News

The 2024 edition of the Kennedy Center Honors celebrated an eclectic assortment of entertainers Sunday night: filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, singer Bonnie Raitt, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and surviving members of the Grateful Dead. The organization also bestowed its honor on an entertainment venue for the first time, New York’s iconic Apollo Theater.

As per tradition, the honorees observed the proceedings from the presidential box in the Kennedy Center Opera House, accompanied by President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and First Husband Doug Emhoff. Freshly arrived from a White House reception, all received rousing ovations from an appreciative audience when introduced.

That White House tradition could go on hiatus during the incoming Trump administration, since Donald Trump notably declined to participate in the affair during his first presidency. Nonetheless, invitations will be extended by the rigidly nonpartisan arts institution, the Kencen assures.

Slated to air on CBS Dec.

In today’s TV roundup Endemol Shine North America and Essence Communications signed a deal to develop a new daytime television program and FX Networks launched a new blog.

Deals

Endemol Shine North America and Essence Communications have signed a deal to develop a daytime television program based on the women’s media brand. The two companies are exploring opportunities in national syndication for a potential daytime series, which will focus on topics geared toward a diverse female audience ranging from beauty and style, to entrepreneurship and community empowerment. “Essence engages an extraordinarily passionate, multi-generational audience of women, who are uniquely acknowledged and celebrated through our storytelling. Creating a new daytime show that informs and inspires underscores our mission to serve Black women deeply,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications.

Digital

FX Networks launched a news blog that features exclusive editorial content and news from FX, Fxx, and Fxm.

Endemol Shine North America is looking to expand its footprint in first-run syndication, signing a deal with Essence Communications to develop a daytime television program aimed at diverse women.

The two companies are exploring opportunities in national syndication for a potential daily series, which would focus on topics aimed at a diverse female audience ranging from beauty and style, family, careers, entrepreneurship and community empowerment. The program is being developed with Raymond Garcia and his Major TV production company.

Essence Communications, the leading media, technology and e-commerce company dedicated to black women, has a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online. Essence encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including the popular annual Essence Festival.

“When I first heard about the potential to partner with Essence, I knew immediately it would be the perfect fit for daytime,” said Michael Weinberg,...

Endemol Shine North America and Essence Communications are joining forces to develop a daytime show based on the Essence brand.

The two companies are "exploring opportunities" in syndication for the potential show, which would target a diverse female audience and cover topics ranging from beauty and style to entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

"Joining forces with Endemol Shine to develop a daytime television program is an incredibly exciting prospect for Essence, as we eagerly focus on growing our original content offerings across platforms," Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, said Tuesday in a statement. "Essence engages an ...