newsmakers

newsmakers

Networks cutting back on Rice video

NEW YORK

At least six television networks said Thursday they plan to stop or minimize airings of video showing Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice striking his then-fiancee and knocking her unconscious, footage that has called into question how the NFL disciplines players involved in domestic violence.

The move comes after the video from a casino elevator showing Janay Palmer crumpling to the floor after a punch has already been seen many times on TV since TMZ released it Monday: During the 7 a.m. news hour Tuesday, the video clip aired 37 times on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC, according to a count by Media Matters for America. In addition, the networks aired an old video showing Palmer outside the elevator nine times, the group said.

Media Matters did not have a count on how many times the clip was aired on sports networks.

ESPN, CNN, ABC, NBC, Fox News Channel and Fox Sports all said Thursday they no longer would show the video unless there are compelling news reasons to bring it back.

Cosimo Matassa, recorded R&B, dies

NEW ORLEANS

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Cosimo Matassa, who recorded New Orleans rock and rhythm and blues from the 1950s into the 1970s, is dead at age 88.

Granddaughter Mia Matassa says he had been ailing since a stroke in 2009 and died Thursday, after spending about two years in a nursing home.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Its website says, “Some of the greatest rhythm & blues and rock and roll sides of all time were laid down in Matassa’s small, unpretentious room.”

It said 21 gold records and about 250 that made national charts were recorded in Matassa’s studio, including nearly every Fats Domino hit. Hits by others included Lloyd Price’s “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” and Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother in Law.”

Associated Press