NBC's web-only series In Gayle We Trust has broken the barrier on digital series’ success and proven that an insurance agent, played by Elisa Donovan (Clueless, Beverly Hills 90210, Sabrina The Teenage Witch), can become a star.

A branded entertainment partnership between NBC Universal and media agency Mindshare, the series — backed by AmFam, or American Family Insurance — launched in 2009 and was renewed last year.

By season two, Gayle had doubled viewership from 18 million to 34.9 million. Season three, which launches this week, centers on a newcomer who is creating a musical, aptly titled Policies! Policies!

“In Gayle We Trust delivers quality entertainment in a manner that both keeps viewers coming back for more and aligns with the values of the sponsor. American Family Insurance beckons the insurance-buying public to allow us to protect their dreams,” said Telisa Yancy, advertising director.

Emmy Award-nominated actor Fred Willard and Richard Karn (Home Improvement) make cameos in season three, with Anthony Q. Farrell (The Office) as writer and Jason Farrand (Head Case) director.Continue reading...

All Nippon Airways triggers security jitters with near-overturn.

AOL kills off Seed news service.

Apple's iPhone 5 rumored to feature deep Twitter integration, as Twitter's valuation soars and Blockbuster CMO falls in love with Twitter.

Friendly's ice cream chain prepares to file for bankruptcy protection.

Gamestop and Coke partner on largest Scvngr game to date.

Google shakes up web analytics with $150K paid service.

Microsoft is adding Comcast and Verizon pay TV to Xbox Live.

Netflix stock tumbles to new low.

RIM denies it's killing the BlackBerry PlayBook.Continue reading...

Bounce TV just launched in the US with the slogan "TV Our Way." Its first on-air program? Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in The Wiz.

Its schedule is packed with movies with “proven playability among black audiences,” such as A Raisin in the Sun, Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, Shackles, Glory, and a week of Richard Pryor comedies. The rest of its on-air lineup features acquired TV shows such as Soul Train, a mix of original programming: sports (primarily, black college football games), documentaries and faith-based programs.

Bounce TV isn't the first or only network targeting African Americans, of course.Continue reading...

Visa leverages Fundamo unit to boost growth in emerging markets.

Google+ opens up to all and renames group messaging app, while Hangouts API could open social video and +1 function expands to display ads.

UBS grapples with corporate culture in wake of rogue trader.

Amazon nears Kindle Library Lending service launch.

Anthem Blue Cross drops customers who pay by credit card.

Apple iPhone 5 speculation for October continues as brand beats its own American Customer Satisfaction Index performance.

Bombardier signs John Travolta as a brand ambassador.

Comcast aims to bridge digital divide with low-cost broadband plan. 

Disney plans to bring Avatar to its theme parks.Continue reading...

The Hulu mission, “to help people find and enjoy the world's premium video content when, where and how they want it,” and “to create a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love,” has a yen to expand. Undeterred amidst domestic bidding acquisition battles in the U.S., Hulu has just launched a subscription service in Japan (at hulu.jp), the company’s first international foray. 

Japanese subscribers will have access to thousands of U.S. television episodes like 24, Bones, Criminal Minds, Desperate Housewives, Fringe, Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Heroes, LOST, NCIS, Private Practice, Prison Break and Ugly Betty; and hundreds of feature films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Armageddon, Men in Black and more.Continue reading...

Netflix and Starz contract renewal talks break off, ending one of Netflix's "most important" (though less so, lately) content deals.

Hostess Brands, maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, retains restructuring advisers.

Oracle $1.3 billion verdict against SAP overturned by judge.

Accera Inc.'s Axona milkshake raises hopes for Alzheimer's patients.

Air Australia reveals new livery.

Airbnb expands into sublets.

Amazon bargains to avoid online sales tax in California.

American Airlines disputes survey saying it had the longest call-waiting times during Hurricane Irene, hires pet detective to track missing-at-JFK passenger Jack the Cat.Continue reading...

AOL reports earnings, says brand has taken a "meaningful" step forward.

Budweiser tops beer advertising effectiveness ranking.

Channel 4 tests interactive advertising.

Comcast and DirecTV spat continues.

Disney theme parks concerns investors.

Facebook and Twitter users rally to clean up U.K. riots.

Fred Perry to release Amy Winehouse's final designs early.Continue reading...

Global markets swoon after yesterday’s disaster on Wall Street.

Borden steps out with “Friends of Elsie” campaign.

Comcast and DirecTV engage in legal battle over advertising about NFL broadcasts.

Discovery Communications continues with upbeat reports.

Dodge leverages NASCAR to tout new Durango.

Dunkin’ Brands to boost prices to cover commodity-cost increases.Continue reading...