Al Jazeera goes big in US from today

With a cast of TV news stars, deep pockets and an ambitious agenda, Al Jazeera launches its US news channel today, aiming to shake up the broadcast journalism market stateside.

The US cable channel will reach more than 40 million households and vastly expands the footprint of the Qatar-based media group, despite questions about how it will be received by American viewers.

Al Jazeera America's audience is likely to start out small, but its bosses hope to have a big impact when it competes against already established brands such as CNN, MSNBC and Fox News.

Continue Reading..

‘Despicable Me 2’ routs ‘Lone Ranger’ at box-office

-->

"Despicable Me 2," a sequel to the 2010 animated blockbuster, crushed its competition at the box office over the July 4 weekend, industry figures showed Monday.

The comedy, starring villain-turned-doting-father Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) and his adorable little yellow minions, was the biggest attraction by far bringing in an impressive $83.5 million from Friday through Sunday, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said.

But for the long holiday weekend from its July 2 premiere to date, it already has earned $142 million, figures showed.

Continue Reading..