Multichannel News articles from August 2010

Multichannel News archives from August 2010

Salute to Bob Miron.(retirement from Bright House Networks L.L.C.)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peacemaker. Bridge-builder. Cat-herder. As Bob Miron prepares to retire at the end of the year as chairman of Bright House Networks, the sixth largest U. S. cable operator, he's remembered as all of these. A media...

Epix punches Netflix ticket deal: deal covers movies 90 days after pay TV debut.
August 23, 2010... Netflix's Billion-Dollar Deal with Epix, which adds more than 1,000 movies to its instant-streaming service, represents the service's biggest threat yet to premium-movie packages sold by cable, satellite and telco TV operators. [ILLUSTRATION...

Netflix: stream on.(dialogue with Ted Sarandos)(Interview)
August 23, 2010... As cable has lost video subscribers, Netflix has been racking them up: It had 15 million subscribers at the end of June--up 42% from a year earlier. And earlier this month, the video-rental company signed a billion-dollar output deal to stream...

ACA unveils NBCU conditions.(NBC Universal Inc.)(American Cable Association)
August 23, 2010... The American Cable Association, the Washington-based lobbying group for nearly 900 small cable operators across the country, last Thursday (Aug. 19) released its proposed conditions for the pending Comcast NBC Universal joint venture, seeking to...

Verizon sets live TV iPad app for FiOS.
August 23, 2010... Verizon FiOS TV is offering subscribers several new video applications over the next year, including an iPad app that will allow live cable network feeds to stream to the Apple tablets. The iPad app, which is expected to launch sometime next...

Fox VOD shows bow on Cox's boxes.(video-on-demand)
August 23, 2010... Fox Broadcasting Company hit shows Glee, The Simpsons and Fringe will make their cable video-on-demand debuts on most Cox Communications systems as part of a deal reached between the two companies, according to Cox officials. Fox's VOD...

'Party down' fans prompt Starz to put episodes online pronto.(Through the Wire)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Starz believes it has figured out a way to turn a public-relations near-nightmare into a revenue opportunity. Starz caught some flak from TV-oriented blogs last month for removing critically acclaimed but low-rated comedy series Party Down...

Ham (radio) still on SCTE's menu.(Through the Wire)(Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... How do you separate run-of-the-mill cable techies from the uber-geeks? Two words: ham radio. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers is keeping the flame alive for the 1960s-era hobby. Earlier this year, the association formed an...

C-SPAN bosses cut cake.(Through the Wire)(Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Celebrating C-SPAN now being in 100 million TV homes, employees in Washington, D.C., and Indiana (home to C-SPAN's archives) gathered to celebrate the milestone on Aug. 17. The cable industry launched C-SPAN in 1979 in 3.5 million cable...

Sports stream: leagues score big with live games to mobile fans.(COVER STORY)
August 23, 2010... For more than a decade, National Football League fans have been able to watch every bone-crushing tackle and game-winning touchdown through DirecTV's popular NFL Sunday Ticket exclusive out-of-market package for live games. This year, the...

At TCA, new twists on reality: cable networks put their own spin on genre.(Content)(Television Critics Association)
August 23, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Several cable networks will take the reality genre into unique and unusual directions with projects announced during the cable portion of the Television Critics Association tour. Investigation Discovery will take...

Milestone.(Content)(USA Networks Inc.)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... On Aug. 30 USA Network will air the 900th episode of the World Wrestling Entertainment's Monday Night Raw franchise. Here are some factual tidbits surrounding the milestone: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Raw is in its 17th year on cable...

Cable's 'peacemaker': retirement salute to industry pioneer Bob Miron.
August 23, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Bob Miron picked up his phone one snowy day many years ago, and the line was dead, he knew it was the fault of the cable TV technician that had been at his home in Syracuse, N.Y., the day before. He trudged to the...

A&E Network.(People)(A&E Television Networks promoted Mark Apter)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Mark Apter was upped to vice president, scheduling and acquisitions, at A&E Network and Bio Channel. He was senior director, scheduling and acquisitions at A&E. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Avatarlabs.(People)(appointment of Daniel Weisinger )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Daniel Weisinger was named in-house producer at Encino, Calif.-based online marketing agency AvatarLabs. He had been a freelance producer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Cablevision.(People)(Cablevision Systems Corp. promoted James A. Blackley )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Cablevision Systems has elevated James A. Blackley to executive vice president, corporate engineering and technology. He was SVP, corporate engineering and technology. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Comcast.(People)(promotion of Donny FitzGerald )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Donny FitzGerald was upped to vice president, engineering in Comcast's Greater Chicago Region. He was senior director, engineering. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Cox Business.(People)(appointments of Randy Chandler and Larry Steelman)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Cox Business has tapped Randy Chandler as vice president, Cox Business Oklahoma. He had been director of sales in Oklahoma City. Also, Larry Steelman was named Atlanta-based vice president, sales channels and programs.

Entertainment Studios.(People)(promotion of Brandon Tansley )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Entertainment Studios has elevated Brandon Tansley to head of its Cars.tv network. He had been a field producer.

Fox LOOK.(People)(Fox Entertainment Group Inc. Fox Networks Group appointed Stephen Wong and Glen Hansen )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Fox Networks Group unscripted programming unit Fox LOOK has added Stephen Wong as senior vice president, business development and operations. He most recently served as senior VP, business and legal affairs and acting general counsel at GRB...

NAT GEO.(People)(promotions by National Geographic Channels International)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Russell A. Howard was upped to senior vice president, communications, worldwide at National Geographic Channels International. Also, Cherry Yates has advanced to VP, marketing and communications at NGCI. And Victoria Kirker was promoted to...

NBC Universal.(People)(promotions of )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... NBC Universal promoted six in its TV Networks and Digital Distribution units: Jennifer Chastain and Wendy Gross to director, field sales and marketing; Carly Greenberg and Fred Haug to manager, affiliate marketing; and Emily Powers and Brad...

Rentrak.(People)(appointments of )(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Rentrak has tapped Philip Duddy as director, client services, Advanced Media and Information division. He comes from the Tennis Channel, where he was VP, research. Also, Rentrak has upped Chris Behnke to vice president, software development;...

Sprout.(People)(appointments of)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Preschool network Sprout has elevated Jim Multari to vice president, marketing and research. Also, Jenni Glenn advanced to vice president, communications and marketing.

Calendar.(People)(Calendar)
August 23, 2010... AUGUST 31-SEPT. 2 Mid-America Cable Show, Overland Park Convention Center/ Sheraton Hotel, Overland Park, Kan. Contact: Kim Harrison, (573) 635-5588 or visit www.midamericacable.com. SEPTEMBER 13-14 WICT 2010 Leadership Conference, New...

Obama adviser backs broadband stimulus growth: administration remains committed to net neutrality.(Rules)(Barack Obama)(Interview)
August 23, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lawrence Strickling, the Obama administration's telecommunications policy adviser and administrator of the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications Information Administration, spoke with Multichannel News...

Dish sub losses push pay TV sector into red: economy, housing slump bear blame but 'cord-cutting' could be a factor.(Finance)
August 23, 2010... Dish Network's return to net new subscriber losses in the second quarter may have inadvertently done more than signal that the low-cost satellite-TV service provider could be in store for rough times. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It may also add...

Cox opens VOD door to TiVo: operator lets DVRs tap into on-demand service.(Platforms)(digital video recorders)(video on demand)(Cox Communications Inc.)
August 23, 2010... Cox Communications will give customers who own TiVo's latest digital video recorders access to its entire video-on-demand library--but for now, the MSO has put its own TiVo-based service on the back burner. Cox expects to enable access to VOD...

The tablet bomblet.(TRANSLATION PLEASE)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Tablets and iPads and bears, oh my! It's now seven months since this year's Consumer Electronics Show, where e-readers and netbooks were the sparkliest of the "connected devices."Tablets, in January? Not so much. The iPad wouldn't arrive...

Hallmark markets 'Martha': network launches multi-platform campaign.(Crown Media Holdings Inc. Hallmark Channel)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Hallmark Channel will roll out a multi-million dollar, multi-platform campaign leading up to the Sept. 13 debut of The Martha Stewart Show on the network. The campaign is themed "Make the Move With Martha" to encourage fans of the syndicated...

MSG Varsity's HD education.(high definition)
August 23, 2010... It's been said that kids grow up a lot between their freshman and sophomore years. The same is evidently true of MSG Varsity, Cablevision's network devoted to all things high school, which is about to return to school. During the 2010-11...

Changes for the better.(PICTURE THIS)
August 23, 2010... Cable distributors and content providers are trying to figure out how to take advantage of the iPad's technologically advanced interface and consumer popularity to offer live television content. Already more than 3 million of the 9-inch tablet...

Tuned in.(Cartoon)
August 23, 2010... STELLAR CAREER RETIREMENT A NATURAL BRIDGE-BUILDER, BOB MIRON CROSSES THE ULTIMATE OVERPASS. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Incisive Eggerton.(TALKBACK)
August 23, 2010... (RE: "Allbritton Pushes Comcast/NBCU Concerns At FCC," Aug. 13): "As usual, Eggerton takes a complicated issue and expresses it clearly, succinctly and briefly" Ted Faraone New York

Sending condolences.(TALKBACK)(In memoriam)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... (RE: "GCI Exec Dana Tindall Perishes In Alaskan Plane Crash," Aug. 11): "Just too, too sad for the family of Dana and her 16-year-old daughter Corey. And too sad that their lives ended so early and so tragic. My prayers to the family and loved...

Online options.(TALKBACK)
August 23, 2010... (RE: "Cox Fires Up DOCSIS 3.0 In Connecticut," Aug. 14): "For that same $99/month you can/would get 101/15 if you live in the area of Connecticut serviced by Cablevision/OptOnline." Robert A. Rosenberg Rockland County, N.Y.

Rock-a-Hulu $2 billion.(Numbers)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... $2 Billion Projected value of a possible initial public offering by online content giant HULU.COM. Source: The New York Times, August 16, 2010

Making the direct pitch digitally.(ACCESS)
August 23, 2010... Direct digital marketing is simple. It extends the addressability of traditional direct marketing to the digital channels of e-mail, mobile and Web. Digital addressability is the foundation of the three core direct digital marketing channels:...

A ratings pulse from 90s heartthrobs.(CODA)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... New York--Several new shows heated up an already sizzling summer ratings run for cable networks. ABC Family's new comedy series Melissa & Joey--starring the 1990s teen heartthrobs Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence--drew 2.1 million...

ACA: new regs could push fees up 400% for rural operators.(CODA)(American Cable Association)(regulations)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Washington, D.C. -- The American Cable Association warned last week that untethered pole attachment rates could drive the cost of broadband beyond the reach of rural customers. In comments to the FCC, the ACA, which represents about 900...

GCI loss.(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Friends and family are still grieving after tragedy struck Alaskan MSO GCI. A single-engine plane owned by the company crashed on Aug. 9, killing five of the nine occupants of the aircraft, including GCI executive Dana Tindall; her...

Gary Traver exits Comcast Media Center.(appointment of Gary Traver)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Gary Traver, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Comcast Media Center, has left CMC and Comcast. Traver had been with CMC since Comcast acquired it from AT&T in 2002 and was named its COO in 2003.

HBO promotes Barnett to SVP, Network Business.(Home Box Office Inc.)(Melissa Roper Barnett )(senior vice president)(Brief article)
August 23, 2010... Melissa Roper Barnett has been named senior vice president, Networks Business Affairs, for Home Box Office, reporting to Tom Woodbury, general counsel and executive vice president, Networks Business Affairs. Barnett will be responsible for...

NBC affiliate sense a September to remember.(This week on broadcastingcable.com)
August 23, 2010... The Peacock posse finally feels the long-lost love of the network.

Selling televisions with television.(This week on broadcastingcable.com)
August 23, 2010... Sony CMO Michael Fasulo touts power of commercials to drive 3D and HD.

Dolans, cable keep crankin'.(Financial report)(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cable operators kept their foot on the gas pedal in Q2, with two key operators reporting strong results. Cablevision Systems reported strong cash-flow growth and a gain in basic customers. Adjusted operating cash flow...

Cable keeps crankin' in Q2: Cablevision leads pack in returns from broadband subs.(subscribers)(Financial report)
August 9, 2010... Cable operators kept up the earnings momentum in the second quarter last week, with two high-profile MSOs reporting strong results. Cablevision Systems continued to impress in the second quarter, reporting a gain in basic customers while...

Comcast takes VOD to 'Infinity': first phase of content-distribution buildout wraps in Philadelphia, D.C. regions.(video-on-demand)
August 9, 2010... The road to infinity is paved with fiber-optic cable -and gigantic server farms. Comcast has completed the first phase of the "Project Infinity" video-on-demand content-distribution network for its Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia regions....

Comcast, CBS agree on retrans.(CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
August 9, 2010... Comcast and CBS struck a note of retransmission peace, reaching a 10-year agreement between the biggest cable operator and an aggressive broadcaster more than a year before their old deal would expire. Comcast avoids a potentially...

'Tony Soprano' Is a Hit, Man, at Senate ID Office
August 9, 2010... HBO HAS JOINED NBC IN helping the Senate ID Office get its message across to Capitol Hill reporters. Scribes making annual pilgrimages to renew their press passes have for several years now been greeted by framed examples of ID cards, all...

Campus TV CEO: '2 Screens' still cool in school.(Through the Wire)(Brian Benz, chief executive officer)(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two weeks ago, The Wire reported learning that Campus TeleVideo's long-term private-equity owners would entertain offers to sell the company. Since then, the college-campus TV provider has put out a couple of press...

10-to-noon means noon isn't late, MSO tells subs.(Through the Wire)(multi system operator )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... Suddenlink Communications' keen interest in how its customers feel about their service (see page 10) has led the cable operator to change the way it explains appointment windows. According to the company, internal Sat-metrix surveys showed...

'Undercover' Work: DirecTV Chief Meets His Peeps-For CBS
August 9, 2010... The Wire was intrigued by DirecTV CEO Michael White even before reading Mike Farrell's July 26 Q&A ("White Knight," page 8). After all, White was known to have impressed John Malone by learning Russian ahead of Pepsi's entry into that...

Lean and green: can cable TV cut down on kilowatts?(COVER STORY)
August 9, 2010... As TV viewers watch efforts to go green on the screen, cable operators are starting to make strides to cut their own use of energy. Delivering TV signals is enormously energy-intensive. Electricity is one of the largest operating costs for...

Suddenlink to subs: how are we doing? 'Net Promoter Score' data is key to service efforts.(Customer Service SPOTLIGHT)(Suddenlink Communications)
August 9, 2010... At Suddenlink Communications, being named "most improved" cable operator by J.D. Power & Associates two years in a row is all well and good. What really gets the St. Louis-based midsized MSO's collective heart racing is its "NPS"...

New projects light up TCA: cable networks put original spin on their pitches to critics.(Content)(Twentieth Century Fox Television)
August 9, 2010... New original projects highlighted the early portion of cable networks touting their fare at the two-week Television Critics Association summer press tour in Los Angeles. FX renewed freshman comedy series Louie for a second season. FX...

The Big C.(Television program review)
August 9, 2010... (Showtime, Monday, Aug. 16 at 10:30 p.m.) Showtime continues its penchant for dramas featuring family-oriented characters in complicated, less than ideal situations with The Big C. The series stars Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison, a...

Akamai.(People)(appointment of David Kenny )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... David Kenny has been named president of cloud optimization services provider Akamai. He comes from VivaKi, where he was managing partner.

AP.(People)(The Associated Press appoints David Gwizdowski )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... David Gwizdowski was elevated to vice president for broadcast, Americas, at The Associated Press. He had been director, network sales. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Ascent Media.(People)(appointments)(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... Larry Birstock was named senor vice president, media services, at Ascent Media Group. He comes from Prime Focus, where he was president, global integration. Also, Alan Silvers has joined Ascent Media as vice president, media services. He was...

Cox.(People)(Cox Communications Inc. appoints Gregory S. Rigdon )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... Gregory S. Rigdon was named executive vice president, corporate development and strategy at Cox Communications. He had been senior vice president, business development.

Discovery.(People)(appointments at Discovery Communications Inc.)(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bruce Campbell was named chief development officer and general counsel at Discovery Communications. He had been president, digital media and corporate development for the company. Also, Lee...

DIY.(People)(DIY Network appoints Kent Takano )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... DIY Network has added Kent Takano as executive producer, branded entertainment. He had been director of Scripps Emerging Media.

MTVNI.(People)(MTV Networks International appoints Nancy Tellet )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MTV Networks International has upped Nancy Tellet to senior vice president, research and consumer insights for MTV Networks Latin America, Canada and U.S. Hispanic market. She had been VP of MTV Tr3s.

NBC Universal.(People)(appointment of Jeff Fleeher)(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NBC Universal has advanced Jeff Fleeher to senior vice president and chief financial officer, TV networks. He had been VP and CFO of the TV Networks Distribution and Digital Distribution divisions.

Sandler & Dorchester.(People)(appointment of Jessica Holst )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Denver ad agency Sandler & Dorchester has elevated Jessica Holst to account manager on its Comcast corporate team.

Synaptic Digital.(People)(appointment of Jim Moore )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... Global digital-communications provider Synaptic Digital has named Jim Moore as vice president, sales-Southeast. He comes from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, where he established the Emerging Venture Network.

Travel Channel.(People)(appointment of Patalia Tate )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... Patalia Tate was named senior vice president of marketing, creative and brand strategy at Travel Channel. She comes from Food Network, where she was VP, brand creative.

Viamedia.(People)(appointment of Mark Schmiedeknecht and Randy Wahlberg )(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... Viamedia has named Mark Schmiedeknecht as manager, advanced advertising and business development, Mid-Atlantic region. He had been corporate director, new media. Also, Randy Wahlberg was tapped as manager, advanced advertising and business...

Calendar.(People)(Calendar)
August 9, 2010... AUGUST 10 CTAM New York, Annual Cocktail Party, Revel, 10 Little W. 12th St., New York. Contact, Pauline Perez, (646) 843-2116. or visit: www.ctamnewyork.com. 16-18 Idaho Cable Telecommunications Association, Summer Show/Annual Meeting,...

Reps want merger action: Boucher leads call in House for speedy Comcast-NBCU review.(Rules)(NBC Universal Inc.)
August 9, 2010... Washington -- The Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department are getting some pressure from Capitol Hill to make sure the vetting of Comcast's proposed NBC Universal joint-venture deal doesn't go past year-end. That would be...

Dish wants FCC OK for importing signals.(Rules)(EchoStar Communications Corp.)(Federal Communications Commission )
August 9, 2010... Washington -- Dish Network asked the Federal Communications Commission to move "without delay" to certify that it should be allowed back into the business of delivering distant signals, contending its lone critic among TV stations is off base....

Charter ramps up capex: DOCSIS 3.0, switched digital video investments cut margins.(Finance)(Charter Communications Corp.)(Financial report)
August 9, 2010... Charter Communications reported mixed second-quarter results last week, with revenue up by nearly 5% and cash flow up only 1.3%. Capital expenses, though, rose 25% as the company invested in DOCSIS 3.0 and switched digital video gear. The St....

Knology adds subs with Sunflower deal.(Finance)(Sunflower Cablevision)
August 9, 2010... Overbuilder Knology confirmed last week (Aug. 4) it has a definitive agreement to buy Sunflower Broadband for $165 million in cash, continuing an aggressive expansion effort. The price values Sunflower at about 7.5 times 2010 estimated cash...

Party time.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A> At NBC Universal's All-Star Party at the TCA Tour in Los Angeles: Bravo senior VP, original programming and development Andy Cohen.

All revved up.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] B> At the launch party for Speed's Intersections in Old Greenwich, Conn. (l. to r): Gary Lico, CEO, CableReady; Bob Ecker, VP, programming, Speed, and executive producer; and Lou Occhicone, senior VP, operations,...

Summer stage.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... C> Kicking off Maroon 5's summer tour at the Beacon Theatre in New York (l. to r.): Mike Bair, MSG Media; Maroon 5's Matt Flynn and Jesse Carmichael; Hank Ratner, Madison Square Garden; Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Michael Madden and James...

Play ball.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... D> Throwing out the first pitch before last month's Mets-Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (l. to r.): Dan Povenmire, creator and executive producer of Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb, "Phineas"; "Ferb"; and creator and...

To Xfinity and beyond.(FREEZE FRAME)(Brief article)
August 9, 2010... E> Comcast president, North Central Division Kevin Casey (l.) and senior VP, Indiana Scott Tenney mark the arrival of the Xfinity brand in that market with a rebranded van. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Model citizens.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] F> At Si TV's "Model Latina NYC" party at New York's Hotel Gansevoort (l. to r.): Sally Ferreira, contestant; Sheryl Deer, Time Warner Cable; Carla Lewis Long, Si TV; David Gray, TWC; Laura Gray; Yami Mufdi,...

Stars come out.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... G> At NBC Universal's TCA Tour All-Star Party in Los Angeles (l. to r.): Peter Gallagher of USA Network's Covert Affairs; NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Cable Studios president Bonnie Hammer; and Sara Shahi of USA Network's Facing...

Game on.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... H> Coca-Cola execs enjoyed Unvision's hospitality at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa (l. to r.): Sam Bayne, Katie Bayne, Bea Perez and Ken Quintana. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Viva Espana.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... I> At NAMIC-NY's "More Than a Game" sports and marketing panel (top, l. to r.): Denise Bennett, Nicole Myrie, Dhanusha Sivajhee and Anthony Gallegos, NAMIC-NY; Kathy Johnson, NAMIC; Nicole Granston, NAMIC-NY; and Tony Torres, ABC. Bottom (l....

Surfin' N.D.(FREEZE FRAME)
August 9, 2010... J> The Weather Channel brought its "Ultimate Summer Beach Party" to Fargo, N.D. (l. to r.): contest winner Steve Waldner, Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker; on-air meteorologist Jen Carfagno; Weather's Chris Day and CableOne's Scott Geston. ...