Speaking of signed, ABC and George Stephanopoulos agreed to a new, four year deal. Same duties and responsibilities, just more money. I will admit that I didn't think Stephanopoulos would be a good fit at "Good Morning America." I was wrong. CBS denies it, but a few published reports say CBS was a serious contender for the former Clinton aide's services. ABC was right to hang on to George. In this ever changing landscape, continuity is important and he does have a solid track record.
Speaking of CBS, more published reports say Jeff Glor will be out at the "CBS Evening News," and Norah O'Donnell will be in. Glor does a very good job, and the broadcast has solid content. It appears CBS is looking for more star power and O'Donnell will provide that. The broadcast is allegedly moving to Washington so O'Donnell can be closer to her family. It really isn't all that radical. ABC's "World News Tonight" came mostly from Washington during the Frank Reynolds days.
On the other side of the coin, O'Donnell's departure from "CBS This Morning" really hurts that broadcast. And that's on top of the damage suffered after Charlie Rose was fired. O'Donnell will be tough to replace in the morning.
David Horowitz, former KNBC Los Angeles consumer reporter, died this week. 81. Horowitz had a syndicated show, called "Fight Back" for a while, and I always found it entertaining and informative. Horowitz was an occasional guest on Johnny Carson's "Tonight" show. Horowitz was always ultra serious. Carson had that patented twinkle, and liked to have fun with the segments. It was a good match. Horowitz advanced the genre and contributed much to the industry. He also empowered people and saved individuals a lot of money.
Peter Tork died yesterday. An original Monkee. 77. The Monkees, known as the pre fab four, might not have been the most respected musicians of all times, but there was some memorable music along the way, and I am sad.
Academy Awards coming up Sunday night. I do have a bit of curiosity over "best picture" this year. I'll be asleep during the ceremony. I just hope it doesn't become three hours of Hollywood's take on politics. People tune in to celebrate the industry and the art, not get CNN and FOX News.
Regardless of how you feel about President Trump, he has provided a huge boost to the American publishing industry, and it's not over yet.
There is industry speculation that ESPN will move "Monday Night Football" back to ABC. The network wants better games and a slot in the network Super Bowl rotation, which it can't get on cable. It sounds like good reasoning.
Spring training baseball on TV this weekend! You might not know the players, but it will good to see baseball again.
Happy Birthday to my friend, Al, who was the photographer for my first TV news story that ever aired.
