The Morning Fix: Howard Stern’s next move? Kardashians rule the world (no, we’re not joking)! Miramax mayhem. CBS may cut iTunes costs.
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After the coffee. Before figuring out who is in the lead for Miramax.
It’s the Kardashians’ world, we just have to endure it. There’s reality television and then there’s the Kardashians. The three sisters, all whose names start with the letter K (should they be fixed up with Roger Clemens’ sons, whose names also start with the letter K?), are not only TV stars with a hit show on E!, but they are creating a business empire as well. The Los Angeles Times probes the sensation that is the Kardashians. Wonder if Bruce Jenner knew what he was getting into. Oh wait, we have a story on him too.
Miramax mayhem. Walt Disney Co.’s efforts to unload Miramax continue with a round of offers due Friday. Figuring out who has a shot and who is just blowing smoke is no easy task. Lions Gate is kicking the tires but has a shadow named Icahn hanging over it. The Weinstein Co. would love to have the company back but needs to get the cash. The Hollywood Reporter with an update.
CBS might cut a piece for Apple. On a conference call to discuss CBS’ fourth- quarter earnings, Chief Executive Leslie Moonves said the network is considering cutting the price tag on some of its shows for sale on Apple’s iTunes from $1.99 to as low as 99 cents. Apple has been pushing for lower prices from programmers. After the call, according to All Things Digital, CBS brass cautioned that nothing was imminent. In other words, CBS doesn’t want to look like it is bowing to Apple’s wishes just yet.
Disney’s big bet. The Wrap examines what Disney bought with its $4-billion purchase of Marvel and whether there are enough superheroes to make the deal work. Don’t forget about Ant Man!
What will the king do next. ‘American Idol’ gossip aside (and that’s all it is), the Wall Street Journal takes a lengthy look at radio personality Howard Stern, whose contract with satellite radio operator Sirius XM is up at the end of the year.
Warner Bros. gets busy. Warner Bros. is in talks with Robert Downey Jr. and his producer wife Susan about a first look deal, according to Variety. Downey has been on a roll lately. The studio also is doing a deal with Zac Efron.
Inside the Los Angeles Times: Patrick Goldstein on Harvey Weinstein’s Oscar dreams. Betsy Sharkey on ‘Shutter Island.’
-- Joe Flint
