A PBS movie about the 1967 war between Israel and its neighbors was edited into different versions depending on which country it would be aired in. Okay, so there are different partners on the project. But why do the different versions tell different versions of history?
Tag: 06.08.07
Tony Vote As Political Statement
“If Tony voters choose Spring Awakening for Best Musical on Sunday, it will be an important vote of confidence in composers who think that the orchestral, scenery-heavy work that we’ve called ‘the Broadway musical’ for nearly a century doesn’t have to mark the limit of Broadway musical theatre. And who knows what innovation might follow?”
Teacher Quits Over Harry Potter
“A Pentecostal teaching assistant who quit her job at a foundation primary school after she was disciplined for refusing to hear a child read a Harry Potter book is seeking compensation for religious discrimination. She claimed that the book glorified witchcraft.”
Musicians Turn To Merchandising
“Having licensed their names and images for everything from hats and wine labels to tote bags and even dog accessories, rock bands and other musicians would seem to be running out of new merchandising opportunities. But with recorded-music sales plummeting, merchandise is one of the most important new revenue streams to everyone in the music food chain — including record labels and music publishers.”
A Bookstore Dispute At The Met
“A recent dispute over why the Metropolitan Museum of Art bookstore decided not to carry a book that closely relates to one of the museum’s current exhibitions has raised questions about the management of the bookstore and the role of the retail division within the institution.”
Mexican Court Strikes Down Controversial Media Law
A Mexican court has struck down provisions of a new law that would have protected the country’s two biggest TV networks. “The court’s action could help pry open Mexico’s broadcasting market, one of the least competitive in Latin America outside of communist Cuba. And it could embolden Mexico’s government to rein in other business titans that control key sectors of this nation’s economy.”
CBS Bows To Fans, Un-Cancels Show
CBS has changed its mind and decided to revive “Jericho”, a drama it canceled for low ratings. Upset fans inundated the network over the past few weeks, sending tons of nuts to CBS execs in protest (yes, nuts). “Although it’s common for fans of a canceled series to protest, it’s extremely rare that the effort pays off with network executives changing their minds.”
Oregon County Considers Outsourcing Libraries
Tapped out for money, the county considers the plan as a way to keep libraries open. “When you outsource library services, the locals still own the buildings and contents but everything else, including the hiring of local staff, is managed from afar. It might someday be the norm for all kinds of public services. But there’s something undeniably different about hiring a business to oversee which books you and your kids can browse, to decide how library Internet access is controlled, and what penalty you’ll face when the dog eats a borrowed Harry Potter hardcover edition.”
Formerly Great Tchaikovsky Competition Opens
“Next week brings with it the opening of the 13th installment of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, once considered the world’s most prestigious showcase for young musical talent, but during recent times mainly notable for its scandals and its failure to attract much in the way of truly outstanding contestants.”
New York Concert Scene Booming
Recording sales might be down, but at least in New York the concert business is expanding. “In New York heated competition among concert promoters has driven a building spree of small and midsize spaces over the last two years. And a pivotal player in this behind-the-scenes contest has emerged in the Bowery Presents, a promoter that has grown steadily from crowded downtown boîtes to the big leagues of the concert industry.”