Hollywood News Today

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(Free-Press-Release.com) September 8, 2006 -- Couric nearly doubles ratings

Katie Couric was a hit as ''CBS Evening News'' anchor -- at least on the first night. Almost 13.6 million people watched Couric's debut, according to Nielsen Media Research. That's nearly double the average audience for ''The CBS Evening News'' last week, and the program's biggest audience since Feb. 16, 1998, in the midst of the Nagano Olympics. The normally top-rated ''Nightly News'' at NBC, Couric's former home, was second with less than 7.8 million viewers. ABC's ''World News'' had 7.6 million. CBS has long been in third place. CBS News President Sean McManus called the opening night ratings ''terrific,'' but said the network had expected a significant spike at the beginning.
2 musicals at once from BET

In celebration of its 30th anniversary season, Jackie Taylor's Black Ensemble Theater Company will literally be spreading the word. This fall, the company will produce two world premieres at two Chicago locations. "Those Sensational Soulful Sixties," filled with the hits of Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, will begin performances Oct. 14 at the Black Orchid, 230 W. North. Next up will be "Don't Shed a Tear (The Story of Billie Holiday)," slated to open Nov. 4 at the Black Ensemble's home base at 4520 N. Beacon, with Vickie Stokes cast as the lead. Meanwhile, plans are under way for the ensemble's biggest project, a move to a new home in 2008. The hope is that by branching out with multiple productions, the company will expand its audience for that larger venue.
Dylan (not Simpson) hits No. 1

Bob Dylan is back at the top of the charts -- for the first time in 30 years. His new album, ''Modern Times,'' reached No. 1 on the album sales chart, selling 192,000 units in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures released Wednesday. The critically acclaimed disc is Dylan's first No. 1 album since 1976's ''Desire.'' Pop singer Jessica Simpson's ''A Public Affair'' debuted at No. 5 with 101,000 copies sold -- the highest charting of her career. Last week's chart-topper, Danity Kane's self-titled disc, slipped to No. 2, and rapper Young Dro's debut, ''Best Thang Smokin,'' placed third.


Source: http://www.yahoo.com