CNN Chair & CEO Tom Johnson told employees Friday that
the unit will cut costs 4% as part of a corporate-wide
effort to boost its profit and stock. Johnson "promised not
to gut the news operations," but didn't provide further
details (N.Y. POST, 2/22)....James Bates of the L.A. TIMES
writes on Walt Disney Co.'s annual meeting, starting
Tuesday, under the header: "Disney Meeting May Not Be the
Happiest Place." Bates notes the meetings, "which in the
past has resembled a love-fest gathering of stockholders
toting free company merchandise, is likely to be stormier
than usual ... sparked by the rich severance deal given
departed president Michael Ovitz, the wealthy pay package
negotiated for Chairman Michael Eisner and such social
issues as sweatshops" (L.A. TIMES, 2/24). David Lieberman
of USA TODAY: "While the meeting will for the most part be
upbeat, there are signs of anxiety in the Magic Kingdom.
Many observers are starting to wonder: How long can the good
times last?" (USA TODAY, 2/24)....Former pitcher Rob Dibble
has signed a two-year deal to work as a baseball analyst for
Fox Sports (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL, 2/22)....CBS' drew a
final 8.6/23 for its February 16 broadcast of the Daytona
500, its second-highest non-Olympic rating since '87 (CBS).
