NYT: As Martha Stewart Does Time, Flush Times for Her Company

[DeepModem Mom]

As Martha Stewart Does Time, Flush Times for Her Company
By CONSTANCE L. HAYS

Published: January 20, 2005


Since entering federal prison in October, Martha Stewart has tried her hand at ceramics, learned to crochet and become an expert on vending-machine snacks. She has also become a lot wealthier. And when Ms. Stewart completes her sentence six weeks from now, colleagues at her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, anticipate an even bigger payoff.

Last March, when Ms. Stewart was convicted of lying to investigators, the future looked grim for the lifestyle company she created. The company's shares hit a low of $10.86 that day, slipping even further the following week. Her flagship television show on CBS, "Martha Stewart Living," was placed on hiatus after losing many of its viewers. Scores of employees were laid off, and merchandise sales, mainly through Kmart, declined. Revenue plunged to $127.2 million through last September compared with $175 million a year earlier, and the company is expected to post a loss for 2004.

What a difference a few months in prison can make. Since Ms. Stewart's conviction, her company's share price has nearly tripled, increasing the value of her personal stake to an estimated $827 million from $318 million. Her March 6 release also creates a one-of-a-kind marketing opportunity for her company, one that is not lost on Mark Burnett, the "Survivor" producer who is planning a daily live-audience program featuring Ms. Stewart for NBC this fall. "This country is all about second chances," Mr. Burnett said. "That's what makes it the greatest country in the world."

While they would not disclose specific figures, executives at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia say licensing fees for the daytime show "are trending significantly higher" than those for Ms. Stewart's original show, even at its peak....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/20/business/20martha.html

[Missy Vixen]

1. Bravo for Martha and MSLO employees

Yeah, America loves a "second chance," and I support Martha Stewart. She did time while Kenny Boy Lay is still walking free after ruining the lives of thousands with his actions.

I look forward to seeing what she'll do with the rest of her life.

Julie

[Piperay]

2. Hurray for Martha

I hope she continues to make more and more money, the best revenge is living well...hahaha to the ones who scapegoated her. :D

[cleofus1]

3. good for her!

I am sorry it worked out this way for her, but I love the lady, I applaud her success!

[cap]

4. Martha behind prison reform ....

Opening for liberal PR...

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Bravo Bravo Bravo

Not the TeeVee network ....... just a good old fashioned cheer for her.

[liberalmuse]

6. Hmmm. Is there actually justice in this universe?

I know she was known as a heinous bitch to some (read: 'strong minded woman'), but her convinction was unjust, especially when you step back and look at all the people like Bush, Ken Lay, Rumsfeld, etc. who have caused immeasurable human misery. Her actions did not harm anyone but herself.

Besides, as someone who sucks at home-making, I found her shows a guilty pleasure.

[AP]

7. If you're rich, you don't have to worry about a thing.

I think that's the bottom line.

[queerart]

8. Now Lets See.........

The RW-ers tried to ruin........

Martha Stewart

Michael Moore

The Dixie Chicks

and Bill Maher

(and there are many more that I have not mentioned)

Hummmm..... some how they have not gotten the "formula" correct, unless it comes to the media.... Then they have ruined good men, & women... and in the end... the sad bunch that is left "The Fox Light Stepfords" would not be able to tell the truth if their crotch was on fire!


Good for Martha! She will be sitting pretty, while the rest of them sell their souls, while groveling for shekels.

Nothing like a good story to piss off the cons first thing in the morning!

[ernstbass]

9. I hope that she will bring attention to the

futility of mandatory sentences for first time drug offenses. she mentioned this in an interview last month and she could be a real advocate for this cause. Go Martha!