Books of The Times: ‘Console Wars,’ a Gaming Industry Clash by Blake J. Harris

“Console Wars” is the author Blake J. Harris’s take on one aspect of the video game industry.



‘Frozen’ Helps Lift Profit for an Energized Disney

The movie and its hit soundtrack contributed to a 27 percent increase in net income for the company’s second fiscal quarter.



Common Sense: Amazon’s Shrinking Profit Sets Off a Seismic Shock to Its Shares

For a second quarter in a row, the Internet retailer’s stock fell sharply after its earnings report, suggesting that investors may be growing wary.



Disney Throws Open the Gates to Its Own Digital Movie Service

The Disney Movies Anywhere online service will link to consumers’ iTunes accounts and is intended to encourage digital movie sales, rather than rentals.

    



Advertising: Miracle-Gro Wants More People to Try Their Hand at Gardening

A new campaign focuses on the gardeners, not the products, but once people are at the store, Miracle-Gro will promote its effectiveness on displays and packaging.

    



Advertising: Trading ‘Faces’ and Fashion in Ulta’s New Online Campaign

“Trading Faces,” an online series for the cosmetics retailer Ulta, features women from different regions swapping fashion and makeup tips.

    



‘Crossfire’ Author Gets Eight Figures for a New Series

Sylvia Day, the author of the “Crossfire” series of romance novels, will receive a substantial sum from St. Martin’s Press for her next two books.

    



Bowing to Pressure, A&E Revokes Suspension of ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star

A&E has changed its mind and will not suspend Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the family at the center of the show, over comments he made in GQ magazine.

    



Loyal Subscribers Keep Hobby Magazines Afloat

Some high-end hobby magazines have experienced steady circulation growth even as costs rise, and raise more revenue with special events for subscribers.

    



Advertising: Fans Criticize Move to Suspend ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star

Religious and conservative groups accused A&E of attacking Christian values and free speech after the network suspended Phil Robertson over comments he made in GQ magazine.

    



An Offer From Amazon to Its Most Bitter Rivals

The giant retailer announced a program to pay independent bookstores to sell its e-books and popular reading devices.

    

Advertising: Spanish Message With One Word That Needs No Translation

As the holidays approach, the toy maker Mattel is making a playful appeal to Latina mothers and their children.

    



Advertising: Snacks for Soccer Stars, and Their Fans

Mondelez International, the maker of snack foods like Oreo cookies and Trident gum, is signing sponsorship deals with United States soccer teams and players.

    



For Shoppers, Next Level of Instant Gratification

New shopping services will allow consumers to instantly buy items they see on television, in magazines and even in their refrigerators.

    

Advertising: Marketers Chase Evolving Consumer

Speakers at an annual conference said the pace and scope of technological and societal changes required what one called a “constant reinvention” of the marketing process.

    



A Calculated Push Lifts ‘Duck Dynasty’ Family’s Fortunes

Willie Robertson and his family made a conscious dive into the entertainment world, lifting a regional business based on duck hunting into an international phenomenon.

    



Advertising: TCM Moves to Lure Film Buffs Out of Their Living Rooms

The cable channel Turner Classic Movies is expanding a slate of offerings like bus tours, theatrical screenings and memorabilia sales to increase revenue and brand recognition.

    



Expecting the Unexpected From Jeff Bezos

At Amazon.com, he has upended industries. Now he promises change at The Washington Post. If his history is a guide, he will have all the laughs.

    



‘Duck Dynasty’ Season Opens to Record Ratings

The backwoods reality show drew 11.8 million viewers Wednesday night on A&E, the largest audience ever for a reality show on cable television.

    



The Rise and Fall of the Computer-Animated ‘Foodfight!’

The ill-fated, computer-animated “Foodfight!” took multiple food-brand corporate mascots and made them characters.