As audiences tired of predictable routines, television networks dropped stand-up acts and comedy clubs shut down.
Borbay, a shaggy bleached-blond 31-year old with an eye for haberdashery, came to the art world full-time two years ago after stints in graphic design, reality television, advertising and stand-up comedy.
Less than two hours after the American incursion began, the Iraqi information minister, Muhammad Said al-Sahhaf, was at the television networks' "stand-up" positions on the second-story roof of the Palestine Hotel's conference center, to insist that the reporters had not seen what they thought.
The event in December will see Connolly discuss his life and career which has spanned 30 films, numerous sell-out stand-up tours and television series.
Some of NBC's own employees signed petitions petition at the network's Burbank, California, studios protesting NBC's decision to give Simpson a platform on network television when he didn't take the stand to tell his story in a court of law.
"It's the first channel that's available both through traditional pay-television bundling, and via your broadband provider as a stand-alone (service), " he said.
She developed a passion for acting, as a member of the local amateur dramatic society - skills which would stand her in good stead for her future television career.
Television reports suggested the gates at the back of the stand had been opened by police to allow United supporters with tickets for the home section of the stadium to sit with their own fans.
BBC: SPORT | Football | Europe | Uefa launches Man Utd crush probe
He said he was "comfortable" the combined broadcasting, distribution and production operations would stand up to scrutiny by the competition authorities and Independent Television Commission.
Over the years, Los Angeles has had to stand in for non-LA locations in many movies and television programmes.
In the southern China boom town of Shenzhen last month, four young women started up their own reporting team for a "shanzhai television station" that spoofs local news and uses a camera tripod fashioned from a fan stand and a toilet plunger.
Stand-up comics are leading the way, a change from the past dominance of television by sit-coms and sketch shows.
应用推荐