On media

Lean times for CNN, NBC

Both CNN and NBC are planning layoffs in the next few months, following the lead of other major news outlets. Yesterday CNN announced a restructuring that will reduce its staff of 4,350 by about 400, as the result of combining content and management of Web and broadcast departments. The long-rumored cuts come as the all-news station is struggling with low ratings and just after the government's approval last week of the merger between CNN's parent company, Time Warner, and Internet provider America Online. NBC said last week it also plans layoffs, expecting to cut 10 percent of its 6,000 employees, including at cable channels MSNBC and CNBC.

NPR and PBS join forces

America's TV and radio public-broadcasting siblings announced on Monday that they've formed an alliance and plan to provide online and on-air cross-promotions and co-produced events. The joint effort will offer more immediacy to PBS content and help spread the word about programming for both outlets.

'Temptation Island' pulled

At least one Fox affiliate, WRAZ-TV in Durham, N.C., has dropped the controversial reality program, "Temptation Island," after learning that one of the participating couples has a child together. Fox says it dropped the couple from the show when it learned of their child.

New mag for black Americans

Named for the Savoy Ballroom in New York - a popular night spot during the Harlem Renaissance - Savoy magazine is meant to read like "an elegant dinner party," offering a range of topics from politics to movies, says editor in chief Roy Johnson on Savoy's website (www.savoymag.com). The Vanity Fair-type mag debuted this month with a profile of actress (and cover girl) Gabrielle Union.

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