Overnights
Solid debut for 'Superstars of Dance'
NBC reality show averages a 3.1 in 18-49s over two-hour opener, network's best non-sports rating in that slot since last February

Media economy
The big 2008 story: The ad slowdown
Say media planners and buyers in a Media Life poll. Year's biggest debacle: The strike: Big 2009 story: Whither the U.S. economy.

Remembering
So long, Tim Russert, we will miss you
Saluting the media notables who died in 2008, from the 'Meet the Press' host to Clay Felker, Bill Buckley and Bernie Mac

Pop-cult
At the tenplex, the year for 3D movies
More than a dozen major feature films are due out this year relying on the eye-popping visual effects. But will consumers buy in?

Overnights
Big kick for NBC Wild Card NFL game
Chargers' OT victory over the Colts boosts network to best first-round Saturday numbers since 1999, averaging an 18.3 rating

Here & there
Two more papers heading online only
Other shorts: JPG publisher 8020 Media folds; PPM commercialized in four more markets; Facebook sets traffic record

TV This Week
When beauty is more than skin deep
ABC's new 'True Beauty' is a pageant with a twist: Contestants don't know they're being judged on the person within.

Year-end note
Enter 2009, a year of change and hope
The coming year looks to be a tough one for media but the industry will emerge smarter and better for it. A message from the publisher.

Media economy
Outlook for ad spending in 2009: Ugly
Two major forces are conspiring to make this downturn worse: Marketers cutting budgets as media undergoes structural changes

Magazines
For magazines, the year of decision
The harsh ad economy will lead to even more closings and a sorting out of just which titles are destined to survive in print

New media
For the internet, years of awe are over
Pace of growth in ad spending is slowing down, and more and more it's seen as one medium among many, and not always the best one

Newspapers
For papers, 2009 looks even grimmer
Expect further drops in advertising and circulation and more big dailies going to just several days a week, or simply folding

Broadcast recap
For broadcast, strike's hurt runs deep
It may prove to be a turning point for the networks as they struggle to find new direction and fend off steeper ratings declines

Media economy
For Europe, a not so harsh slowdown
Ad spending is forecast to dip modestly in 2009, with the largest countries feeling it more. Print will see the deepest cuts.

Survey
So what were the big media stories?
As you look back on 2008, tell us what most defined the year. And tell us what you think will be the defining events of 2009.

Cable recap
Cable takes the final trophy: Prestige
Flush of original shows, as broadcast struggles, brings critical praise that a few years ago would have been unthinkable

• A brighter outlook for out of home
• Here's winking at you (yes, it's an ad)
• Tree of life: Sandals of many colors
• 'Hey, buddy, care to trust your luck?'