The Morning Fix: NPR chief ousted, Sheen firing solves and creates problems, Kadafi’s son getting cold shoulder from Hollywood

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

After the coffee. Before deciding if Bono directing ‘Spider-Man’ is such a hot idea.

The Skinny: The challenge for media reporters is whether they will take a break from Charlie Sheen and zoom in on everything going on at National Public Radio. I will try to do my part, at least on staying Sheen free (after this report, of course). Have a good Wednesday.

Solve one problem, create a bunch more. The decision to fire Charlie Sheen from ‘Two and a Half Men’ may spare CBS and Warner Bros., the network that airs the comedy and the studio that makes it, from having to worry if their star is going to make it to work, deliver his lines and stay out of trouble. But it also puts in jeopardy a hit TV show that has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for CBS and Warner Bros. A look at what’s at stake from the Los Angeles Times. As for the legal battle, Sheen again trashed everyone involved in the show including his costar Jon Cryer (guess we can forget about the two appearing in anymore ‘Hot Shots’ movies) while his legal team works on trying to get him paid out of his contract. Previews of that battle from the Hollywood Reporter and Wall Street Journal.

May be time to change that name. Saadi Kadafi is getting the cold shoulder from Hollywood. The son of embattled Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi had been on the road to becoming a player in the industry after he pumped lots of money into a production company called Natural Selection. Now people are starting to disassociate themselves from the company. One does wonder where this scrutiny and concern was then Saadi Kadafi first showed up with a checkbook, but whatever. The New York Times reports on the backlash against Natural Selection.

Schiller out. National Public Radio Chief Executive Vivian Schiller was forced out Wednesday morning in the wake of another scandal at the news organization. This time a senior NPR executive -- Tom Schiller (no relation) -- was caught on tape bashing the ‘tea party.’ This came months after NPR was harshly criticized for dropping commentator Juan Williams for remarks he made on Fox News regarding his fears of Muslims. Details from MSNBC and the Associated Press.

Friended! The decision by Warner Bros. to test offering movies online via Facebook is spooking Netflix, Red Box and other platforms looking for ways into the home. Netflix stock fell 6% after news of the deal released. Variety looks at the implications of the deal.

First admit you’re powerless. Charlie Sheen may not be the only one with addiction issues. Dr. Drew Pinksy seems addicted to commenting on Sheen, and networks seem hooked on airing his thoughts. The Wrap examines how Dr. Drew is cashing in on Sheen’s antics.

Now I feel really old. MTV’s ‘Real World,’ one of the first reality shows, is enterting its 25th season. I stopped watching after season three. Where is Puck nowadays? A look at the show’s success from Hollywood Reporter, Reuters and Los Angeles Times. If you’ve moved past ‘Real World,’ here’s a TV Guide report on the history of ‘Jersey Shore.’

Inside the Los Angeles Times: Puerto Rico is looking to woo Hollywood business. Patrick Goldstein on the bromance between Charlie Sheen and Mark Cuban.

-- Joe Flint

Follow me on Twitter. Why deprive yourself? Twitter.com/JBFlint