The Week in Review: Where Is a Stick of Chewing Gum When You Need It?

Some of the top stories that caught my attention this (ok, mostly last) week:

Chuck Tryon has written several compelling columns in the last week, including one on the week-long “war” between Jon Stewart and CNBC;

A management shake-up at News Corp. has generated much speculation about the future direction that will be taken at the company, especially in terms of Fox’s Filmed Entertainment divisions. Particularly intriguing is the appointment of Fox Searchlight president Peter Rice to be in charge of entertainment for the Fox Network;

Growing independent film company B-Side has formed a theatrical distribution arm;

Actors in films and TV programs aren’t the only ones struggling to renegotiate their contracts in a tough economic climate; commercial actors face challenges getting compensated for their online work as well;

SXSW is underway again. The buzz surrounding the festival seems to get bigger every year;

Cable TV’s upfronts are about to get started. Early signs indicate it will be a disappointing selling season for cable and broadcast outlets alike;

TV Week explores the myriad reasons that local broadcast stations are struggling. What isn’t explored here, however, are the potentially large-scale cultural ramifications of the changes broadcasters are making due to their economic difficulties;

Heathers: The Musical — brilliant or crazy?

MacGyver: The Movie — simply crazy.