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Friday, February 27, 2009

GE Stock Prices: Jeffrey Immelt and Stock Holders

Today your stock lost value as did your corporation. Part of it is due to the general financial challenge that the country is working through; however, how much can be contributed to bad policy decisions? You have many good products and services available, yet your stock’s value continues to decline. Part of your issues is that not all of your divisions are working up to their full potential. NBC, under Jeffrey Zucker’s leadership, has declined as it has failed to take into account the changing viewing demographics as well as the deterioration in quality of the programming, thereby decreasing its profitability.

NBC used to be the front running not only in news, but programming that was unique and popular. It was know for the highest quality. Yet that has changed. The shows of the past have with stood the test of time. Decades later, they are still being aired in reruns on other networks and on independent stations. Their popularity was based in the quality of the show and the diversity of their appeal. However, the NBC network is no longer a synonym for quality programming. Instead, it has become known for cheap shows that appeal to the lowest common denominator and those under 20.

During the late 1950’s through the 1960’s, teens and tweens were the most important demographic; they were ones who were the motivating force in bringing television into the homes of most families. However, over the decades that has radically changed, but the marketing model of networks has not been adjusted to account to take into account the shift in median age.

According to the CDC report published in 2005, the average American life expectancy is 78 as compared to 69 in 1955. As of May 15, 2001, the US Census Bureau reported that the new median age of the US population is 35.3, bringing it to an all time high. While the 18-34 age group declined 4%, the 35-64 year old age group rose 28 %. However, the most dramatic increase was in the 45-54 age group, which increased by 49 %.




July, 2000 36.6
July, 2001 36.8
July, 2002 37.1
July, 2003 37.2
July, 2004 37.4
July, 2005 37.6
July, 2007 37.7
July, 2008 37.9


Born from 1946-1964, the baby boomer generation was the first TV generation. Most don’t remember a time when there wasn’t at least one television in the home. They also remember only having two or three stations to choose from. Television was that generation’s new toy, just blackberries and cell phones are the current generation‘s.

Age group Hour per month
Viewing TV
2-11 106:37
12-17 103:48
18-24 118:28
25-34 142:29
35-44 147:21
45-54 173:00
55-64 190:40
65+ 207:29

According to Nielsen, no longer are teens and tween the primary television demographic; the 12-34 age group have been replaced by the 35 and over as the dominate viewing classification. Yet, NBC under Jeffrey Zucker’s leadership continues to program for a declining demographic, while ignoring a market base that is not only expanding in numbers, but also in financial stability. Baby boomers have started reaching retirement age, giving them more time for viewing as well as more stable incomes. Yet instead of scheduling programs that appeal the older age group, NBC promotes shows based on cost and youth appeal.




Nielsen ratings, Feb. 12-18

Rank Show title Network Viewers in millions
1.
American Idol (Tues) Fox 31.2
2.
American Idol (Wed) Fox 28.9
3.
House Fox 26.0
4.
Grey's Anatomy ABC 25.8
5.
CSI CBS 22.7
6.
CSI: Miami CBS 19.9
7.
Desperate Housewives ABC 18.5
8.
Survivor: Fiji CBS 16.1
8.
Deal or No Deal NBC 16.1
10.
Two and a Half Men CBS 15.5
11.
NCIS CBS 15.4
12.
Criminal Minds CBS 15.2
13.
Shark CBS 15.1
14.
CSI: NY CBS 14.8
15.
Heroes NBC 14.7
16.
Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition ABC 14.2
17.
24 Fox 13.7
17.
Ugly Betty ABC 13.7
19.
Rules of Engagement CBS 13.4
20.
N/A Fox 13.1

Choosing to fill its schedule with cheap reality shows, remakes of older shows, and youth based programming, while relegating the professionally produced programs to mid-season replacements, NBC continues to find itself in the bottom of the ratings. In addition, shows with loyal fan bases, such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live and Days of our Lives have been revamp to appeal the to younger demographic, while slashing their production budgets. The ratings prove that the current management is out of touch with the needs and desires of the viewers. Dumbed down programming and reality shows may appeal sponsors who sell to teens and tweens such as CDs, DVDs and video games, but quality programs that are professional produced appeal to those who control household budgets. Zucker doesn’t seem to realize that no matter how inexpensive a show costs, it is a waste of air time if no one is watching.

The bottom line is that viewers attract sponsors. Zucker’s programming has driving viewers to other networks, taking with them the sponsors and the profits they represent. Profits increase the value of stocks and bring in larger dividends. The stock holders need to ask themselves if they like the 6.5% devaluation of GE stock and the cut in its annual dividend? If the answer is no, wouldn’t it be a good time to rethink management personal?

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Buzz Worthy Radio: Mary Beth Evans Interview

zWorthy Radio


Date / Time: 2/27/2009 6:00 PM

Category: Entertainment

Call-in Number: (646) 595-4228

Crystal Chappell, who plays Olivia Spencer on CBS Daytime's, "Guiding Light," will be making her very first appearance on BuzzWorthy Radio. Many fans got to know and love her first when she played on NBC's, "Days of our Lives." From there, she went on to play on "One Life to Live," and now her Emmy winning role on GL. Hear her talk about her most latest storyline involving Olivia's pairing with Natalia, played by actress Jessica Leccia. Mary Beth Evans returns for a special exit interview on BuzzWorthy Radio! Be there as we take live callers and discuss the latest happenings with Days of our Lives, the news of her being let go, and what do we have to look forward to with Mary Beth.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Thaao Penghlis Live Chat

Thaao Penghlis will be hosting his next chat Saturday the 7th of March at 4pm (LA time). Please join us by entering here at http://www.thaaopenghlis.com/id2.htm. There isn't a specific topic listed.

However, February 2 in his official guest book, Thaao is quoted as saying:

Must say my gratitude to all of you for all the support. Can't wait to write this chapter. At least I'm in good company and I did live through the best of Days. And what a great group of people who have been there to share it with me. Onwards and off to NY this Thursday for meetings. Changes are in the air. Understand that people's visions are paralleled by the tools they carry. I'm fine and so is Leann. And a great part of me is relieved.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

BuzzWorthy Radio: Beth Chamberlin!

Beth Chamberlin, who plays the role of Beth Raines on CBS Daytime's Guiding Light, will be making her second appearance on BuzzWorthy Radio! Beth will be discussing the recent return of Phillip Spaulding, played by Grant Aleksander, as well as what is in store for her character as well as more returns along the way.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Days of Our Lives 2-16-09

To protest the terrible writing on Days of Our Lives, I started writing an alternative scripts and posting them on the NBC boards. However, I switch to my blog to protect my work. Below is the latest posting. Beneath it are the previous postings plus to fully formatted episode for the show including commercial breaks. I will be using the last as resume material.

Here is the newest posting http://www.theresachaze.com/files/days2-16-09.pdf

Previously posted:


This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards not all of the posting are in the current proper format

http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-15-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-2-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-8-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/day12-14-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days12-30-08.pdf


http://www.geocities.com/easternguardian/days1-20-09

Here's the deal. I am cleaning up and formatting the script that I have already posted into the correct format. I will be using it as resume material to get a writing gig on one of the other soaps. Although much of it will be familiar who have been keeping up, there have been a reshuffling of the scenes as well as some tweaking. Originally, I put little effort into the scrip, especially in the beginning. This better reflects me as a professional writer. However, since the program I am using doesn't have a spell check, there may still be some typos. If you see any, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks.


Episode on:
http://www.theresachaze.com/files/DOOLepione.pdf

Episode two: http://www.theresachaze.com/files/dayseptwo.pdf


If you like what you are reading and would like me to take over as head writer, please contact the following:

Corday Productions Fax number
818)840-4968
Production phone number: 818-295-2820

Sony Pictures owns the rights to Days
Michael Lynton
Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Amy Pascal
Co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment
12102 West Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232-3195
Phone: (310) 244-4000
Fax: (310) 244-2626
another phone line: 310-244-5722
NBC

NBCUNI.COM FEEDBACK
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
The GE Building at Rockefeller Plaza is NBC's corporate headquarters\
Phone: 212-664-4444. Fax: 212-664-4085

GE information
Jeffrey Immelt, CEO
General Electric Company
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06828
(203) 373-2211

Sunday, February 15, 2009

From Daytime Confidential--Happy Freaking Valentine's Day Ken Corday



Happy Freaking Valentine's Day Ken Corday!
Submitted by Jamey Giddens on February 14, 2009 - 2:05pm

On this the holiday for lovers, I would like to send this symbolic heart-shaped box filled with rotten eggs to Ken "The Soap Slayer" Corday for dismantling what was once the most romantic soap opera ever, Days of Our Lives. You have done your Mama and Daddy proud Kenny. Happy, happy Valentine's Day! Take a look at this clip of some of Days' most iconic couples, or as Kenny likes to call them "Spokes on a Wheel", compiled by bstreis, just in case you need reminding how simply unromantic it is that Dena "I Can't Figure Out A Way to Write Patch and Kayla Out" Higley still has a job and Ken Corday is still in charge of a network television soap opera in these trying times.

I love this. The only thing I would tweak is that Higley can't write for anyone outside soft porn for tweens and teens, who haven't got a clue what life, love or making love is all about.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Days of Our Lives

Here's the deal. I am cleaning up and formatting the script that I have already posted into the correct format. I will be using it as resume material to get a writing gig on one of the other soaps. Although much of it will be familiar who have been keeping up, there have been a reshuffling of the scenes as well as some tweaking. Originally, I put little effort into the scrip, especially in the beginning. This better reflects me as a professional writer. However, since the program I am using doesn't have a spell check, there may still be some typos. If you see any, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks.


Episode on:
http://www.theresachaze.com/files/DOOLepione.pdf

Episode two: http://www.theresachaze.com/files/dayseptwo.pdf

Previously posted:


This is what I previously posted on the NBC Days boards not all of the posting are in the current proper format

http://geocities.com/tirgana/daysofourlives.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/Days10-16.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-26-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days10-31-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-2-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days11-15-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-2-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/Days12-8-08.pdf

http://geocities.com/tirgana/day12-14-08.pdf

http://www.geocities.com/tirgana/days12-30-08.pdf


http://www.geocities.com/easternguardian/days1-20-09


If you like what you are reading and would like me to take over as head writer, please contact the following:

Corday Productions Fax number
818)840-4968
Production phone number: 818-295-2820

Sony Pictures owns the rights to Days
Michael Lynton
Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Amy Pascal
Co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment
12102 West Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232-3195
Phone: (310) 244-4000
Fax: (310) 244-2626
another phone line: 310-244-5722
NBC

NBCUNI.COM FEEDBACK
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
The GE Building at Rockefeller Plaza is NBC's corporate headquarters\
Phone: 212-664-4444. Fax: 212-664-4085

GE information
Jeffrey Immelt, CEO
General Electric Company
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06828
(203) 373-2211

Friday, February 13, 2009

Days of Our Lives: Gloria Loring-Actress, Singer, Author



I am proud and please to announce that Gloria Loring will be appearing on my show, Until you Walk the Path on March 3, 2009 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze

Date / Time: 3/8/2009 5:00 PM
Call-in Number: (347) 324-3745
To fully participate in the chat room you will need to set up a free account at www.blogtalkradio.com

Actress, singer, author and entertainer, Gloria Loring will be visiting. She is the recording artist of the #1 hit song Friends and Lovers; co-composer of television theme songs Diff’rent Strokes and Facts Of Life; an audience favorite from daytime TV’s Days Of Our Lives; spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; author of four books, including her newest, Living With Type 2 Diabetes: Moving Past the Fear; a keynote speaker for corporations and non-profits; and one of the few artists to sing two nominated songs at the Academy Awards. Her newest musical show, TV Tunez Tonight, is a celebration of television’s best theme songs that draws from sit-coms and dramas, to westerns, sci-fi, sports, games shows and commercials, appealing to all demographics.

Days of Our Lives: Alice Horton and Francis Reid



To watch the video go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C459kXlRgUQ

I have been writing characters studies about the Days of Our Live cast. Alice Horton is more than the matriarch of the Horton clan; she is someone who knew what was right and had the courage to do what was necessary to help and protect other. She was all about friends, family and community as was Days of our Lives. She knew that loving others through the laughter and tears is what truly makes life worth while. However, it is impossible to summarize Alice in a few paragraphs; instead I found one of her best examples of her work and produced a video.

Francis Reid has portrayed Alice Horton since Days went on the air. Her unique humor and since of drama has made her special to many of her fans who see her as the sister, mother, aunt or grandmother we wished we had. For the long time fans of Day, it is hard to remember the time when Francis and Alice didn't grace our screens, making us laugh and cry, but most of all teaching us the true definition of family. When the character was prematurely killed off 2003-2004, the outcry from the fans force the show to rewrite the story, proving that some characters and the actors who portray them are irreplaceable-unlike head writers executives producers.

Alice and Tom Horton, played by Macdonald Carey, were the original faces of Days. They represented the best soaps had to offer. After Carey's death of lung cancer in 1994, the show tweaked it's opening theme to remove his name. However, until this day the show opens with Carey speaking "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives."

It is the continuity along with the strong writing, production values and excellent cast that created a fan base that best could be called die-hard at worse a little rabid. It has taken a lot to drive them away, but it seems Corday, Higley and Tomlin are about to reach their goal of letting the sands of time run out as the show rapid runs down the path to cancellation. Hopefully, Ms Reid has better things to do with her time and people loving enough around her to distract her from watching the travesty the three-some has turned her life's work into. It would make my heart weep, if she was to see how they have turned the show she loved into nothing more than soft porn for teens and tweens.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

In The Zone Radio : Another exit for Days of Our Lives ? Are more vets on the way out?



Another exit for Days of Our Lives? Are more vets on the way out? American Idol narrows downs the contestants, 90210 improving week by week. Also: Guiding Light, Young and the Restless and General Hospital discussion.

Monday, February 9, 2009

"Santa Barbara" star MICHAEL BRAINARD visits the Buzz



"Santa Barbara" star MICHAEL BRAINARD visits the Buzz!

He became a star in the ‘90s, initially as the first adult Jake Martin on “All My Children” (though he was called Joey then!) and later as dashing Ted Capwell on the late great “Santa Barbara.” He has since moved on to a wonderfully full career as both a stage and screen actor and as a playwright, and now Michael Brainard is coming by Brandon’s Buzz to reminisce on his time in soaps and away from them!

Brandon's Buzz
Call-in Number: (347) 202-0799
Click-To-Talk
ON LIVE NOW 1 Hr 8 Min REMAINING
Bookmark using any bookmark manager!
Host Name: Brandon's Buzz
Show Name: "Santa Barbara" star MICHAEL BRAINARD visits the Buzz!
Description:
h:36839 s:413876
He became a star in the ‘90s, initially as the first adult Jake Martin on “All My Children” (though he was called Joey then!) and later as dashing Ted Capwell on the late great “Santa Barbara.” He has since moved on to a wonderfully full career as both a stage and screen actor and as a playwright, and now Michael Brainard is coming by Brandon’s Buzz to reminisce on his time in soaps and away from them!
expand

Or got to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/brandonsbuzz/2009/02/10/Santa-Barbara-star-MICHAEL-BRAINARD-visits-the-Buzz

Stardish Radio: Gloria Loring!



Or go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stardish/2009/02/10/Lets-Dish-Baby


Gloria Loring's website
http://www.glorialoring.com/











Sunday, February 8, 2009

Days of Our lives: A Gift for the Fans of the Vets

This is a gift for the fans of the vets. It takes place in the future after the ghost story has ended so don't trying to match anything up with it. It is strictly to prove that a creative writer can write for the vets. These scenes would be drawn out more. Please keep this in mind when you read "The Gift"

If it was written out, this storyline would lead to a who-done-it mystery as the six veterans unravel who murdered the previous owners and try to close the decades old case.

To read it please go to http://www.theresachaze.com/files/daysgift.pdf

Buzz Worthy Radio: Eileen Davidson


Eileen Davidson, who has returned home to Genoa City as Ashley Abbott on CBS Daytime's The Young and the Restless, will be making her 2nd appearance on BuzzWorthy Radio! Davidson will be talking about her new book, "Death in Daytime," which can be ordered at www.amazon.com, as well as what is coming up with Ashley on the daytime drama!

To listen or participate in the show please go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/buzzworthyradio



http://www.eileendavidson.org/



Call-in Number: (646) 595-4228
Upcoming Show: 2/10/2009 3:00 PM

However to fully participate in the show, you will need to sign up in advance for a free account at www.blogtalkradio.com

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Days of Our Lives Fans Speak Out

There is a internet radion show called In the Zone that will be dedicating their Friday show to letting Days fans speak out. The site address is at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/inthezoneradio

Date / Time: 2/6/2009 10:00 PM Eastern

Category: Entertainment

Call-in Number: (347) 996-5978

If you create a free account at www.blogtalkradio.com you can participate in the live chat room.


Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Stephan Nichols and Mary Beth Evans Fired From Days of Our Lives

According to Soap Opera Digest, Stephan Nichols and Mary Beth Evans have joined the list of vets fired by Ken Corday from Days of Our Lives. SOD quoted an inside source as saying, "It's like they're getting rid of everyone over 40." Every actor who has been fired had an established and loyal fan base that should have made their jobs secure. Yet this growing list of firings proves that Corday is doing his best insure Days is cancelled.

His last group of firing along the Leann also opens the door to not only the charge of ageism but a class action sued by the actors. With the exception of Blake, all the actors have been over 40, thereby opening the door for Corday Productions, Sony Picture and NBC to a class action law suit based on age discrimination. If the actors are smart it will end up with a big old fat class action law suit based on age discrimination. The minium number to for a class action to be initiated is 6. Not only could they sue Corday and Sony, but running it all the way up to NBC's parent company GE. The six of them could not only end up owning the show, but gaining enough money in the process to produce it properly. Is the there a smart shark-type lawyer out there looking for a quick easy buck?

Days of Our Lives

Here is the deal. On January 23, I participated in the protect fax campaign; only instead of just contacting Corday Productions, I faxed NBC Corporate and Sony Picture. I couldn't find the phone number for GE so I called Jeffrey Immelt. His assistant was very nice and took a message. Later that day, I Katie from NBC Corporate called and left a message, including her unlisted office phone number. She didn't give me any details but asked that I call her back. I thought finally, I have the ear of someone who get me in the door for a job interview.


Monday, I called back and left a message. Tenacious isn't my issue, patience is. When she hadn't called back by Tuesday afternoon, I again left a message. Even though I'm very persistent, I'm also a realist. I waited and focused on other projects. Yesterday, I again called, only this time Katie answered the phone. I explained I was returning her phone call; she didn't know what I was talking about. She just started a new job and she didn't do that any more, but she would refer me to the person who did. After which, she hung up on me. Me being me, I called back and this time she forwarded the call. Once again I left a message. Not very professional by any stretch of the imagination.

Although, I would dearly love the head writer gig and would be very good at it, the realist part of me has kicked in. With the firing of Thaao Penghlis, proves that NBC, Sony and Ken Corday want Days of Our Lives cancelled. Their actions prove that they would rather force a cheap programming down the viewers throat and hope they swallow, than actually bring the fans back with quality shows. So be it.

There are other networks, who aren't afraid to give the viewers what they want and are still able to make a profit. They know that quality cost, but in the long run the profits are so much greater. Those networks will make it through these financially challenging times; however, the small-minded, short-term thinking of NBC, Sony and Corday Productions will only lead them to be left behind. With hundreds of channels and even more entertainment options, why would anyone stick with a company who produces crap?

It's too bad. I think Days and I could have been a good match. I love the show and know it well. But that show doesn't exist any more; it's been hacked up and replaced by teen porn. So forward to better hunting grounds, cause the world has a multitude of possibilities for a person who is creative enough to think outside the box and has the courage to go for it.

This blog will still be updated. I have promised to finish the ghost story. I am a person of my word. Plus, I will be jumping ahead to scenes that would have happened if I had continued writing for a couple of months. Fans of Thaao Penghlis, Deidre and Drake will especially be interested. In addition I will start writing about other soaps--cause you ain't seen nothing yet.