MUMBAI: US broadcaster HBO?s premiere of ?Behind the Candelabra?, starring Michael Douglas as flamboyant pianist Liberace, was seen by 2.4 million people.

This was HBO?s biggest audience for an original movie since the medical drama ?Something the Lord Made? in 2004, according to Neilsen figures.

Another 1.1 million people saw a repeat of the movie that began right after the first airing.

MUMBAI: US broadcaster HBO has renewed the comedy series ?Veep? for a ten-episode third season, scheduled for next year.

Created by Armando Iannucci, the show stars Emmy(R)-winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus as US VP Selina Meyer. The show kicked off its ten-episode second season on 14 April.

The ensemble cast of the show also includes Tony Hale as Gary, who is Meyer?s right-hand man; Anna Chlumsky as Amy, her chief of staff; Reid Scott as Dan, an ambitious political aide; Matt Walsh as Mike, VP Meyer?s weathered spokesperson; Timothy C. Simons as Jonah, an enterprising but annoying White House liaison; Sufe Bradshaw as Sue, who is VP Meyer?s executive assistant; and Kevin Dunn as Ben, the president?s chief of staff.

MUMBAI: US broadcaster A+E Networks has promoted Nancy Dubuc to president, CEO. She has become the third CEO in the company?s nearly 30-year history.

Dubuc will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company, with the brand groups and business divisions reporting to her. She was formerly president, entertainment and media. Abbe Raven who was president, CEO since March 2005 will be elevated to the newly created position of A+E Networks chairman. She will spearhead A+E Networks? long-term business and revenue opportunities, as well as public policy initiatives, and serve as corporate strategic adviser.

In India the company runs History TV18 through its JV with TV18. The announcement was made by the A+E Networks? board of directors - led by Disney Media Networks co-chairman Anne Sweeney and Hearst president and COO Steven Swartz. Raven will report directly to the company?s board and Dubuc will report both to Raven and the board. Their new roles are effective from 1 June.

Sweeney and Swartz jointly said, "A+E Networks is the global media powerhouse it is today because of Abbe?s leadership and vision. Abbe and Nancy have enjoyed one of the most successful partnerships in our business. Together, over the last several years, they have built some of the strongest brands in media. We look forward to the company?s next chapter as Abbe becomes chairman and Nancy steps into her expanded new role as president and CEO and leads the company into the future."

Raven said, "I am delighted that our next president and CEO have been chosen from within our own ranks once again. A+E Networks? culture has always been about rewarding success and encouraging innovation. Nancy is one of the most talented executives working in media today - a decisive leader, with her hallmark drive and determination. I am so proud of what Nancy, the management team and our employees have accomplished and I know they will take A+E Networks to new heights."

Dubuc said, "I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to lead a company I love so much. I built my career here and I thank Anne and Steve for their confidence and trust. Abbe has been a great mentor and partner for over 10 years. She created a corporate culture at A+E Networks where creativity thrives and as a result we cultivated some of the most powerful global brands in media. The biggest lesson I learned from her is that a great leader is nothing without a great team.

"I would like to thank all my colleagues for their continued support as we write this next chapter together. We have a powerful portfolio of brands that are well-positioned for future growth, both domestically and internationally."

The portfolio of A+E Networks includes A&E Network, History, Lifetime, LMN and bio.

MUMBAI: US broadcaster Fox has promoted Kevin Reilly to chairman of entertainment.

In his new role, Reilly will oversee all programming, scheduling, marketing, research, digital and business affairs at the network.

Fox Networks Group chairman, CEO Peter Rice said, "Kevin is a uniquely gifted executive with the strong strategic vision and creative instincts to ensure that Fox continues to drive the future of our industry. We are incredibly fortunate to have him here and thrilled he will be with us for many more years."

Fox has over the course of Reilly?s tenure extended its reign as the No. 1 network among Adults 18-49 for a record eight consecutive seasons and has repeatedly dominated among the young Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. Under his leadership, the network launched ?Glee? and most recently introduced ?New Girl? as well as ?The X Factor?.

MUMBAI: US broadcaster CBS? daily daytime talk show, ?The Talk?, has been renewed for the 2012-2013 broadcast season.

Hosted by Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood and Aisha Tyler, the show will return for its third year in September.

CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler said, "We are thrilled with the evolution and growth of ?The Talk?. The show has high energy, spirited conversation, relevant topics, and the audience is responding."

?The Talk? examines current events, pop culture, contemporary issues, family, celebrity and the trending topics of the day. Show segments include guest interviews with entertainers and newsmakers, musical performances and how-to demos.

MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC has announced the lineup for this season?s dance-based reality show, ?Dancing With the Stars?.

They include actress Melissa Gilbert, singer Gladys Knight, former tennis player Martina Navratilova, television and stage actor Jack Wagner and actress, comedienne and co-host of ABC?s hugely popular daytime talk show ?The View? Sherri Shepherd.

Gilbert has starred in hundreds of television movies, specials and series, including M.O.W. ?The Miracle Worker.? In feature films Gilbert starred in ??Sylvester? and did a cameo role playing herself in Griffin Dunne?s film, ?Lisa Picard is Famous?.

Eight-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight has enjoyed hits in pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance.