TNS shareholders have until August 29 to accept WPP's offer. WPP has made five offers, the last for $2.13 billion, which was rejected by the board in early July. TNS has also ended merger talks with Germany-based GfK, which has asked TNS investors to hold off on making any decisions.

Also:

The presidential campaign is giving MSNBC and CNN a boost in the ratings and has set a record for video views on their Web sites, and The Politico has become “a must-read.” Broadcast stations such as NBC, ABC, and CBS have not fared as well.

Discovery Communications new channel, Planet Green, is criticized for the inconsistency of its healthy living, eco-friendly message.

More woes for the airline industry: Jet Blue announces plans to start charging for pillows.