Media stocks slide despite tax credits in bailout

The financial bailout bill signed into law last Friday included several tax credits for movies and TV, but Wall Street did not show its appreciation where prices for media stocks were concerned. The Dow Jones Industrial Index and Nasdaq stock market each ended this past Friday down 1.5 percent, and The Hollywood Reporter Showbiz 50 did worse, falling 2 percent. The Showbiz 50 has lost 13 percent in the past week, while the S&P 500 lost 9 percent. Media stocks are doing poorly, experts said, because with the economy hurting, businesses will rein in advertising spending. With digital video recorders and so much new media vying for attention, some worry that businesses that cut back on TV and radio ads might make their decisions permanent. The bailout bill is expected to save the film and television industries $487 million over 10 years.