News Round-up: Alice Barrett, Marsh/Lomas, Rouge

U.S. Media Revenue Set for Historic 2009 Decline
Just how tough has the media space become? The nation's top 100 media companies eked out 0.8% revenue growth in 2008 -- and the reported revenue for top media firms in the first half of this year fell 4.3% from a year ago, according to Ad Age's analysis.

So not only was last year's Media 100 revenue growth the lowest since 1991, this year it's on track to show the first decline since Ad Age began ranking top media firms in 1981.

And when it comes to revenue, Facebook and Twitter aren't worth Twittering about at this stage. Instead, media's hottest spots are cable networks, cable systems and satellite TV. U.S. media revenue in those sectors climbed 7.4% in 2008, making them the Media 100's standout performers.

INTERVIEW: ANOTHER WORLD's Alice Barrett (ex-Frankie/Annie)
"I loved my final scene with Stephen, where Frankie comes to him in a dream and gives him permission to be in love with someone else. It was really us saying good-bye. I felt whoever wrote those scenes really knew Frankie and knew her and Cass’s relationship really well.

"I also really enjoyed working with a grown-up Charlie. There was a scene where as Ghost Frankie, I was supposed to put my arm around her as we look up at the stars in the sky. Well, since I was a ghost she wasn’t supposed to see me and we weren’t supposed to be looking at each other. I lift my arm to reach around her and bonked the poor actress in the head! She was a pro but I was so bummed that the last moment Frankie has with her daughter is hitting her in the head!"

Kym Marsh and Jamie Lomas break up
CORONATION STREET star Kym Marsh and former HOLLYOAKS actor Jamie Lomas have ended their relationship. A spokesperson for the ITV soap confirmed that Lomas had moved out of Marsh's home.

Top 5: Primetime Soaps Featuring Major Stars You Probably Don't Remember
Topping the list is MALIBU ROAD.

P&G's Rouge Goes Nationwide
Procter & Gamble is gearing up for the nationwide launch of its health and beauty magazine, Rouge. The title has been in test markets in the U.S. and Canada, and will now be issued on an ongoing basis to U.S. homes every quarter, the packaged goods giant said. Like brandSaver!, P&G’s newpaper insert coupon booklet, Rouge also contains coupon deals for brands like Pantene, Olay and Crest. The magazine is health and beauty focused.