MTV

Justin Timberlake may have brought sexy back to the Video Music Awards, but, unfortunately for MTV, he didn't bring the viewers back.

According to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research, this year's VMA telecast pulled in an average of 5.77 million total viewers over the course of three hours, down 28% from the 8 million viewers last year. Just two years ago, the show brought in nearly double the audience -- 10.3 million viewers.

It's not all bad news for MTV. The net's broadband video channel, Overdrive, saw user traffic for the awards up 200% from last year with a total of 3.9 million video streams -- not too far off from the number of viewers the actual show took in. The site was packed with performance videos, behind-the-scenes clips, backstage interviews and red carpet fashions.

This year was no exception. Despite having the best hair in the business, MTV's longtime architect and current Viacom CEO Tom Freston has been canned.

Freston's departure from Viacom is such a bombshell, one hardly knows where to begin. On the one hand, it's fantastic theater, with classic - almost cliched - melodramatic trappings of business soap opera. (One imagines a scarlet-to-purple faced Redstone bellowing at his well-coiffed lieutenant, "I told you to make that deal, and you didn't! You're fired!")

On the other, it clearly shows where traditional media is headed: On-line, dummy.

As "The Wall Street Journal" remarked last week,

"MTV Overdrive, a free video Web site featuring music videos, news and MTV's hit programming, attracts fewer than four million unique visitors a month, a small fraction of MTV's 82 million monthly U.S. television viewers. More worrisome: MTV's Web sites are being whipped by rivals such as MySpace, the new home of the MTV generation. MySpace gets nearly 55 million unique visitors in the U.S. a month. YouTube, a fast-growing video Web site, draws 16 million."

In other words, in a world with a brand like MTV, why does MySpace even exist? Indeed, why wasn't social networking simply part of MTV.com?

But in examining the firing of Tom Freston, we should begin with what loaded the gun, and then move on to what pulled the trigger.

Two weeks ago, "Daily Variety" correspondent Jill Goldsmith filed a story that would have been the writing on the wall, were it not for the vigorous denials of an unnamed corporate flack.

Viz,

"...[recent] headlines over MySpace.com were the latest in a series of media stories touting its triumphs, including a lucrative pact with Google, a deal to download movies and the seven trillionth subscriber.

All this attention has made Viacom execs eager to explain why they didn't snap up MySpace. At media conferences, Viacom execs have said it's simple: The price was too high, and MySpace just didn't fit with Viacom's financial metrics. According to one company insider, however, Viacom CEO Tom Freston was asked by chairman Sumner Redstone to go to San Francisco to get the deal done but never went. [itals ours]

A company spokesman said, 'That's patently untrue.' "

Now, class, compare and contrast:

In Viacom's own CBS MarketWatch coverage of Freston's firing, what does Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone say?

That Freston successor Phillipe Dauman would "never, ever, let another competitor beat us to the trophy."

(As Bloomberg.com recognizes, "Dauman's background is in mergers and acquisitions, not in media programming.")

And so as of 2005, clearly, the bullet was in the chamber.

Now, some housekeeping and some other delicious behind the scenes details. As to housekeeping, the Wall Street Journal notes that "the 60-year-old Mr. Freston has been under pressure because of Viacom's sluggish price, down 7.6% since separating from CBS Corp. on Jan. 3."

But it also notes, as yours truly did two weeks ago, that Freston's authority within Viacom appeared seriously undermined after Redstone shot Tom Cruise out of a cannon in August. in a recent City of Industry post entitled "Now Who's Running Amok?" we pointed out that the ancient Redstone had gone on the warpath against his CEOs many times before whenever he felt marginalized.

Viz,

"his castigation of Cruise is said by knowledgeable insiders to have taken both Viacom co-CEO Tom Freston and Paramount Pictures chairman Brad Grey by complete surprise...Some posit that the rationale for Redstone's indelicate (and apparently, unadvised) harangue was to take back the limelight he'd lost earlier this year. In essence, his Cruise missile was fired to reassert himself into the running of a company he'd split in two in January and divided between Tom Freston of MTV and Leslie Moonves at CBS. Based on Redstone's previous behavior, it's not such a wild theory: Redstone has gotten into fisticuffs with major Viacom execs before, including former Viacom CEO Frank Biondi, who Sumner fired because he wanted to run the company, and with Mel Karmazin, who so tired of being co-opted that he decamped Viacom's CBS for Sirius Satellite Radio."

So, now what?

Well, if the future is any indication at all, Dauman would be wise to open his checkbook and just buy YouTube.

As a July think-piece in Variety observed, "it's new media that Viacom and particularly MTV really need to focus on. With a median age of 21, MTV's viewership is most likely to fall into the category that spends more time logged on than tuned in; a recent study noted people ages 13-24 now spend as much as 25% more time online than watching TV.

Rumors of an impending engagement have started to swirl around the couple after "EXTRA" reported that the Hard Rock Cafe heir purchased a diamond sparkler at Cartier in Beverly Hills.

The couple spent Thursday relaxing by the pool on the first day of their vacation. And if it doesn't get any better than enjoying the tropical weather, the couple also received back and foot massages on the beach. Hawaii is known for getting people in the mood to get down on one knee, if you know what we mean -- so is Harry planning to do the same?

The biggest names in music rocked Radio City Hall in New York last night for the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. While some critics have already panned the show as one of the worst in years, you can't blame the stars.

A leather clad Beyoncé rocked the house with her new single "Ring The Alarm," Shakira gyrated all over the place in belly dancing garb and Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz even brought a monkey to the red carpet.

Check out TMZ's gallery of the hottest people, moments and on stage performances from the evening. It might be easier than sitting through the three-and-a-half hour show again.

Cleverly referencing the trailers for any number of teen horror flicks you may have seen -- "Scream," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "The House of Wax," and so on -- "Summer of Stupid" preys upon the sometimes less-than-searing intellect displayed by the denizens of Laguna Beach, and uses a "voice-of-God"-like narrator, David Egan, to play up (and tweak) the highly familiar editing rhythms of the movie trailer form in the service of MTV's teens.

But for the Los Angeles-based Dow and Eisner, the pitch-perfect parody of "Laguna Beach" isn't the first time that the NYU film-school classmates have taken a certain well-known property and given it a snarky spin.

On the heels of Nick and Jessica's and Dave and Carmen's split, another MTV reality show couple has called it quits.

According to PEOPLE magazine, blink-182's Travis Barker has filed for divorce from his "Meet the Barkers" co-star and wife, Shanna Moakler.

The couple were married in 2004 and have two children: son Landon, 2, and daughter Alabama, 7 months. Moakler, a former Miss USA, also has a 7-year-old daughter, Atiana, from her previous relationship with Oscar de la Hoya.

Moakler released a statement saying "My only concern right now is for the welfare and best interests of my children."

Monday, TMZ reported that Moakler has been added to the latest cast of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

Last night's season finale of MTV's "The Hills" proved that love never comes easy. Lauren turned down a summer internship in Paris to spend the summer with Jason Wahler. However, it seems nearly impossible to tell if LC and her boy have split, for they remain on-again-off-again. Unlike pictures in the past, they have yet to be shot together (as of mid-July), leaving many to wonder if she should have chosen fashion life over love life.

But fear not -- more episodes of the show have been ordered, so you can expect to catch up on Lauren & Co. at the beginning of next year.

Click here for GOTTA KNOW on "Laguna Beach."

Where has Ashley Judd been lately? I haven't seen her anywhere.

Don't you worry, Dee. Ashley has been around -- just quiet. She was recently seen shopping around New York City, bringing shopping bags back to her hotel room before stepping out in a summery white dress. Professionally, Ashley will be starring in the film "Bug" later this year -- a dramatic thriller that proves "paranoia is contagious." But before that flick is released, expect to see her in the movie "Come Early Morning," which is already generating some of the best reviews.

To catch a glimpse of Ashley and other celebs at a launch party for Cartier's new charity initiative, click on this.

"Ladies and Gentleman...Rock and Roll." Those were the first words uttered on August 1, 1981, when MTV changed not only the face of music, but eventually the entire pop culture landscape. At that time, the concept of a 24 hour music only station was laughed at in some circles. But, those original VJs and early producers made it work.

Interestingly, in the early days MTV focused on rock and roll as those first words suggested. Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" - one of the top videos of the 80s - became the first video MTV aired by a black artist. That "breakthrough" came in 1983. From there Michael Jackson ruled the video airwaves with a string of ground-breaking videos that helped spur the art form, including, of course, the mini-movie "Thriller." Madonna also had a mutually beneficial relationship with early MTV. Even U2, not exactly known for their videos, owes a bit of gratitude as MTV's amazing Live Aid coverage in 1985 showcased the Irish rocker's set at Wembley Stadium launching them on their way to super group status. MTV also helped to mainstream rap music. In 1988, Yo! MTV Raps took hip-hop straight into suburban homes -the very market that would ignite hip-hop record sales into the stratosphere.

Today the network has grown to multiple channels with MTV2, VH1, VH1 Classic and many more. Obviously, they've grown away from their "all music all the time" format. Many say they paved the way for the reality tv wave with shows like the Real World and Road Rules. Of course, others complain that MTV doesn't play enough music. But, from Spring Break coverage to the Unplugged series to Beavis and Butthead to TRL to House of Style, you've got to admit MTV has put out some entertaining programming. And, there's no question they have left an indelible mark on pop culture around the world.

It's a battle between some peppers and a sizzling hip shaker for the most MTV Video Music Awards nominations.

Shakira and the Red Hot Chili Peppers lead the pack with a total of seven noms each. Madonna and Vegas rockers Panic! at the Disco each have five nominations and Christina Aguilera picked up four.

This year's winners will be determined a little differently from past shows. For the first time in VMA history, viewers can vote for their favorites in every category -- rather than just the viewer's choice.

The VMAs will air live from New York's Radio City Music Hall on August 31. Artists and groups already confirmed to perform include Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, T.I., Ludacris, The Killers and Panic! at the Disco.

Many posts on Janet's official message board are complaining that MTV has yet to premiere or even announce a date of a debut for the singer's latest video "Call On Me," which was first played on BET last Wednesday. Fans have flooded the MTV.com message boards with tons of Janet support, but, according to these fans, many posts were deleted by a moderator for "obscene, vulgar, abusive or harassing comments."

There is much speculation over why Janet has been "blacklisted" from MTV airplay, but most fingers point to her 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction," which was co-produced by MTV, who was fined by the FCC for the mishap.

Britney Spears' sexy schoolgirl antics in "Baby One More Time" makes it to number two, and Michael Jackson's 14-minute zombie epic "Thriller" moonwalks into the third spot.

Madonna, whose "Justify My Love" video was banned by MTV in 1990, also has two other videos in the top 10 with "Vogue" at number 5 and "Ray of Light" at number 4.

Rivers Cuomo has broken the hearts of indie fans the world over with his announcement to MTV that Weezer is on hiatus, possibly forever.

"Really, for the moment, we are done. I'm not certain we'll make a record again, unless it becomes really obvious to me that we need one done" Rivers told MTV.

Maybe marriage and having a college degree had something to do with Rivers' decision. Life changes such as those tend to make a person re-evaluate his or her direction. Or possibly he decided to bow out using the old entertainment saying "leave them wanting more". Either way, it leaves fans perplexed with this sudden decision.

While he left the door slightly ajar for more music (he tells MTV he's been writing new music like mad), he isn't going to be going solo any time soon. Of the new songs, he says "I certainly don't see them becoming Weezer songs and I don't really see the point of a solo career."

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) -- A cast member on MTV's "The Real World" was arraigned on a misdemeanor assault charge after police said she bit her boyfriend during a domestic dispute.

Paula Ann Meronek, 25, allegedly bit her boyfriend several times when he refused to let her into their home early Sunday morning, police said. "I think it was an argument that led to one thing then another," said Cromwell Police Chief Anthony Salvatore. "He attempted to keep her from the house. It got physical and we were contacted." Meronek, who was arraigned Monday, was charged with third-degree assault, which carries a potential penalty of a year in prison. She is due back in court Aug. 11. No lawyer was listed in court documents.

Her boyfriend, John Alyward, was charged with disorderly conduct. The arrest was first reported by The Middletown Press. "The Real World," now in its 17th season, puts seven strangers together in an exotic locale -- this time in a Key West, Fla., beach house.

StarStyle.com has launched an auction of furniture, artwork and bedding from MTV's "Real World: Key West" house.

The "supersite" will feature exclusive items from the tropical home each week for five weeks.

Jennifer Lopez made an appearance as the surprise performer at this weekend's Gay Pride Pier Dance in NYC.

Rumored recently to be pregnant, it was apparent to those in attendance that her moves on stage would definitely be discouraged by any physician for a woman who is with child. Not to mention the fact that she looked stunning and showed no traces of any baby bump. Mrs. Marc Anthony tore it up for the New York gays and was accompanied by some dancers from her new MTV reality show "Moves."

The show, shot in Los Angeles, gives a glimpse into the real lives of dancers, all chosen by La Lopez herself, struggling to follow their dreams. Jenny From the Block's career took its first great leap to stardom when she was chosen to be a Fly Girl on the long-running hit "In Living Color." One thing you may not know, she didn't make the Fly Girl cut initially. It was only after another dancer dropped out that she got the gig.

Lopez hopes "Moves" will showcase just how tough the life of a dancer can be. The show is set to air as part of MTV's fall lineup.

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