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HUGGERS UPPED AT BBC

The BBC has promoted Erik Huggers from group controller of future media and technology to director of the division. Beginning Aug. 1, he will have overall responsibility for the pubcaster's output on the Internet, interactive TV and emerging platforms like its broadband catch-up service iPlayer. He has control of an annual budget of about £400 million ($800 million).

'DEAL' DOLLARS

NBC Universal and Endemol USA are planning to give away as much as $500,000 per contestant every day in their upcoming syndicated half-hour strip "Deal or No Deal," which launches Sept. 8 in 97% of the country. In addition, viewers can win $10,000 online or via a toll-free number each week by playing a weekly game.

'CSI: Miami' hire

Megalyn Echikunwoke is joining "CSI: Miami" as a recurring character. She will play a medical examiner who makes a good first impression with Lt. Horatio Caine (David Caruso) and his team of CSIs on CBS' veteran forensic drama.

Saget, Murray at CW

Bob Saget and British actress Jaime Murray have signed on as leads in two MRC series for the CW. Saget will star in Kevin Abbott's half-hour comedy "Surviving Suburbia," while Murray will play the title character in Kevin Murphy's "Valentine." Saget is repped by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.