Outdated New MTA Communications Network Over Before It Began

Overstretched Budget and Unexpected Maintenance Bring Network to an End

By AMIR ALI SAID

According to various reports, including the DailyNews, the MTA plans on scrapping its new subway communications network. The network, introduced in most subway stations across the city, includes minute by minute updates of the trains approaching the station. Since the subway's unrolling of the system is been a very helpful tool with the fast paced New York city commuters. However, a closer look at the project shows that the new system be non-existent in the near future.

The $370 million project began in 2000. MTA officials expect it to be completed this year. But according to the MTA, advances in technology since the year 2000 have already made the network out of date. In fact, after examining the construction of the process, the MTA realizes they are asking much more of the system than originally planned eleven years ago. For instance, changes to the fiber optic information system have already pushed the project $76 million over budget.

If this system is eventually cut out completely I think it'll be a blow to the MTA. I think it will exhibit three steps forward in the eyes of the everyday New York Commuter. Then twenty steps back if the system is cut. It's innovative, very helpful and smart. It simply doesn't make sense. However, if it's a matter of equipment then that's poor management on the MTA's part. That being said, the communications network should not be cut. The MTA should do everything in their power to keep it around.

Keith Olbermann Out, MSNBC Changed Forever

Renowned News Anchor Ousted After Comcast-NBC Deal Inked By FCC

By AMIR ALI SAID

Last Friday, Keith Olbermann announced that it would be his last episode of Countdown: With Keith Olbermann. At the time of the on air resignation or firing, I wasn't aware of this surprise. In fact, I was doing research on a film. But when I checked my e-mail and saw a news alert that said Olbermann would be leaving MSNBC I was shocked. After a couple minutes, and a discussion with Pop I realized MSNBC would be changed forever.

The Comcast-NBC deal had long been in the works. In fact, in 2009 the floating news about Comcast possibly buying NBC first came about. The percentages and numbers of the deal were announced and everyone got a glimpse into the new NBC. GE (General Electric) would own 49% of NBC, while Comcast, the buyer, would own 51% of NBC. On January 18th the FCC finally got around to approving the deal by a vote of 4 to 1. Quickly news spread and questions were raised. But none of which surrounding Keith Olbermann. But it turns out Comcast were planning airing their last episode of Countdown: With Keith Olbermann for about a week. The wrong move in my opinion, an interesting one to most.

Keith Olbermann is a household name. An anchor who spoke to many Americans and spoke outright for eight years on his show. The last four being probably the most notable. The Iraq War, Bush leaving the Presidential office and President Barack Obama being elected. Over the years he's had numerous inspiring interviews and shows that've sharpened the minds of Americans across the country. The network he did it on is MSNBC. Lead by Olbermann, the network became the leader in Politics, surpassing CNN. Now that the Comcast-NBC deal is complete, seems like all has been lost and MSNBC will be going into a different direction. One which, I don't agree with.

European Antitrust Investigators Look Into Google

Possible Foul Play Involved With Google AD Service

By AMIR ALI SAID

According to a New York Times article, European antitrust investigators are asking questions surrounding Google. The investigators are asking advertisers if Google ever suggested that they increase spending in return for improved visibility in its Web search results. In order to explain the magnitude of that statement, I'll break it down for you. Investigators are wondering if Google offers great visibility on the AD column. Some AD's are more visible than others at times, and investigators are wondering if Google charges for that bonus.

I don't think Google is participating in any foul play with their search engine. However, I think this investigation will turn up a few things. I think it's common sense for Google to charge for AD's. Think of it as an added piece to their Google AD rate. Its business. I don't find any faults with Google if they actually are charging. But what I do wonder is why this is coming up now. Something like this would certainly have been spotted years ago. But even thought this "discovery" has come towards the beginning of the year I expect this investigation to have a short life span.

The investigation has been around since late last year. Their about 120 questions on a questionnaire sent as part of the European Union’s inquiry. The questions range from simple to complex. But I haven't seen all of them. However, I can tell you that if there are 120 questions then this investigation may be more serious than you think. Google is a large company. An investigation of this nature can go two ways. The investigators lose their jobs in the process of their inquiries. Or, Google faces some sort of penalty. I think that this investigation will turn out as a combination of both those outcomes.

Money solves practically everything. But with a European investigation I don't think money will be involved. Instead, a team of lawyers will have to band together in order to get Google out of this ditch. Trust me, I think a company like Google can afford top of the line lawyers with a lot of influence. Hence, like I stated earlier, I expect this investigation to be over in no time. If that doesn't happen, then Google's in for something they may not have seen yet. Too bad I don't think that'll happen. Tune in for a couple updates on this developing investigation.

BBC Journalists Cancel Planned Strike

Union Expects New Negotiated Settlement, Will BBC Change It's Stance?

By Amir Ali Said

According to a variety.com report, BBC journalists have called off a planned strike. Apparently there was a planned strike over changes to staff pension plans. The National Union of Journalists said the workforce wouldn't proceed with the strike. The BBC then agreed to have talks on the pension plan issue, as well as finding a resolution to a situation with three international journalists. The BBC appreciated the move.

BBC welcomed and was probably jolly about the move but according to the variety.com report they stated that their final offer on the pension plans wouldn't be changed. However, NUJ's general secretary, said the union was "pleased the BBC has changed its position and agreed to talks." Dear also said "We will endeavour to reach a negotiated settlement." I'm not sure how that's going to work out because I don't think the BBC will change its stance. The union decided to call of the strike, even though the BBC said their final offer wouldn't be changing. That's a win for BBC, but here's a look at the pension plan.

The strikers are fighting a plan by the BBC’s management that seeks to plug a pension funding gap, estimated at 1.5 billion in Euro ($2.4 billion) without increasing fees for the BBC audience in Britain. In a nutshell, the union is charging that the new plan would result in BBC's staff “paying more in contributions and working longer and getting less in retirement.” The BBC has stated that they won't be changing their stance, and I think that'll be the end result. I'm not sure BBC is ready to negotiate a minimal agreement.

The strike never took place, that's the good news for the Union. However, because of the sheer fact that the workers were ready to strike is a problem. The BBC probably respects their workforce more now that they had to the guts to be prepared to strike at any moment. But respect only gets you so far. However, there's still a chance this new found respect could result in a settlement. I doubt that'll happen, but I'm sure that's what the workforce is hoping for.

I like the BBC. If the workforce were to go on a strike I think it would be detrimental to all of the listeners across the world. I think the Journalists deserve a better pension plan based on what I've read, but I don't think they're going to get it now. If anything, the settlement may be no where near what the workforce is ready for, and if the BBC wants too not even improve that plan they can do that was well. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out for both sides, hopefully they can come to an agreement.

Paramount Gets Big Disney Check For Film Rights

'Iron Man 3,' and 'The Avengers' Flee Paramount For Hefty Payment

By Amir Ali Said

According to a variety.com report, Walt Disney Co., is paying Paramount $115 million to give up worldwide rights to the films Iron Man 3 and The Avengers. I don’t think Disney made this move because they thought they wouldn't make a substantial profit. Which makes you wonder, how much money do they expect to make?

In the past, Disney has made a number of smart moves. They bought ABC, ESPN, and Marvel Entertainment. Need I say more? ESPN is the worldwide leader in sports, and ABC is a frontrunner on television. Marvel entertainment is on the rise. There’s lots of comic materials waiting to be made into films. The amount of people who’ll go see the comic book films continue to attract more people. Disney knows when and not to make moves to benefit their company.

And hear again, I think Disney made a smart move Iron Man is a proven franchise that has a fan base. The original film saw numbers soar to $500 million worldwide. However, the sequel made $600 million worldwide. With Iron Man 3, I expect the same numbers, if not a minimal increase. In the end, its a win for Disney. It's not like Iron Man 3 will fall flat into the area of $200 million. I expect the film to do at least $400 million within a month.

Paramount wins as well. They now have $115 million that can be used to improve the company or fund more film productions. Also, Paramount still has the rights to Thor and Captain America, two more films that are expected to do well during their respective release dates. Most likely those films will make this deal look like a win for Paramount, and possibly a lost for Disney.

Paramount won’t be struggling after this deal. I think this deal will inspire Paramount to do more, quicker and simpler. They had to hits on their hands, and they probably weren’t ready to distribute all by themselves. So why not look for a buyer who could do better than you? Oh yea, and you get a hefty payment just for selling rights to two films. However, the success of either companies depends on how all the films do at the box office. There in lies the solution, and level playing field.

'Jackass 3-D' Crashes Into Lead At the Box Office

Substantial Lead For Action "Documentary" After Friday Numbers Are Released

By Amir Ali Said

A glance at the films set to be released this week, I didn't expect Jackass 3-D to come out on top. If they were to even come out on top, who expected them to distance themselves from second place? Jackass 3-D made $21.7 million at the box office, while Red came in second place with $7.1 million. There's no competition what so ever. However, Jackass 3-D is going to have to take advantage of this situation and make as much money as possible, since Paranormal Activity 2 is coming out next week.

Jackass 3-D is basically a documentary of all the crazy things Johnny Knoxville and his crew do on a regular basis. The film follows the crew throughout every stupid crazy action that they commit. It's funny and there's a lot of action. I didn't expect a film like this to muster up big box office numbers. If anything, I expected Jackass 3-D to make $20 million after three weeks. It's not a film I thought a lot of people would go see, but I was wrong.

I don't have any interest in seeing Jackass 3-D. It seems like it may be funny, but I just don't feel like seeing it. Now that the film has made $21 million at the Friday box office, you can expect the film to only make more money. Now more people are going to be attracted to the film. Most likely because of shear interest into what's so "good" about the film. Nevertheless, Jackass 3-D is going to do well and probably exceed all expectations.

Miramax Deal Halts Film Release Schedule

Tutor Deal Delays Two Winter Flicks

By Amir Ali Said

According to variety.com, the deal between Miramax and Ron Tutor isn't closed yet. Would you think that means problems for upcoming films? If you thought like me, then you wouldn't suspect upcoming films would be halted. Two films, The Debt and Don't be Afraid of the Dark, have been removed from the release calendar. These films would've been out in time for this year's award race. Too bad the deal isn't closed, so the release of these films will be delayed.

This delay in the takeover of Miramax may turn out to be a huge problem for the company. By the time the deal is finished, what other films will be removed from the release schedule? That's detrimental to the company's image and business. Another thing, this isn't a good sign for Miramax. The deal that was announced over the summer isn't finished yet, and as a result of that, two films have now been delayed. How's that going to turn out next year?

One thing that could play in Miramax's favor is the fact that they may have more films out next year. Those two films will be in addition to the number of films set for release in 2011. 2011 comes around and Miramax may be a leading production company because of the amount of films they have set for release. However, quality still matters, even more than quantity at the Box Office.

'Social Network' Jumps Out In Front of the Pack At the Friday Box Office

Sony Biopic Starts Off the Weekend On A Good Note

By Amir Ali Said

The highly anticipated film, Social Network opened first at the box office Friday. Sony's pic about the start of Facebook, topped the box office with $8 million. Doing $8 million on a Friday? Seems like a good sign. If word of mouth spreads, Social Network will do even better. Most people are going to see it just to see what the hype is all about. I expect Social Network to continue to make money. In fact, I could see the film rounding out the weekend at around $20 million.

Competition is a little light, Wall Street: Money Never sleeps came in second place, and The Town shaped up the top three. Both of those films reached $3 million on Friday. Social Network should lead the box office for at least a week or two more. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to see it and give my take on the film. I can see a lot of people seeing the film, from Facebook members to regular people. If anything, Social Network may do better than expected when it's all said and done.

Social Network looks like it'll be good. I'm rooting for the film to do well. I'm a supporter. If my thinking is spread across America, you can expect this film to do big numbers. Social Network has a couple names that'll also get moviegoers to come out and see the film. Point is, Social Network was expected to do well, and if Friday's numbers mean anything, that will come to fruition.

Steve Burke At the Helm As NBC's New Ceo

Comcast Exec To Succeed Zucker After Merger Is Completed

By Amir Ali Said

News broke a couple days ago, that NBC's CEO, Jeff Zucker, would be stepping down once the merger with Comcast was complete. Today, it was reported by Variety.com, that Steve Burke will take over as CEO once the merger is finalized. However, Burke will also continue his role as Comcast's COO (Chief Operating Officer). Burke was a top exec at Disney and ABC, plus his father had experience as a top exec in the television business as well. All of these variables combined made Burke the perfect choice.

Comcast and GE are on board with the decision. In their announcement, Burke was praised. Apparently, Burke doesn't have that much work in front of him, since he plans on taking Zucker's lead and going through with his decisions. There are ongoing discussions about NBC's cable channel, since it's the root of NBC universal's profits. Burke has a lot on his table. But can he come through for Comcast or not?

I wonder how Comcast and NBC's merger will turn out. Right now, it seems like everything is peachy peachy, but I'm not sure if that'll continue. Comcast has now taking on a load, that I'm not sure if they can handle. Nonetheless, I have faith in Comcast pulling this merger off. Long before talks of a merger with NBC, Pop and I looked into the company. They seemed strong, with just a few bumps in the road. Now, merging with NBC, it'll be nice to see how this company turns out.

King Out, Morgan Jumps In Head On

CNN Battles to Stay Afloat With Time Slot Moves

By Amir Ali Said

Earlier this year, long-time talk show host, Larry King, announced he would step down from his show on CNN. CNN has found their replacement. Months after CNN started searching, word surfaced that CNN was looking into "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan, Wednesday, CNN confirmed such a deal. Starting in January, the move will be official and Morgan will replace King's time slot. CNN has yet to release details on Morgan's unnamed interview show. However, Morgan will earn about $5 million with CNN for the next three years.

CNN has been in the rear-view mirror since MSNBC came along. There shows, contributors, and hosts have all had their differences. However, MSNBC is just the better cable channel. CNN had it's chance to take over and get there spot back during the 08' Election. CNN squandered that opportunity, so MSNBC is still the leader. CNN may try to attempt to appear like the number one cable channel in politics, but its MSNBC. MSNBC is coming off a two month streak of topping CNN in total day viewing.

I don't like CNN. I watch MSNBC for practically the whole day, well at least I leave the channel on MSNBC for the whole day. I've watched and still watch the "Dylan Ratigan Show," "HardBall," and even the "Ed Show." Prime-time comes around and I'm right by the tube watching "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," and the "Rachel Maddow Show." I couldn't tell you what comes on at that time, on CNN. Campbell Brown is leaving town at the 8PM slot. Her replacement will be former governor Eliot Spitzer, and Columnist, Katheleen Parker. CNN isn't capable of rivaling MSNBC with this sort of show movement.