NOTES OF INTEREST
2017 NBA Finals TV Schedule on ABC
Live coverage of the 2017 NBA Finals begins tonight at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, featuring the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For the first time in NBA history, the same two teams will meet in The Finals for three consecutive years. Golden State had won the 2015 NBA championship in six games and Cleveland, in 2016, became the first NBA champion to ever win this series after being down three games to one from the first four Finals games played; it was also the city of Cleveland’s first professional sports title in 52 years.
The 2017 NBA Finals on ABC is also available on ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3 and WatchABC. For the complete schedule, click here
Scott Pelley Exits “CBS Evening News” for Full-Time Role on “60 Minutes”
Scott Pelley, who has left his post as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” following a season of diminishing ratings, will join “60 Minutes” on CBS as a full-time correspondent. Pelley has been featured on the veteran newsmagazine on an occasional basis since 2004, and he joined the “CBS News” in 2011 as the replacement for Katie Couric.
“Scott brought the best values of “60 Minutes” to the “CBS Evening News,” and we thank him for his commitment to the journalism of this broadcast every night these past six years,” said David Rhodes, President of CBS News. “The milestone 50th season of “60 Minutes” requires Scott’s full contribution, and we look forward to important reporting from him for many years to come.”
Anthony Mason will serve as the interim anchor of the “CBS Evening News.” Mason will continue to co-anchor “CBS This Morning: Saturday” with Alex Wagner, as is a frequent contributor to “CBS News Sunday Morning.”
CNN Drops Kathy Griffin from New Year’s Eve Hosting Gig
CNN has announced that Kathy Griffin will not be returning to host its annual New Year’s Eve program alongside Anderson Cooper, which she has been doing since 2007. The firing comes one day after Griffin posted a photo and video of her holding a fake severed head of President Donald Trump. She later apologized, saying it went too far, and removed it from her Twitter account.
On Tuesday night, a CNN spokesperson called the photos “disgusting and offensive,” while Cooper said he was “appalled by the photo shoot.” CNN issued a statement on Tuesday night, condemning Griffin’s video and saying that they were evaluating New Year’s Eve plans.
“Marcus Welby, M.D.” Co-Star Elena Verdugo Dies at 92
Actress Elena Verdugo, who is remembered for her long-running role as Consuelo Lopez on ABC 1969-76 medical drama “Marcus Welby, MD.,” diedTuesday in Los Angeles. She was 92. Her longtime friend (and “Marcus Welby” co-star) Sharon Gless broke the news on social media.
Born on April 20, 1925, Verdugo made numerous film appearances through the 1940s, including Abbott & Costello comedy “Little Giant” where she met and married screenwriter Charles R. Marion. Verdugo also appeared opposite Lon Chaney Jr. in Universal horror films “House of Frankenstein” (as the sympathetic gypsy girl Ilonka) and “The Frozen Ghost.”
Verdugo’s first regularly scheduled TV role was on sitcom “Meet Millie,” which aired from 1952 to 1956. Next was 1963 western “Redigo,” which was followed by multiple appearances on “The New Phil Silvers Show” in 1964. She appeared regularly in two additional comedies prior to “Marcus Welby” – “Many Happy Returns” in 1964-65 and “Mona McClusky” in 1965-66.
Verdugo worked only sporadically after “Marcus Welby,” with her last acting credit for 1985 made-for television movie “Suburban Beat” with Dee Wallace and Shelley Fabares.
A+E Buys out NBC Universal of German Joint Venture
A+E Networks has announced it will acquire full ownership of A+E Networks Germany following a 12-year joint venture with NBC Universal International. A+E Networks Germany operates History and A&E in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, South Tyrol and Liechtenstein. Both channels have full distribution on cable and satellite platforms. History and A&E currently reach more than five and four million subscribers respectively in the markets.
The acquisition of full ownership in Germany reinforces A+E Networks’ international strategy to take a greater ownership position in its ventures around the world. After Italy, Germany will be the second European country with a wholly owned A+E Networks entity.
Can NBC Capitalize on the Megyn Kelly Hype? Click here |