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Federal Reserve Thinks Recession Is Over: Talk of the recession's end has been just about everywhere since the latter half of the summer, and now that assessment has been given another shot of credibility—from the Federal Reserve. This week, in his first speech since being reappointed, Fed chairman Ben Bernanke claimed the recession is "very likely over." And though he also said it won't be a short road to complete recovery, the worst is over. Event professionals seem to agree. [CNN]

Conspiracy Theorists Question VMA Snafu: There's mounting speculation that Kanye's obnoxious turn at Sunday's Video Music Awards wasn't entirely off the cuff. Though many voiced skepticism over whether or not it was planned by MTV—much like its Movie Awards confrontation between Brüno star Sacha Baron Cohen and Eminem—a few are now gathering evidence to support the farce theory. Exhibit A? Some think that the bottle of Hennessy Kanye was throwing back on the red carpet had the cap on the whole time. [Movieline] MORE >>

Federal Reserve, MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West, HBO, BBDO

NEWS 09.15.09 12:03 PM

MTV Continues to Bring Back Viewers for 2009 VMA Broadcast

FROM NEW YORK Sunday's broadcast of the MTV Video Music Awards marked a boon in ratings for the show, which aired on MTV and was simulcast on sister networks MTV2 and VH1 for the first time in its 26-year history. Viewership of the festivities on MTV increased by 6 percent over last year to an average 8.97 million, and the 2 million contributed by MTV2 and VH1 bring the grand total close to 11 million.

It's been a long journey back to those numbers, the event's highest since 2004. The VMAs have been slowly climbing back from the 2006 broadcast, which attracted a record low audience of fewer than six million. MORE >>

MTV, MTV Video Music Awards

NEWS 09.14.09 2:42 PM

What the Press Said About the VMAS: MTV Loves a Scandal

FROM NEW YORK Say what you will about Kanye West's unbecoming behavior at last night's Video Music Awards, MTV is probably just happy you're still talking about it. That's the consensus among the press today, who seem unanimous in their assessment that 2009 was a step in the right direction for the embattled show.

The Los Angeles Times music blogger Todd Martens gave each of the performances a letter grade, favoring Beyoncé's choreography and Taylor Swift's subway singalong over Janet's tribute to her brother and Katy Perry's misguided Queen cover. [LAT]
Like most everyone else, The New York Times swooned for Madonna's speech about Michael Jackson, referring to it as "uncommonly intimate, by turns heartbreaking and gobsmacking." [NYT]

MORE >>

MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé

NEWS 09.14.09 1:34 PM

MTV Video Music Awards Filled With Tributes, Stage-Crashers

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys closing the show
Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

FROM NEW YORK MTV promised to use more than just Radio City Music Hall when it announced a return to New York for the 26th Video Music Awards, and it delivered. In addition to the festivities at the primary venue, last night's broadcast made use of a subway station, the Avenue of the Americas, the Walter Kerr Theater, and an F train. In between, there were a few extravagant performances, tributes to fallen stars, and an uncharacteristically tame M.C. job from returning host Russell Brand, though the night will probably be most remembered for an outburst from Kanye West.

Early reports of the hush-hush production and the show's promotional campaign suggested it would adopt a West Side Story theme in its decor and staging, but there were no obvious allusions to be seen last night. Instead, the stage sat below an archway of metal rods and neon lights, while images of the New York skyline, cranes on the Brooklyn waterfront, and water towers played on the backdrop. Performers left that stage for other venues throughout the night, but festivities kicked off inside Radio City with a tribute to Michael Jackson. MORE >>

MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Russell Brand

NEWS 09.11.09 12:21 PM

Photos From VMA Parties, Swag Suites, and Stunts Throughout the Years

Kanye West at Rolling Stone's 2007 VMA after-party
Photo: BizBash

The MTV Video Music Awards are returning to New York this Sunday, September 13. Here's a look back at some of the highlights from years past. MORE >>

MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West, Jessica Simpson, Sean Combs, Jay-Z, Maverick Records, Rolling Stone, Kenneth Cole, Pepsi, Maxim

NEWS 07.15.09 11:01 AM

In the News: Bruno Stunt Invades Times Square Screening, Production Rumors Buzzing for 2009 VMAs

Bruno Stunt Brings Film's Star to Screening: In-theater stunts are becoming more and more common. On the heels of Michael Moore's poorly received faux-charity plea during a screening of his latest film trailer, Sacha Baron Cohen visited a Times Square showing of his latest film, Bruno, in character. He entertained guests for a few minutes before the movie started, and though the whole event is being referred to as a "surprise" appearance, the abundance of news media present made it look anything but. [NYP]

VMAs Might Have a Broadway Theme: Rumors that this year's MTV Video Music Awards would take place at Madison Square Garden did not pan out, but the move back to New York and the return of host Russell Brand were both right on the money. There's just one bit that's yet to be explained: MTV, remaining tight-lipped about further details of the show, has yet to comment on the speculation that the staging will take on a West Side Story theme. [Idolator] MORE >>

Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen, MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Russell Brand, Three-O Vodka, NYC Prep

NEWS 07.14.09 2:24 PM

MTV Video Music Awards Announce Return to New York With September 13 Show

Russell Brand at the 2008 VMAs
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images for MTV

FROM NEW YORK MTV formally announced its plans for the 2009 Video Music Awards this morning. The ceremony will return September 13 to New York's Radio City Music Hall—as well as other undisclosed "iconic locations."

Since the show has a history of bouncing back and forth between the coasts, the New York return isn't much of a surprise, but news that British comedian Russell Brand is set to return as host—after last year's controversial and critically chastised stint—wasn't the most expected choice.

"We are thrilled that despite numerous death threats from Jonas Brothers fans, Russell Brand has accepted our offer to put his life on the line and host the VMAs again this year," MTV general manager Stephen Friedman said in a statement. "We're also excited to be coming home to bring the most rambunctious night in music back to New York City." MORE >>

MTV, MTV Video Music Awards, Russell Brand, Michael Bloomberg

NEWS 06.18.09 11:52 AM

Emmys Move Back to September 20 to Avoid Conflict With MTV VMAs

Just a few weeks after announcing a date change to September 13 to avoid broadcast competition with the NFL, CBS and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have backed down on their move, opting to go with the original plan of a September 20 ceremony for the 2009 Emmy Awards. The partners cite a conflict with MTV's Video Music Awards as the reason for switching back.

"After we announced plans for September 13, MTV informed us they were locked into the same day for the Video Music Awards, with venue and sponsorship agreements in place," CBS executive vice president of specials, music, and live events Jack Sussman told Variety. "We had the flexibility to move; they didn't. It's best for the industry and the audience that these events not compete against each other."

CBS and MTV are corporate cousins of a sort; although CBS is no longer owned by Viacom, MTV's parent, both are controlled by Sumner Redstone. MORE >>

Emmys, CBS, MTV, MTV Networks, MTV Video Music Awards, Viacom, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, HBO, Comedy Central

NEWS 06.03.09 4:37 PM

In the News: Emmys Move Up, Suffering Book Expo Mulls Changes

Fairly Late Notice for Emmy Move: The recently announced N.F.L. schedule prompted CBS and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to move the live broadcast of the 2009 Emmy Awards from September 20 to a week earlier, on September 13. Variety reports this won't affect party and event hosts, many of whom hadn't even selected venues for Emmy-related festivities and promotions yet. And those who had already picked venues are apparently being accommodated. HBO's party planned for the Pacific Design Center will go ahead on the new date. [Variety]

Racy Korean Axe Stunt Campaign Gets International Attention: A Korean advertising agency wrapped a women's dormitory at an undisclosed university with a calendar page, each day picturing an attractive female looking out of her window, for Axe deoderant. The firm responsible said they "aimed for the expression that a new female can be met on a daily basis." Accusations of sexism abounded on blogs earlier this week, but the stunt's extension outside its intended marketplace speaks for itself. [Gizmodo] MORE >>

Emmys, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, HBO, Axe, Book Expo, MTV, MTV Movie Awards

NEWS 03.18.09 11:10 AM

In The News: Morbid Stunt Spooks London Locals, Top Model Fails to File Proper Permits

Guerrilla Stunt for Video Game Alarms London: The marketing team behind the U.K. launch of Capcom video game Resident Evil 5 recently caused a stir with a scavenger hunt promotion that scared Londoners into calling the police. After scattering hundreds of realistic-looking body parts and decapitated heads around the city, organizers told participants to gather as many as they could find for a chance to win a trip to Africa. Unfortunately—or fortunately, considering the many news outlets that picked up the story—producers didn't count on how the authenticity would affect those not in the know. [BrandFreak]

The New Yorker Downsizes Conference: Planners of the second New Yorker Innovation Conference have decided to take a step back from this year's event. The two-day $1,200-a-head conference, which was to be held at the InterActiveCorp. building, is out the window, replaced by a much cheaper one-day summit. The more modest price of $350 will give guests a perspective on President Obama's first 100 days in office, with speeches by Malcolm Gladwell and Howard Dean. [WWD] MORE >>

Capcom, The New Yorker, America's Next Top Model, MTV, MTV Movie Awards

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