Tracking the weeks ups and downs in the business of entertainment.
DOWN: Reed Hastings
Netflix posts a $5 million quarterly loss — its first since 2005 — even as the company’s subscriber base grows to 26 million and CEO Hastings’ pay jumps 68 percent to $9.3 million for 2011.
UP: Cecile Frot-Coutaz
The Fremantle executive is promoted from running its U.S. operation — which includes American Idol — to CEO of the entire $2 billion global television company.
DOWN: Howard Stern
A New York judge flatly rejects the King of All Media’s lawsuit seeking a $300 million bonus from Sirius XM Radio. (Stern plans to appeal.)
UP: Ben Sherwood
The ABC News chief’s Good Morning America celebrates beating NBC’s Today in the weekly ratings for the first time since 1995, snapping an 852-week streak.
SHOWBIZ STOCKS
UP: Knology (KNOL)
$19.43 (+9.4%)
The Midwest cable operator agreed to be acquired by WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone in a deal valued at $1.5 billion.
DOWN: Hasbro (HAS)
$34.04 (-4.8%)
After $11 million in severance costs, the toymaker behind Battleship posted a $2 million loss in the first quarter.
