Channel Surfing
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
June 10, 2003

Dr. Laura vs. Renee

       Syndicated radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger, who was critical of WCAU news anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah when the then single Chenault was artificially inseminated in 1998, discusses the situation again in her book "Stupid Things Parents Do to Mess Up Their Kids."  In the chapter "Dads Need Not Apply," "Dr. Laura" writes "A Philadelphia anchorwoman actually thinks she is a great black, female role model for intentionally having an out of wedlock child using sperm from a bank." 
       "I am a role model.  The message I'm sending to young black women is to get as much education as you can and be able to support yourself before you have a baby ("Philadelphia Inquirer"- May 1988). 
       "Amazing.  Does she really believe children of rich and successful mothers don't miss daddy?"
       When reached by telephone, Chenault-Fattah, who is expecting a child in September with her husband U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah had no comment on "Dr. Laura's" comment.

       WTXF newsroom insiders are buzzing that news director Scott Matthews will be leaving the station for a similar position in New York City.  A station spokesperson said denied that information.  Matthews has been the news director at WTXF since October 2001.

       WPVI meteorologist and tri-athlete Cecily Tynan is featured in this month's "Runner's World" magazine. 

      
       KYW 1060-AM and WPSG-57 news anchor Beth Trapani is ending the early morning wakeup calls and moving to the public relations firm Bellevue Communications Group in center city.  No word on who will replace Trapani on the surprisingly successful "KYW Newsradio on TV" on WPSG.

       KYW is helping VH1's "Save the Music" campaign by collecting musical instruments at its Broadcast Plaza at 5th and Market today.  KYW's Tom Negovan and Paul Deanno along with Rob Hyman of The Hooters (swoon) will be on hand to collect instruments for refurbishing and donation to the Philadelphia Public Schools

       Here are a couple more thoughts on the Larry Mendte defection to KYW.  The most important male at KYW isn't Mendte or Marc Howard, but "Dr. Phil."  KYW may finally improve its ratings in the fall because it's great lead-in from "Dr. "Phil-adelphia." 
       Also, isn't it ironic that Mendte will likely be bumping Denise Saunders off the 6 p.m. newscast, who bumped his wife Dawn Stensland from her weekday slot at KYW a couple of years ago. 

       Congratulations to Mix 95.7-FM morning man Glenn Kalina, who celebrated his 25th year in Philadelphia radio. Many remember Kalina as part of the "Hot Hits 98" format in the early 80's.  Whoever is the first to write in with the rest of the classic "Hot Hits" lineup will get his/her name mentioned in the column next week.