Tuning in to TV

TBS extends contract for ‘Conan‘ into 2014

Cable network TBS said Wednesday it has extended the late-night series “Conan,” hosted by Conan O'Brien, through April 2014.

Since premiering in November 2010, ” ‘Conan‘ has been a hit with TBS‘ core audience of young adults,” the Time Warner network said.

While “Conan” has underperformed in the ratings, TBS highlighted that it recently had its third consecutive month of audience growth. “The success of ‘Conan‘ also extends well beyond the show’s TBS telecasts to include widespread DVR, online and mobile viewing, interaction through Twitter, Facebook and TeamCoco.com,” the network said.

“We are proud to be in business with Conan O'Brien for the long run,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president and head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies.

Said Mr. O'Brien: “I am excited to continue my run with TBS because they have been fantastic partners.” He also quipped: “This means I’ll be taping episodes of ‘Conan‘ well into the Ron Paul presidency.”

TBS has yet to permanently fill the post-“Conan” midnight slot previously occupied by George Lopez's “Lopez Tonight.” That show was canceled last summer after two seasons. “Lopez” lost almost half of its viewers when TBS moved it to midnight to make room for “Conan.”

Chelsea Clinton may stay as NBC correspondent

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, who has served as a special correspondent for NBC News since late last year, is close to extending her three-month contract with the broadcast network’s news division, the New York Times reported.

The daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has contributed “Making a Difference” segments to “NBC Nightly News” and also appeared on “Rock Center With Brian Williams,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Some observers slammed NBC News for bringing Miss Clinton on board. But NBC News president Steve Capus defended hiring her, saying it was not as a publicity stunt and promising to keep her away from political news coverage.

Miss Clinton’s debut drew mixed reviews from media critics. A spokeswoman for NBC declined to comment on Miss Clinton’s contract situation.

Comcast launching video-streaming service

Cable-TV giant Comcast is launching a new subscription video service that will enable its customers to instantly view movies and TV shows both in and out of the home.

The service, called Xfinity Streampix, will be available this week to Xfinity video customers, the Associated Press reports. The company said Tuesday that it will allow customers to access programming on multiple screens and devices including TVs, online platforms and mobile devices.

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