Channel Surfing

By Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times

January 2, 2006

 

The fate of the locally produced morning show “10,” could be in the hands of NBC, which is considering expanding “The Today Show” to four hours.  According to published reports, NBC’s failure with syndicated programs to compete with shows like “Regis & Kelly,” is the reason why it may turn to “Today.”  In Philadelphia, NBC10’s “10,” co-hosted by Bill Henley and Lori Wilson isn’t helping the cause.  In the last ratings period, it lagged behind “Rachael Ray,” “Guiding Light,” “Maury,” “Divorce Court,” and “Judge Alex.”

 

An NBC10 spokesperson did not respond to an email seeking comment.

 

Meanwhile, CBS daytime will have a big decision to make when “Price is Right” icon Bob Barker retires in June.  Dave Price of the CBS “Early Show” is the front-runner to get the job. Price had a “cup of coffee” with “Good Day Philadelphia” on Fox29 back in 1999.

 

Weather anchor Karen Thomas is back on Fox29.  The former regular weekend weather anchor left the station last year after the birth of her third child, but she returned to the air last week and will be the fill-in weather person, replacing Rich Britton.

 

Congratulations to CBS3 morning anchor and Levittown native Susan Barnett and her husband, Dr. Greg Persichetti, who became parents for the first time to son, Blaise on December 26.  Blaise weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long.

 

Behind-the-scenes workers on “Good Day Philadelphia” were treated to hand-knit scarves and pillows by weather anchor Sue Serio for the holidays.

 
Howard Stern celebrates his first anniversary on Sirius satellite radio January 9.
 
Bradley Whitford of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" is the cover story of the inaugural "Main Line" magazine.  Whitford lived in Wayne, PA a few years when he was growing up.
 
So far, "Studio 60," which co-stars Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet has been eclipsed as NBC's "hot new show" of the season by "Heroes."  It was given a full-season order by NBC, but unless it can improve its ratings, it probably won't return next year.