Holiday Reprieve

One of the nice things about Cablevision Systems Corp.'s owning The Wiz, a New York-area consumer electronics chain, was the employee discount, which let staffers buy goodies at cost. The past-tense "was" refers to the recent edict that the costly perk had been eliminated, just in time for the holiday shopping season. The words "bah" and "humbug" come to mind.

But kinder heads apparently prevailed. The discount was reinstated until Dec. 31, pending further review of the program, according to an internal memo from retail group president, Jeffrey Yapp, obtained by The Wire last week. The reinstatement could lead to busy aisles during some fringe times, though. The discount is available for one hour a day — say, 8 to 9 a.m. or 10 to 11 p.m. — on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays in December at 10 stores, according to the memo.

Mistaken Identity

Global giant Philip Morris Companies Inc. has a much smaller company tapping at its shin, asking to discuss a recently announced name change.

Last month, the maker of cigarettes and other commodities told the world it will be known as Altria Group Inc. after April 2002. That came as distressing news to Altrio Communications Inc., the Los Angeles-based overbuilder.

"In light of the obvious similarities between 'Altrio' and 'Altria,' we are concerned that some consumers may believe our company and/or the services offered under our Altrio brand are affiliated with or originate from the Philip Morris Companies," Stephen Ross, senior vice president and general counsel at the overbuilder, said. "Consequently, we have referred the matter to our trademark counsel for his review and recommendations and we will take all necessary steps to protect our name, logo, brand and reputation as circumstances require."

The cable operator might not be as worried as another company which has sent a pre-emptive legal missive to the cigarette manufacturer: Altria Healthcare Corp., of Birmingham, Ala.

SVOD Loophole

Adelphia Communications Corp. has been one of the last holdouts in prohibiting adult channels on its systems, but according to one executive, subscribers are finding ways to feed their habit using new technology: subscription video-on-demand.

Adelphia vice president of finance Jim Brown said last week during an analyst presentation that data from the SVOD rollout in Cleveland shows the usage spikes on Friday at 10:30 p.m. SVOD lets users view programming — such as HBO, Showtime and Starz Encore — whenever they want. But Brown speculated the timing was related to when HBO shows some sexier fare. "The HBO On Demand product includes a fair amount of late-night content, like G-String Divas
and Real Sex
and stuff like that," Brown said. "Those titles are actually among the top 10 most popular titles."

Lifetime Awards

Last Tuesday's New York chapter of American Women in Radio & Television "Golden Apple" ceremony included two awards to ex-executives of Lifetime Television: Food Network president Judy Girard and iVillage CEO Doug McCormick (who received an Honorable MENtion, the version received by males of the species). Girard, who was the head of programming when McCormick ran the shop, said her only argument with her boss, whom she called "the most ardent feminist I know," was over the slogan "Television For Women." Girard said she found it too limiting. McCormick, by way of a comeback, said the flipside of the slogan card read: "And Other People of Intelligence."

Unlikely Allies

Jaws went slack last week at a House Judiciary Committee hearing when Gene Kimmelman, Washington office co-director of Consumers Union, voiced support, with certain conditions, for the merger between EchoStar Communications Corp. and DirecTV Inc.

An astonished Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) wondered aloud whether Kimmelman was on the take since he couldn't recall Consumers Union supporting a media merger. "Just so we are aware of any conflicts: Have you or your organization received any financial contributions from [EchoStar chairman Charlie] Ergen or his companies." Cannon said.

Replied Kimmelman: "Absolutely, not." Ergen and Kimmelman are old friends, having both attended Oak Ridge High School in Tennessee two classes apart.

Ergen said after the hearing that Kimmelman's support could not have been rooted in childhood nostalgia. "I used to kick his ass in basketball, so he hates me." Ergen quipped. Concerned about any conflict of interest, Kimmelman said he won't let billionaire Ergen even buy him lunch.

Now Serving: Sampras

Last week, the all-time Grand Slam king joined the start-up Tennis Channel as an investor, pitchman and content provider. During a conference call last Thursday, Pete Sampras spoke about helping the network "become the next The Golf Channel;" providing content (he'll be a spokesman, conduct interviews and provide instructional programming); his new coach (Tom Gullikson) and his desire to win more major tournaments. He may have to overcome some self-made distractions, though. Sampras said he might invite Tennis Channel cameras to follow him around at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open to provide a behind-the-scenes perspective.