Mtv

In an apparent move to gain Twitter followers, sister networks MTV and BET pretended hackers took over their accounts. Tuesday's publicity stunt came after Burger King and Jeep had their Twitter accounts hijacked by hackers who switched their profiles to show information for their respective rivals McDonald's and Cadillac. MTV and BET, which are owned by Viacom, pretended the same kind of hacking was happening to their accounts by switching profile photos and logos. MTV became BET, and vice versa.

MTV is shedding its "Skins. " The widely criticized, not-highly rated teen drama based on a hit British series will not return for a second season, the cable network announced Thursday afternoon. "'Skins' is a global television phenomenon that, unfortunately, didn't connect with a U.S. audience as much as we had hoped," MTV said in a statement. "We admire the work that the series' creator Bryan Elsley did in adapting the show for MTV, and appreciate the core audience that embraced it. " "Skins" was enveloped in controversy this year, when some critics compared it to child pornography for its frank treatment of teen sexuality.

After the coffee. Before emptying the cat box (well, you wanted to know). The Skinny: I stuffed myself silly at the premiere party for HBO's "Veep" last night so I'm feeling a little bloated this morning. Yes, it's a tough life. Wednesday's headlines include analysis of the fight between broadcasters and Aereo, Sony Entertainment Chief Executive Michael Lynton gets a new deal and MTV cancels"Buckwild. " Daily Dose: Aereo may be a little start-up (see below), but when it comes to lobbying in Washington, D.C., it is playing in the big leagues.

After the coffee. Before seeing if Phil Jackson will coach the Morning Fix.  The Skinny: Starbucks is already selling the Christmas Blend. I better stock up! Tuesday's headlines include a new head of programming at MTV, China tries to foil James Bond, and a big change is coming to NBC's "Today. " Daily Dose: Eagle-eyed DirecTV subscribers might have been given false hope Monday if they visited the satellite broadcaster's " Promise to You " page. That's where DirecTV provides its view and updates on programming disputes.

Move over, MTV. CNN, whose viewers are mostly from the older range of the age spectrum, will be co-host of its first Rock the Vote event, a Democratic presidential candidate forum. Rock the Vote, which works to get young people involved in the political process, more often chooses the more demographically compatible MTV as a partner. The Nov. 4 forum, in Boston, will be moderated by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, with questions coming from the youth audience. -- Elizabeth Jensen

When MTV celebrated its fifth anniversary last summer, many critics (Pop Eye included) complained that the 24-hour video channel was a great idea whose time had come . . . and gone. Ratings were slipping. Morale was low. More important, MTV's reputation as a proving ground for exciting new pop artists had sagged as the video network concentrated on playing a Top 40-style format of proven hit makers and bland pop artists. But now rock stars are shouting "I want my MTV" again.

MTV is sponsoring a fund-raiser at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the UCLA Tennis Center to benefit Reading Is Fundamental, thought to be the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization. Rap stars Coolio and Busta Rhymes, as well as Flea, the bassist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, will perform, an MTV spokesman said. They are also scheduled to participate in a basketball game with former Boston Celtics star Bill Walton and Brent Barry of the Los Angeles Clippers.

I don't believe Robert Hilburn went far enough in his condemnation of MTV / VH1's coverage of the Live 8 concerts ["Live 8's Safety Net," July 4]. The event coordinators flashed this quote across the top of the various stages: "We don't want your money." Yet MTV, in front of an entire nation, repeatedly showed commercials for laundry detergent and shaving cream, cars and computer services. This is nothing short of scalping, just plain looting for profit while kicking mud in the face of the very Africans who should have received whatever monetary gains the concert did raise.

The residents of Calabasas Park have their silver Mercedes Benzes and black BMWs, their own lake, country club and tennis club. With an average household income of $69,000 a year, the residential enclave is touted as one of the most prestigious communities in the San Fernando Valley. But for years there was only the most basic TV service in Calabasas Park. Homeowners could afford to buy VCRs and big-screen televisions. Yet cries of "I want my MTV!" fell on deaf ears.