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.