Editor’s note: Sound off, give a shout out on “Deep Background,” our totally-random open discussion of all things Erie media.

• Good quarter for WJET parent: Last week we were holding our breath for bad news on the earnings front for Erie’s corporate broadcasting. A little sunshine came in on Monday before the bell as Nexstar (WJET) reported a 9% increase in revenues for the 3rd quarter over the previous year.
• Stormy forecast for television revenues next year: TVNewsDay reports that the Television Advertising Bureau has downgraded their forecast for 2009 advertising. Local spot sales is expected to drop 4-8%, while national spot will be a double-digit decrease at 11.5-15.5%.
• Mustaches 4 Kids: WSEE morning anchor Ray Petlin, on-air director Bob Bohen, and several of the male crew members at Channel 35 are growing mustaches for 35 days and accepting pledges to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Get involved at m4erie.org.
• She’s back!: The Dean of the White House press corps, Helen Thomas is back on the beat. The E&P Pub says that “after surviving some health issues, Helen Thomas is ready to take on Obama!” Helen to Barack: no honeymoon for you!
• The NFL on HDTV: It’s Week 11 and I hope your fantasy team is doing better than mine. Here’s the schedule with over the air and Time Warner Cable HD channels noted:
  • Sunday, 1 PM – Baltimore @ NY Giants – WSEE: DT 35.1/City 405/Suburbs 709
  • Sunday, 1 PM – Chicago @ Green Bay – WFXP: DT 66.1/City 418/Suburbs 706
  • Sunday, 4 PM – San Diego @ Pittsburgh – WSEE: DT 35.1/City 405/Suburbs 709
  • Sunday, 8:15 PM – Dallas @ Washington – WICU: City 412/Suburbs 712
  • Monday, 8:30 PM – Cleveland @ Buffalo – ESPN: City 430/ Suburbs 772