Channel Surfing
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times

www.bradyresidence.com/channelsurfing.html

May 16, 2006<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Though some might think CBS3 weekday 4 p.m. news anchor Angela Russell, 31, just breezed into Philadelphia, in reality, she’s been working in the business for half of her life.

“My first television job was when I was 15.  While my college classmates were going to parties on Friday nights, I was volunteering at radio stations to get experience,” said the 1997 University of Florida graduate.

While working at a television station in Alabama in 2003, Russell was selected to get one of only 17 on-air two-day auditions for the co-host position on ABC’s “The View,” which eventually went to Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I am very opinionated and love to debate and talk about relevant issues.  “The View” was something that I was comfortable with.” 

Though she didn’t get the national job, she said there are no regrets.  She landed in Washington, D.C. shortly after, and arrived in Philadelphia a few months ago.

Married for five years to Telly Russell, who is attending Georgetown Medical School, Russell gave birth to daughter, Ava Maria nine months ago.

“I am very lucky.  I have a great job, a wonderful daughter, and feel like Philly is a good fit. I feel like I am where I am supposed to be.”

Halfway through May sweeps, 6ABC holds a slight lead in the weeknight ratings at 11 p.m. with a 9 rating/16 share.  CBS3 and NBC10 are tied for second with an 8 rating /14 share.  At 6 p.m., 6ABC easily leads with an 11 rating/23 share.  CBS3 and NBC10 are tied for second with a 4 rating/8 share.  At 10 p.m.  Fox 29 leads the early news shows with a 6 rating/9 share.  The WB17 News Powered by NBC10 has a 2 rating/3 share, tied with (gulp) a “Dr. Phil” replay on UPN 57.  At 5 p.m., 6ABC leads with an 8 rating/17 share.  “Dr. Phil” on CBS3 is second with a 5 rating/10 share, “Judge Judy” on Fox29 is next with a 4 rating/8 share, and the NBC10 news follows with a 3 rating/8 share.  At 4 p.m., “Oprah” on 6ABC leads with a 7 rating/19 share, NBC10 news is second with a 3 rating 7 share, and CBS3 is third with a 2 rating/6 share.  And from 5 – 7 a.m., 6ABC leads with a 5 rating/22 share, NBC10 is second with a 3 rating/11 share, and CBS3 is third with a 2 rating/10 share.  Numbers are rounded to the highest number.  Each ratings point represents around 29,000 households.

Radio Whoopi
Radio insiders believe the upcoming Clear Channel Whoopi Goldberg morning radio show will air on WSNI 104.5-FM.

Former WOGL 98.1-FM disc jockey Hy Lit can be heard on his own web site, www.hylitradio.com.

Relationship expert Ranee Spina, a native of Broomall, PA, who was a semi-regular on the former show “The Other Half,” is the author of “I Am Before I Do.”  The book can be ordered at www.iambeforeido.com.