Barry Diller's purchase of Silver King Communications, the
nation's 6th largest station group, is seen by many to be the
start of his bid to form a seventh broadcast network. With other
media giants assembling conglomerates, Diller "is looking for his
niche by scavenging for neglected media castaways" (Robichaux &
Lippman, WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/28). Greg Clarkin of the N.Y.
POST notes that some analysts believe one of the two new networks
(WB, UPN) will not survive the year (N.Y. POST, 8/28). Diller
said their goal is to "develop strong local stations with news,
information and entertainment" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/26).
TAKING A SHOT AT VIACOM: Jack Newfield, author of "Only in
America: The Life and Crimes of Don King," is challenging Viacom
to stop doing business with King. Newfield, who calls King a
murderer and notes his upcoming trial for mail fraud, said he has
been telling mutual friends of Viacom's Frank Biondi "that if he
has any self-respect and the company he runs has any kind of
moral compass, it will stop doing business with Don King."
Viacom's Showtime division is in partnership with King on pay-
per-view events (REUTERS/DAILY VARIETY, 8/28).
