He initially considered creating a single-genre cable TV network but recognized that that concept faced significant competition from crime-related programming such as prime-time newsmagazines.

CNN: APB Online wants crime to pay

"Soap operas, which used to be the stuff of afternoon television, have moved upstairs and now run at night under the guise of newsmagazines, " Hewitt said.

CNN: Showbuzz

Hewitt is a frequent critic of newsmagazines other than "60 Minutes" for being more concerned with entertaining viewers and making profits than with producing serious journalism.

CNN: Showbuzz

Mr. Kurzweil's ideas on death and immortality, not his impressive record as an entrepreneur, are what bring TV newsmagazines and print reporters to his door these days.

WSJ: The Weekend Interview: Will Google's Ray Kurzweil Live Forever?

But Jean Le Sieur, executive producer for newsmagazines and talk shows at France 24, tells us that the most impressive number of all yesterday was probably the turnout.

NPR: Large Turnout Sets Up France's Left-Right Runoff