is initially created."

Cowan said that BermanBraun "occupies one of the most forward thinking positions in the content business today, adding, "To work with creative executives like Gene Stein, Jared Heinke, Paco Viňoly and Mike Weetman, who have been leading BermanBraun’s charge in both traditional television and new media platforms, is an amazing proposition.”

Chloe Sevigny: 'Fake penis made me feel like a freak'

Chloe Sevigny has admitted to feeling embarrassed about filming with a prosthetic penis.

The actress plays transgender contract killer Mia in Sky Atlantic's drama series Hit & Miss and strips off for a shower scene.

"Filming with a prosthetic penis was intimate and embarrassing," Sevigny told Metro.

"It was awful having to put it on. I felt like a freak."

Of being cast in the role, she added: "I'm not offended. I always joke that I'm really masculine and it makes perfect sense people would think about me because of my career so far."

Regarding several controversial past roles, including parts in Boy's Don't Cry and The Brown Bunny, Sevigny added: "I don't know how it all happened.

"I'm interested in these kind of lifestyles, and grew up around them in New York, but I never had some master plan to make all these comments on sexuality."

Syfy and Trion Release Defiance(TM) "Making Of" Video

Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Jaime Murray and Tony Curran star in the upcoming original series.

Syfy and Trion Worlds today released an all-new trailer detailing the production of the highly-anticipated transmedia event, Defiance(TM). Featuring cast from the series (Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Jaime Murray and Tony Curran) as well as members of the visionary creative teams from both the game and show, this making-of video is a first look behind the scenes in developing the most immersive entertainment experience ever produced.

Defiance is a visionary enterprise in collaboration with Trion Worlds, with the Syfy series and Trion's multi-platform shooter MMO poised to debut simultaneously. Set in the near future, Defiance introduces a completely transformed planet Earth, inhabited by the human and alien survivors of a universal war. Forced to co-habitate, the disparate group struggles to build a new society among the devastation. The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story.

The series has begun production on the pilot in Toronto, with an eye towards an April 2013 premiere.

TV Tonight 23rd of May 2012

The daily list in alphabetical order, of all the new episodes airing.

    24 Hours in A&E S02E02: "Series 2, Episode 2"
    60 Minute Makeover S09E40: "Series 9, Episode 40"
    America's Next Top Model S18E12: "Highlights"
    American Digger S01E10: "Mob Money"
    American Idol S11E40: "Season 11 Finale"
    Arga snickaren S07E08: "Livia och Christian"
    Around the World In 80 Plates S01E03: "Something Smells Fishy"
    Auction Hunters S03E11: "Allen's Got Balls"
    Auction Kings S03E08: "TBA"
    Betty White's Off Their Rockers S01E12: "Season 1, Episode 12"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E82: "Del 82"
    Blockbusters (2012) S01E08: "Series 1, Show 8"
    Chelsea Lately S06E86
    Conan S02E95: "Ep 95"
    Days of our Lives S47E138: "Ep. #11848"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E244: "Episode 1924"
    DIY SOS S23E03: "The Big Build - Dumfries"
    Doctors S14E35: "Sticky Fingers"
    Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 S01E07: "Shitagi Nashi..."
    Duck Dynasty S01E14: "Winner, Winner Turkey Dinner"
    Duck Dynasty S01E15: "Willie Stay or Willie Go"
    Emergency Bikers S04E02: "Series 4, Episode 2"
    Emmerdale S41E122: "May 23, 2012"
    Euro 2012 S01E05: "Preview Show - 5"
    Fake Britain S03E03: "Series 3, Episode 3"
    FBI: Criminal Pursuit S03E12: "An Unholy Season"
    General Hospital (US) S50E38: "#12566"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E188: "Season 22, Episode 188"
    Great British Menu S07E33: "The Olympic Feast - 33"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E59: "Helsingborg - Sandra"
    Hollyoaks S18E103: "May 23, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E88: "Episode 5523"
    Hotel cæsar S29E19: "Season 29, Episode 19"
    House Hunters S48E102
    House Hunters International S25E105: "Back to Berlin"
    I Almost Got Away with It S05E07: "Got to Run to Costa Rica"
    Jeopardy! S28E178: "Show #6383"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E259: "Josh Brolin, Bethenny Frankel, Kimbra"
    Jormungand S01E07: "TBA"
    Krew z krwi S01E07: "Season 1, Episode 7"
    Laid S02E04: "Episode 204"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E60
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E276
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E80
    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit S13E23: "Rhodium Nights"
    Let's Dance (DE) S05E11: "Das große Finale"
    Lewis S06E02: "Generation of Vipers"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E191
    Locked Up Abroad S06E05: "Black Palace of Horrors"
    Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna S01E08: "TBA"
    Masterchef Australia S04E16: "Wednesday - Week 3"
    Modern Family S03E24: "Baby on Board"
    Neighbours S28E98: "Episode 6408"
    Offspring S03E06: "Season 3, Episode 6"
    Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew S07E07
    Recorder to Randoseru S02E08: "Episode 8"
    Restaurant: Impossible S03E11: "University Grill"
    Revenge S01E22: "Reckoning"
    River Monsters S04E10: "Lethal Legends"
    Salatut elämät S14E168
    Sold! S01E10: "Moonwalkin'"
    South Beach Tow S01E21: "TBA"
    The Almighty Johnsons S02E13: "Does This Look Like Asgard?"
    The Apprentice (UK) S08E10: "Discount Dealing"
    The Apprentice: You're Fired! S07E10: "Series 7, Episode 10"
    The Block S05E34: "Scotty's Workshop Challenge"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E44: "Ep. #6328"
    The Chase (2009) S05E77: "Series 5, Episode 77"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E166: "Will Smith, Justin Bieber"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E176: "May 23, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E86
    The Middle S03E24: "The Wedding"
    The Project S04E122: "Season 4, Episode 122"
    The Real Housewives of Vancouver S01E09: "Mexican Standoff"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E83: "Season 1, Episode 83"
    The Soup S09E20: "May 23"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S20E91
    The View S15E166: "Dan Rather"
    The Young and the Restless S40E43: "Ep. #9912"
    Thuis S17E193: "Season 17, Episode 193"
    Toddlers and Tiaras S05E12
    Total Blackout (US) S01E07: "Fear Is Served"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E87: "Dan Rather & John Mayer"

Alexandra Burke: 'I would judge X Factor if Simon Cowell wanted me'

Alexandra Burke has revealed that she would be interested in judging The X Factor if she were asked.

The 'Let It Go' singer stated that while she is currently focusing on her music career, she would definitely talk to Simon Cowell if he wanted her on the panel.

Burke appeared as a guest judge on last year's series while covering for Kelly Rowland.

"I'm concentrating on my music at the moment," she told Lorraine Kelly. "If given the opportunity I'm sure I would have a conversation with Simon about it.

"I know how [the finalists were] feeling. It was an honour to be asked to do it. Really scary but I was grateful for the opportunity."

Talking about her upcoming second studio LP Heartbreak On Hold, he added: "I've taken a year and a half out to do this album.

"I really unzipped my heart for this album. It feels comforting to say the least. It was a challenge because I've got a massive fear of being open.

"I want it to uplift people, and make people smile. I can't wait for people to hear it."

Geri Halliwell is currently the frontrunner to replace Kelly Rowland on this year's X Factor.

Heartbreak On Hold will be released on June 4.

Reality Mastermind Mark Burnett Branches Out Into - What Else? - Scripted Shows

With a record six primetime shows in primetime next season, Mark Burnett is branching out into -- why not? -- scripted television.

One Three Media, Burnett's joint venture with Hearst, has named HBO veteran Anne Thomopoulos as the head of its new scripted division. The longtime HBO Originals executive produced shows including "Rome," "Camelot," and "Generation Kill," and now executive produces the European series "Borgia."

Burnett's six primetime unscripted shows next season include "Survivor" on CBS, "Celebirty Apprentice" and "The Voice" on NBC, and "Shark Tank" on ABC, as well as the new shows "The Job" on CBS and "Stars Earn Stripes" on NBC. No other producer has had six primetime network shows as once, according to Hearst.

As one of the most successful reality TV producers -- his "Survivor" inspired countless reality shows -- Burnett has made networks less reliant on scripted series. But now he plans a big push into scripted shows. His first foray into scripted series -- the 2004 WB sitcom, "Commando Nanny," based partly on Burnett's life -- was one of his rare failures.

Burnett's first scripted series will be a 10-hour miniseries based on the Bible that he's executive producing with his wife, "Touched By An Angel" star Roma Downey. It is now in production and will premiere in spring 2013 on History. The series is co-financed by Hearst Entertainment & Syndication, and Fox has worldwide home video distribution rights. One Three International (the company's international sales division) is handling distribution for initial television release outside the U.S.

In a statement, Burnett credited the success to his colleagues and the transformation of Mark Burnett Productions into One Three Media last year.

"One Three's energy, creativity and quality are at all-time highs," Burnett said. "That is why now is the perfect time to have Anne join us as president of our scripted division. She is someone I have admired for many years and she is all about quality."

Sir Tom Jones: 'Time runs out, age bothers me'

Sir Tom Jones has said that he will continue to perform as long as his health permits him to.

The legendary Welsh singer stated that getting older "bothers" him, and is aware that he will only be able to keep performing for a certain amount of time.

"The thing that bothers me about [getting older], is that time runs out," he told BBC Breakfast.

"I love what I do, the only thing that will stop me is age. That's the thing that I'm aware of. I'm 71 now, will I live to 81? 91? Do I have 10 years? 20 years?

"I won't live another 30 years, it will stop me doing what I love to do."

Jones also revealed that he has yet to decide whether or not to return for a second series of The Voice UK, and will only join if he likes his fellow coaches.

"I don't know, there's a lot involved about who's going to do it. I wouldn't sign unless I knew who the others were. That's how I started it, because I might not like them.

"When I started, you put your act together, you worked the clubs before you get a record contract.

"Now these kids on these talent shows, they get this exposure before they actually get a contract. It's almost in reverse, they're thrown in at the deep end right away."

Sir Tom Jones releases his latest album Spirit in the Room in the UK on May 21.

On his new release, he added: "I wanted to do songs by songwriters that I've admired, but tried to get songs that were not well known."

The veteran performer recently said that he would rather die on stage than retire from singing.

ReelzChannel Founder Rod Perth Named NATPE President and CEO

ReelzChannel co-founder and CBS veteran Rod Perth has been named the new president and CEO of television executives' association NATPE, the organization's co-chairs, Jordan Levin and Chris Grant said Tuesday.

Perth succeeds Rick Feldman, who stepped down as the organization's president and CEO in February.

Levin and Grant said that Perth's "broad range of experience reflects the diverse influences shaping our industry and NATPE’s role in bringing together its various constituencies. Combined with his vast network of relationships and senior management skills, we believe Rod is ideally suited to evolve NATPE into a dynamic global organization relevant to all who touch content."

Perth, whose new position is effective Tuesday, comes to NATPE after serving as founder and president of RHP Media Consulting. He previously co-founded the ReelzChannel TV Network, where was also president of television. His resume also includes stints as president of Jim Henson Television Worldwide and USA Networks Entertainment. Perth also ran late-night programming for CBS.

Perth said that guiding NATPE's future path will be "extremely exciting and challenging," adding, "NATPE’s Executive Committee and Board represent many of the top leaders in our business and, with their support, I believe that we can accomplish a great deal together for the benefit of our members from around the world."

'Misfits': New cast for series four revealed?

Two new Misfits cast members have apparently been revealed.

Karla Crome (Hit and Miss) and Nathan McMullen (Shameless) have joined the E4 drama, ScreenTerrier claims.

Karla Crome, Reece Noi, Chloe Sevigny, Peter Wright and Jonas Armstrong arrive at a special screening of new Sky Atlantic TV series Hit And Miss at the Mayfair Hotel in London

The new series of Misfits will introduce three new regular characters following the departures of Lauren Socha (Kelly), Iwan Rheon (Simon) and Antonia Thomas (Alisha).

23-year-old Crome will play Jess, who is described as "smart and articulate" and willing to question social norms and etiquette. McMullen has been cast as Finn, said to be "funny", "enthusiastic" and "childlike".

The identity of the third new cast member - who will portray the "good-looking" but "standoffish" Alex - is yet to be revealed.

Misfits star Joseph Gilgun (Rudy) recently told Digital Spy that he is enjoying working with his new castmates.

"They really are lovely, lovely people," said Gilgun. "You can see they're a bit wide-eyed - I remember feeling like they feel. I know how it feels to be the newbie."

Misfits will return to E4 in late 2012.

BOOM! teases Mark Waid British 'Avengers' comic

BOOM! Studios has teased a Mark Waid-penned Avengers project.

The publisher has released a teaser image for a comic based on the classic Steed and Mrs Peel-starring show.

"The original Avengers," reads the caption. "The original Hellfire Club. Mark Waid."

BOOM! recently reprinted Grant Morrison and Ian Gibson's Avengers miniseries, which was first published by Eclipse Comics in 1990.

In comics, the Avengers name is more frequently connected to Marvel Comics' premiere superhero team, who starred in the recent, record-breaking Joss Whedon movie.

No more information has been released regarding BOOM!'s Avengers project, but it is assumed to be new material from Daredevil writer Waid.

Ratings: 'House' Finale Up; 'America's Got Talent' Down But Tops; NBC Wins Night

The series finale of Fox's "House" made big gains in ratings and total viewership as "America's Got Talent" dropped from last week's season premiere but still helped NBC win the night Monday, according to preliminary numbers.

NBC took first place in ratings with an average 2.6/7 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and third place in total viewership with an average 7.2 million. "America's Got Talent" at 8 p.m., which last week premiered with new host Howard Stern, dropped 16 percent in the demo but was still the top-rated show with a 3.1/9. It drew 9.5 million total viewers. "American Ninja Warrior" the following hour posted a 2.4/6 -- a 41 percent leap over last summer's special -- with 6.1 million total viewers.

ABC came in second in ratings with an average 2.5/7 and first in total viewers with an average 10.6 million. The "Dancing With the Stars" performance finale had a 2.8/8 and drew 16.5 million total viewers, making it the night's most-watched program. "The Bachelorette" the following hour took an 8 percent dip in the demo from last week's season premiere, scoring a 2.4/6. It received 6.6 million total viewers.

Fox came in third in the demo and second in total viewers with an average 2.4/7 and 7.4 million. Following a "House" retrospective at 8, which drew a 2.0/6 in the demo and 6.2 million total viewers, the series finale of "House" the following hour posted a 2.9/7 in the demo -- a 32 percent leap from last week's episode. It attracted 8.7 million total viewers, a 36 percent jump from last week.

CBS took fourth in the demo and in total viewers with an average 1.5/4 and 5.7 million. The network aired repeats except for the special "Clash of the Commercials: USA vs. The World" at 10, which posted a 1.4/4 in the demo and 6 million total viewers.

NAB Challenging Constitutionality of FCC's New Political-Ad Rules

The National Association of Broadcasters is challenging the constitutionality of new FCC rules requiring local TV stations to put information about political advertising online, it said on Tuesday.

The new rules are “arbitrary, capricious, in excess of the commission’s statutory authority, inconsistent with the First Amendment, and otherwise not in accordance with the law,” the NAB said in a May 21 petition at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

In the documents the NAB filed with the court, the association did not spell out in detail its specific problems with the regulations adopted by the FCC April 27.

But NAB officials have blasted the regulations publicly for only requiring broadcasters -- not cable TV systems or other broadcast station competitors -- to disclose political rate information online.

“By forcing broadcasters to be the only medium to disclose on the Internet our political rates, the FCC jeopardizes the competitive standing of stations,” Dennis Wharton, an NAB spokesman said in an April 27 statement.

“The public file rules are a common-sense update by the FCC to move from paper to online access to public information in the digital age,” said an FCC spokesman, in a statement of response to the court challenge. “The rules are consistent with Congress’s directive to ensure public availability while providing cost-savings for broadcasters."

“This is nothing more than an attempt by the NAB to stall an important and overdue transparency initiative,” said Corie Wright, senior policy counsel for the watchdog Free Press. “The decision to put the political files online will bring broadcasters into the 21st century, and will make already public information more easily accessible to everyone. The FCC made the right decision, and is on firm legal ground.”

Under the FCC’s new rules, TV stations affiliated with the four top TV networks in the nation’s 50 largest markets will be required to file political information online first. All other TV stations would be exempt from the new requirements until July 1, 2014, to give the FCC the opportunity to see how the changes work.

Though FCC rules already require broadcasters to document their political ad sales in publicly accessible files at their stations, interested parties have to visit stations in person to get the data. Under the new requirement, the data would be accessible at the click of a mouse.

'Sherlock' star Andrew Scott: 'It's very hard for Moriarty to return'

Sherlock star Andrew Scott has hinted that he is unlikely to return to the show.

Moriarty (Scott) - the nemesis of Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) - appeared to commit suicide in series two finale 'The Reichenbach Fall'.

Asked if the villain could have somehow survived, Scott told Digital Spy: "That's an impossible question to answer! It's very hard to come back from shooting yourself in the mouth, we all know that."

The Irish actor also admitted at the recent Arqiva British Academy Television Awards Nominations party that he had been overwhelmed by the "crazy" success of Sherlock.

"I think the quality of the show is even higher than last year," he said. "I've had... a lot more screen-time this year [and] 'The Reichenbach Fall' was a big Moriarty / Sherlock storyline, so it's been brilliant.

"The reaction to Moriarty has been incredible. I couldn't be more happy and more proud to be in the show. It's very difficult to find a popular and clever show."

However, Scott appeared to rule out an appearance in Doctor Who, which is currently run by Sherlock co-creator Steven Moffat.

"It might be a bit weird for the Doctor Who fans to have Moriarty coming up," he suggested. "It's a great show, but I think that might be a bit too weird for people to accept."

A third series of Sherlock will begin filming in January 2013.

The BAFTA Television Awards 2012 take place at the Royal Festival Hall at London's South Bank Centre on Sunday, May 27.

Geri Halliwell for permanent 'X Factor' judging role?

Geri Halliwell could be named as the final X Factor judge on a permanent basis, it has been reported.

The former Spice Girls singer was linked yesterday to a guest judging role as the show's producers seek a permanent replacement for Kelly Rowland on the panel.

The Mirror reports that her stint has been branded a "dress rehearsal" for the job, claiming that she will be given a permanent contract if she has chemistry with the other judges and impresses audience members.

"Simon [Cowell] was impressed with the way Geri handled herself during auditions a couple of years ago, and thinks she has the gravitas and star presence to really shake up the panel," a source told the paper. "She has a great chemistry with Louis [Walsh] and bosses expect these two to join forces against Gary [Barlow], which will make for great viewing."

The insider described Halliwell as a "lovely girl" who was full of enthusiasm about the show.

Adding that she had "had her confidence knocked over the years", the source labelled Halliwell "an absolute dream to deal with", saying: "Assuming she passes her final dress rehearsal at the auditions in Liverpool, the job is hers."

Halliwell's salary if she is made a permanent judge has been quoted as between £400,000 and £1.1 million.

The Sun has additionally claimed that Halliwell's former Spice Girls colleague Mel B - who is a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor - will be a guest panellist at the Manchester auditions.

Walking Dead' Season 3 Preview: 'Darker, Harder, Faster, Deeper' (Video)

"Completely changed characters," an "ominous, dark and gloomy" vibe and, of course, the much-awaited arrival of The Governor are a few things we can look forward to in the third season of "The Walking Dead," the show's cast and crew promise in a new production video.

"There are samurai [sword]-wielding characters that are turning up," says Andrew Lincoln, the British actor who plays Southern cop Rick Grimes, the leader of the non-zombified "Walking Dead"-ers.

The third season finds the survivors holing up in a prison for safety.

"It's a journey into the unknown, and it's a huge, huge gamble, but it just shows how desperate they are," he said. "The pace of (season three) is darker, harder, faster, deeper."

Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon, calls the new season "ominous, dark and gloomy," and teases that "people start losing their minds, love blossoms and (there are) a whole lot of gross zombie kills."

The season premiere will be directed by Ernest Dickerson, who also directed the season two finale. Show runner Glen Mazzara says fans can also look forward to more of Michone (Danai Gurira), who saved Andrea (Laurie Holden) from some ravenous walkers in the season two ender.

"Just from the beginning of this, you see completely changed characters,"adds Lauren Cohan says, who plays Maggie Greene.