• FOX's 'Junior Idol' version of 'American Idol' to premiere June 3rd

  March 26, 2003
  FOX has announced that the "American Idol Junior" program that we've previously reported on has been tentatively renamed "Junior Idol" and will premiere Tuesday, June 3rd at 8PM ET -- the same Tuesday time slot as the original series. Variety reports that "Junior Idol" will feature kids under 16 in a format similar, but not identical, to "American Idol." NBC has its own kiddie talent competition, "Most Talented Kid in America," premiering this week. Fox has ordered 10 hourlong episodes; it will be seen once a week.

• 'American Idol' ratings rocking the television industry

  January 25, 2003
  It's official: Simon-mania has swept the country.

• FOX Orders Up 'Temptation Island 2'

  March 2, 2001
  Following great ratings for last night's finale, FOX announced Thursday it will be trying to tear apart more couples with a second season of "Temptation Island." (surprise, surprise, big shocker here)

  "'Temptation Island has proven to be compelling television," says Gail Berman, FOX's president of entertainment. "We're pleased it's such a hit with our viewers, and we're scouting locations for the next adventure."

  So far, no location, production schedule or possible premiere date has been set.

  In a Wednesday conference to discuss the network's performance during the important February "sweeps" period, Fox Television Entertainment Group Chairman Sandy Grushow acknowledged that some advertisers were "squeamish" about buying time on "Temptation Island" due to the show's suggestive content.

  "It's been a challenge in the marketplace, as it often is when you push the envelope with content," he said, "We went through this with 'Married ... With Children' 13 years ago." But he dismissed the notion that "Temptation Island" contradicted the network's policy of abandoning exploitative "shockumentaries" that once served as a Fox programming staple. "I don't consider this to be shockumentary programming," he said. "We work in a very dynamic business. Times change."

  Source: Reuters/iWon

• FOX To Make Decision On 'Temptation Island' Sequel Soon

  February 27, 2001
  Fox television executives said on Tuesday the jury is still out on a possible sequel to the libido-fueled 'reality' hit 'Temptation Island.'

  "Network brass said they will wait until viewership numbers are in from the seventh and final episode Wednesday before deciding whether to order a second block of the controversial series, which entices unmarried couples to break up their relationships."

  "'We are considering a second Temptation Island seriously. We are waiting to see the numbers for Wednesday night, and a final decision will be made,' said Fox Entertainment President Gail Berman."

  "Last week, the show's viewership suffered against competition from the Grammy Awards telecast on CBS, falling to its lowest ratings since its Jan. 10 premiere. But the show's fourth episode, two weeks earlier, drew a robust 18.2 million viewers, giving Fox its first overall ratings win for Wednesdays since August 1999. The segment also propelled Fox to its best Wednesday showing in more than six years among viewers aged 18 to 49, the demographic most prized by advertisers. Berman declined to say how well the show's finale had to perform in the ratings in order to win a renewal."

  "But Sandy Grushow, chairman of the Fox Television Entertainment Group, a unit of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Ltd., suggested Fox executives are rooting for the series."

  "'It's a show that's going to make a substantial amount of money,' he said. 'Our affiliates absolutely loved the show, and they're waiting for Temptation 2,' he said."

  Our take on the situation -- money talks and morals walk -- expect production on TI2 to begin within weeks.

  
  Source: Reuters/iWon.com

• All Singles And Couples Were Tested For STD's

  January 7, 2001
  Fox Network Entertainment President Gail Berman has admitted that all the couples and the singles who took part in 'Temptation Island' tested for sexually transmitted diseases. (ya, and the show's not supposed to be about sex)

  ..and in probably the biggest surprise, he claims everyone was clean.

  Source: Zap2It.com"

MORE GAIL BERMAN NEWS