Turner Networks Unveil Program Plans, Icky Advertising Plan

I'll get to Turner's program plans in a minute, but the focus of their announcements this week was an almost web-like way of targeting ads.

"TVinContext promises to be the first large-scale system that combines the precise placement possible in digital advertising with the world of television," Turner's announcement said. "The initiative includes the examination and cataloging of thousands of scenes from Turner’s vast library of films and TV series, plus the custom matching of advertising content to place spots adjacent to relevant scenes. If a movie features a scene about marriage, Turner will be able to place an ad in the next commercial break for a related product, such as wedding rings. A movie scene in a café could be followed by an ad for coffee." The system will initially be available to a limited number of clients this fall.

Just a little creepy, isn't it?

Anyhoo, TNT in particular has big programming plans, building on the success of "The Closer" (right) and "Saving Grace," both of which return with new episodes in July. The network plans to have three full nights of original programming by 2010. Dramas in development include: "Delta Blues," about a Memphis cop who's an Elvis impersonator who lives with his mom, from producer George Clooney; "Morse Code," about a war hero turned Boston DEA agent, produced by and starring Donnie Wahlberg; and an untitled project about ATF agents from "24" producer Joel Surnow. These are in addition to previously announced shows with Steven Bochco and Ray Romano.

TBS, meanwhile, ordered 26 more episodes of "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," and committed to develop comedies with William H. Macy and Joey "Run" Simmons of Run DMC. Jamie Foxx and Robert Townsend are working on sketch comedy shows for TBS.