Briefs - January 15, 2002

Second gay net to launch in 2003

NEW YORK — Washington-based MDC Entertainment Group is throwing its hat into the nascent gay cable network market with plans to launch ALT1-TV, an ad-supported general entertainment network aimed at gay and lesbian viewers, slated for first-quarter 2003. The net's arrival comes less than a week after Viacom's Showtime and MTV disclosed that they are developing their own gay-themed cable network to possibly launch by year's end. MDC Entertainment officials said there's money to be made with a digital network that targets the gay consumer. "You're starting to see even more Fortune 500 companies targeting the gay market," MDC Entertainment spokesman Victor Siegel said.

Ratings no help to 'Iyanla'

The ax fell Monday on one of this season's most talked-about talk shows, "Iyanla," which had the production expertise of Barbara Walters and her executive producer partner Bill Geddie behind it. Despite what one senior media commentator described as a "valiant attempt," the show, hosted by self-help expert Iyanla Vanzant, never managed to garner viable ratings. The show averaged a 1.1 rating since its Aug. 13 debut, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Court OKs Fox 'X' suit

The United States Court of Appeals on Monday reinstated 20th Century Fox Corp.'s right to sue Tribune Entertainment and Marvel Comics for allegedly advertising their new TV hit weekly "Mutant X" as a spinoff of Fox's hit feature "X-Men." Fox said the suit would be for "substantial monetary damages including the profits from the 'Mutant X' series."

Botwin new Col Records chief

Will Botwin has been named president of Columbia Records Group. Botwin, who has been executive vp and general manager of the record group since 1998, will report to chairman Don Ienner. The move was expected (HR 1/11). In his new role, Botwin will work closely with Ienner in overseeing day-to-day operations as well as developing the overall strategic direction of the label. Botwin will continue to oversee A&R and marketing. Ienner, who will continue his company leadership as chairman, previously held the title of president.

Tobin leaves Canadian post

OTTAWA — Canadian federal industry minister Brian Tobin unexpectedly announced his resignation Monday at an impromptu news conference in St. John's, Newfoundland, his political base. Tobin told reporters that his failure in last month's federal budget to secure financing to roll out high-speed Internet access across Canada did not figure in his decision to quit politics. Tobin's ministry, responsible for federal competition policy, pronounced judgment on a host of foreign takeovers of Canadian media companies. A broadcaster before turning to politics in 1980, Tobin said he will be spending some time with his family before making a decision on his next move.

Atlantic promotes Johnson to sr. vp

Ronnie Johnson has been promoted to the newly created position of senior vp and general manager of the urban division at Atlantic Records. Johnson, who joined Atlantic in 1999, was senior vp urban promotion. Johnson will oversee the day-to-day activities of Atlantic's urban music division, including the marketing, promotion and publicity staffs. Before Atlantic, Johnson held posts at Island Records, Mercury Records, Motown Records and Reprise Records.