Channel Surfing
by
Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
March 15, 2005
According
to an industry source, KYW management is investigating an incident where news
reporter Robin Mackintosh allegedly used a profanity-laced tirade against a
KYW news photographer while covering a story last week at City Hall.
There is speculation that Mackintosh might be suspended for the
outburst.
Mackintosh
could not be reached for comment. When reached by phone, KYW news director
Susan Schiller said she could not comment on personnel issues.
There
was an out of court settlement in the Craig Weber age discrimination lawsuit
against WPHL. Philadelphia
attorney Alan Epstein, who represented the weatherman, said Weber was very
happy that the matter has been resolved and he can move on with his life.
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
In
2000, Weber, then 50, was replaced by 24-year-old Steve MacLaughlin.
After a shaky start with the Philadelphia unions, there was real love between MTV and Philadelphia during the filming of “The Real World,” which aired its season finale last week.
“Real
World” producer Ted Kenney said, “Overall, the experience was amazing.
Philadelphia is one of the great undiscovered cities.”
Kenney, who also produced the “Real World” seasons in San Diego,
California, Paris, France, and New York City, New York, said Philadelphia was
his favorite city and that he is seriously considering moving here someday.
The
Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation was also happy with the
experience. Media coordinator Caroline Bean said, “The city looked great and
it looked like the cast had a good time here.
The “Real World” house at 3rd and Arch was a popular
destination for residents and visitors.”
Philadelphia
Soul Director of Community Relations Director Laura Furdon, whom the cast
worked for during their time in town, also was happy with the exposure the
team owned by Jon Bon Jovi got on the show.
“The
Real World Philadelphia,” which concluded its season last week performed
well in the ratings with a national average of a 1.3 household rating and a 2
share. In Philadelphia, it’s
number one rated market, it averaged a 2.8 household rating and a 4 share.
Each national rating point is around a million households.
In
the midst of the season, MTV announced a five-year renewal for “The Real
World,” which will take it into its 20th season. The next
installment will take place in Austin, TX.
Castmates
M.J., Landon, Karamo, Sarah, Melanie, Willie, and Shavonda, get together one
last time for “The Real World Reunion” tonight on MTV at 10 p.m.
WCAU
reporter Bill Baldini will be honored by Philadelphia City Council Thursday
for “Over 40-years of accurate news reporting and dedication to the City of
Philadelphia.”
WMGK
102.9-FM will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of disc jockey
Ed Sciaky Sunday at 8 p.m. with a special followed by an encore presentation
of “Sunday’s with Springsteen” at 9 p.m.