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

• Just don’t call me a “Twit”: Fueled by comments by P&T regular Danny Lucas, the Erie blog community this week gained a new understanding and appreciation for the web app Twitter. ErieBlogs.com has begun an Erie Twitter directory, and even yours truly established a Twitter account. You can follow our blog posts and other news via Twitter @pressandtower.




• Disney seeks FanBoys: The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that in February it will launch the Disney XD channel and accompanying website, targeted to an elusive demographic: 6-14 year-old boys. The channel is a rebranded version of Toon Disney; programming is expanding to include live-action shows, original movies, music and sports from sister-channel ESPN. The entertainment empire is trying to replicate the success they’ve seen with girls through their Hannah Montana and High School Musical franchises.
• WQLN-DT reaching further: Little did officials at WQLN Public Broadcasting know what the station was in for in the aftermath of a windstorm that swept through the Erie area on September 15th. Wind damage to TV-54’s antenna system caused the station to go off the air totally for several days, and subsequently has been broadcasting from a temporary antenna in low-power, and only in a digital signal. In the past week, over the air viewers should have seen improvement in their signal as the station moved the temporary antenna to the top of their broadcast tower. Work continues on the transmission line and coupler which will allow the station to return to full digital power in the coming weeks.
• Pandora thrives via iPhone: New Year’s greetings came this week from Pandora, the internet radio network that generates on-demand music streams based on your personal artist tastes. In an e-mail Pandora founder Tim announced that their application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch was the top download of 2008 for the devices, with 2.6 million users getting the app. Pandora’s success in the portable music space comes in the wake of nearly going out of business due to the digital music copyright debate.
• Finally, Jack is back!: One of the most-loved characters in all of network television survived last year’s writer’s strike. Jack Bauer, the driven yet tortured government agent played by Kieffer Sutherland on the series 24, will return to Fox Sunday night after a two-year break for Season 7. Can’t wait!