Uncle Barky's Bytes

Badgers barely beat itty bitty Wofford College, waylaying Uncle Barky's plans to jump off a tall building to an enthusiastic standing ovation from NBC5 anchors Brian Curtis and Meredith Land -- to name just two

Ed Bark — 2010-03-19T16:11:31-05:00

Your friendly content provider's alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, squeaked into the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament Friday afternoon with a 53-49 win against the smallest school in the field, Wofford College. ...He broke his wrist earlier in the season but returned a few weeks ago. Without him against Wofford, Wisconsin would have been a rotting slice of limburger cheese served on month-old Wonder Bread.

RIP Fess Parker: Aug. 16, 1924 to March 18, 2010 (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-18T19:24:43-05:00

We fondly remember "Davy Crockett" in this Back Channels look at his life and times as a California vineyard owner. It was first published just over five years ago, with a robust 80-year-old Parker playing the most gracious host imaginable.

Meth-od acting: AMC's addicting Breaking Bad remains on drugs

Ed Bark — 2010-03-18T17:41:01-05:00

Star Bryan Cranston resumes his Emmy-winning ways when AMC's Breaking Bad launches Season 3 Sunday night.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings have the Peacock people strutting at NBC5.

Life goes on

Ed Bark — 2010-03-18T13:19:20-05:00

Part 1 of the new Discovery Channel series Life is screening for free on Thursday, March 18th at The Magnolia in Dallas. ...The 11-part sequel to the acclaimed Planet Earth premieres on Sunday, March 21st at 7 p.m. central.

Monster meshing with syfy channel

Ed Bark — 2010-03-17T15:33:00-05:00

Plus, CBS11/TXA21 weatherman Mike Burger marks a milestone, the American Idol finalists turn Stones' music into mush and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings put some pop into the premiere of FX's Justified. Also, if you haven't already, check out this very vintage Southwest Airlines prequel to its ongoing "Bags Fly Free" TV ad campaign.

CW33's The RC Project hits IQ ground zero

Ed Bark — 2010-03-16T12:25:01-05:00

Tacked on to Dallas-based CW33's new 5 p.m. local newscasts, The RC Project tests a viewer's will to live.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are uncommonly served sunny side up for Fox4's Good Day.

FX's Justified has a sharp edge without all the usual anti-hero additives

Ed Bark — 2010-03-15T19:29:40-05:00

FX's latest new drama, the law 'n' order-themed Justified, premieres Tuesday night. The network should be justifiably proud.

Ex-Idol producer critiques his old show, finds it wanting

Ed Bark — 2010-03-15T13:51:05-05:00

Nigel Lythgoe, who spent seven seasons as co-producer of American Idol before jumping to So You Think You Can Dance, has some pointed opinions about Idol's ongoing Season 9.... Plus, a new TV Bulletin Board is stocked with tidbits and we debut a possibly recurring "Fun with Mike and Jane" feature drawn from the at times wacky Facebook postings of NBC5 anchors Mike Snyder and Jane McGarry.

The Pacific lands on HBO

Ed Bark — 2010-03-12T13:23:47-06:00

HBO's long-awaited sequel to 2001's Band of Brothers begins its 10-week run on Sunday night. Our salute to it is here.

"Cheerleader pop" propels Fox4's Fiona Gorostiza

Ed Bark — 2010-03-12T10:28:18-06:00

Good Day adventurist Fiona Gorostiza shook her assets Thursday during Dallas auditions for Fox's So You Think You Can Dance.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are a li'l booster shot for CW33's 5:30 p.m. local newscast.

And baby will make three

Ed Bark — 2010-03-11T22:59:41-06:00

Responding to reader inquiries, we've confirmed the pregnancy of a prominent D-FW television news anchor. ...Also, two North Texans make American Idol's Top 12 while voters also deal a bland blow to prime-time's most popular show.

Cuckolded Coco coming to campus near you

Ed Bark — 2010-03-11T22:05:40-06:00

The above is coming to Dallas -- SMU's McFarlin Auditorium -- on May 13th. ...It all begins in Eugene, Oregon on April 12th, with a scheduled final stop in Atlanta on June 14th.

Glenn Beck goes after little baby barky

Ed Bark — 2010-03-11T10:47:54-06:00

Your friendly content provider is under assault from Glenn Beck, who's brandishing formative Barky's Facebook baby picture to underscore his contention that unclebarky.com's Garland corporate headquarters house a "Pinko Commie Leftycrat." ...Plus, we review Fox's new Sunday night sitcom, Sons of Tucson, and also bring you our newest take on Wednesday night's American Idol performances by the four remaining North Texas males.

It's Ms. Roark for CBS11 news director post

Ed Bark — 2010-03-10T15:49:43-06:00

CBS11 has named Adrienne Roark as the D-FW station's new news director. Get all the details here.

NBC5 names Friedman as permanent early morning co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-03-10T15:02:39-06:00

Fort Worth-based NBC5 as expected has tabbed news staffer Scott Friedman to be its new early morning co-anchor. He'll team with incumbent Deborah Ferguson.

CW's High Society makes Jersey Shore seem like Washington Week In Review

Ed Bark — 2010-03-10T14:20:14-06:00

Wow, The CW strikes again with a new "docu-series" about New York's rich 'n' vacant socialite crowd.... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in. And you can find an abundance of March programming highlights on my home away from home, locatetv.com.

No great shakes in the looks department (but can Bill White somehow confound the TV age and beat the almost criminally handsome Rick Perry?)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-09T16:56:06-06:00

And that's a lot for Bill White -- or any candidate -- to overcome in times when looks tend to call the tune. We examine the sometimes cold realities of a plain-faced bald man vs. studly Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Original 1979 Elvis movie still rocks with Russell/Carpenter at throttle

Ed Bark — 2010-03-09T14:13:52-06:00

ABC's three-hour Elvis movie remains historically important and damned good, too.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a burgeoning kingmaker in ABC's Castle.

No surprise Oscars have surprisingly strong D-FW ratings (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-08T11:06:10-06:00

Sunday night's Oscar-cast on ABC had a markedly bigger audience than last year's, according to the D-FW Nielsens. ...Plus, NBC and ABC both renew some ratings-challenged series while NBC also announces summertime premiere dates for America's Got Talent among others.

Idol's North Texas 4 stays intact; now comprises half of remaining 8 males

Ed Bark — 2010-03-05T10:42:52-06:00

American Idol's amazing but true North Texas tint remained intact after the latest viewer vote-off Thursday.... Plus, we warm up for the Oscars with a host of host trivia on our home away from home, locatetv.com.

The Office's "Baby Event" -- wah, wah, wah

Ed Bark — 2010-03-04T16:08:19-06:00

NBC's The Office sinks further into traditional sitcom contrivance with Jim and Pam's special delivery Thursday night.... But yes, The Office definitely has seen better days.

WFAA8 takes 10 p.m. news prizes in Olympics-addled February sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-03-04T12:51:19-06:00

NBC's heavily-watched Olympics telecasts stamped a big asterisk on the showcase 10 p.m. results while also having at least an indirect impact on the early evening news ratings. ...Also, Wednesday's D-FW ratings have been posted, and there's additional news about a former D-FW television anchor/reporter who's moving from CNN to CBS.

So long to "The Schack"

Ed Bark — 2010-03-03T16:07:36-06:00

WFAA8 weekend meteorologist Jennifer Schack will be leaving the building after her March 7th duties. See where she's going here.

Uncle Barky's latest American Idol (North Texas edition) recap

Ed Bark — 2010-03-03T13:07:27-06:00

So that seems worth another recap, in which Uncle Barky's homegrown comments are paired with the so-called experts. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings give you Tuesday's numbers on the election-themed late night newscasts, Leno vs. Letterman, etc.

A mostly silent witness to the fires on Lower Greenville

Ed Bark — 2010-03-02T15:45:17-06:00

NBC5's website, nbcdfw.com, has posted a two-and-a-half-minute video of the tragedy without any breathless reporter interjections. You can find it embedded on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page as an example of how powerful natural sound -- or no sound at all -- can be in bringing this particular story home in stark, unadorned fashion.

Leno re-takes Tonight and lights up D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2010-03-02T11:57:10-06:00

Hyped with a "Get Back" campaign during the Winter Olympics, Jay Leno re-emerged for his first Tonight Show do-over Monday.... And our TV Bulletin Board page looks at the latest Dancing with the Stars lineup and the continuing adventures of Dallas flyboy Jake Pavelka, who's segueing from kiss 'n' tell to hoof 'n' puff.

Third coming of Parenthood gives NBC a little long overdue prime-time patina

Ed Bark — 2010-03-01T18:03:49-06:00

NBC is filling one of Jay Leno's vacated prime-time holes with a new version of Parenthood from Ron Howard's production company. We explore its family dynamics here.

NBC gumbo: Olympics/Young/Conan; Marriage Ref; Leno to Tonight, prime-time takes flight

Ed Bark — 2010-03-01T04:27:46-06:00

Plus, now comes the new NBC, with Jay Leno reclaiming The Tonight Show while leaving five big holes to fill in the Peacock's prime-time schedule. Meanwhile, stations such as Fort Worth-based NBC5 are more than eager to re-roll the dice with late night newscasts that can't help but be better served without Leno as an appetizer.

It ain't heavy, it's my backpack: the changing faces of news in the digital age

Ed Bark — 2010-02-26T14:57:39-06:00

ABC News president David Westin sent tremors through his industry earlier this week with his announcement of a major digital age-driven makeover of his division. ...Also, NBC5 anchor Deborah Ferguson is among a crowded field of national Gracie Award winners while all four North Texan entrants survive the first viewer cut on American Idol.

Applauding Fox4's cornering of Red Cat weasel

Ed Bark — 2010-02-25T15:13:30-06:00

"Gotcha" journalism has its perils. But Dallas-based Fox4 was on solid ground Wednesday night in putting a guy on camera who strongly objected.

North Texan youths invade Idol, take beatings

Ed Bark — 2010-02-25T07:27:02-06:00

After Wednesday night's live sing-off, it's clear that the Fox colossus would just as soon be rid of three of them. ...Also, my home away from home, locatetv.com, tells you about Friday night's tribute to The Beatles' Abbey Road album on the third season premiere of Sundance Channel's Love From Abbey Road.

ABC News rocked by impending changes; Two and a Half Men suspends production in deference to Sheen's rehab

Ed Bark — 2010-02-23T18:38:53-06:00

Two late-breaking network developments Tuesday shook the foundations of ABC News and put prime-time's most popular sitcom temporarily on hold. Your two unclebarky.com reports are here (for ABC) and here (for Two and a Half Men).

More snow business -- but little of the actual stuff -- after local TV forecasting fest

Ed Bark — 2010-02-23T14:17:25-06:00

And in the end, it just doesn't matter all that much whether you're right or wrong. ...Plus, D-FW's "The 33" will be adding another half-hour of local news.

The Olympian, gold medal hair of Bob Costas (but shouldn't it be at least a little silver?)

Ed Bark — 2010-02-22T13:47:36-06:00

The Olympics roll along on NBC, with the ratings up, the U.S. stockpiling medals and host Bob Costas bringin' it all home. Which brings us to his hair in this penetrating unclebarky.com commentary.

Tiger Woods faces the cameras, but did he face the music, too?

Ed Bark — 2010-02-19T11:43:28-06:00

TV networks had blanket coverage of Tiger Woods' live statement Friday.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in. And on my home away from home, locatetv, check out what Simon Cowell had to say Thursday during a teleconference with TV writers.

Idol vs. Olympics: Round 2

Ed Bark — 2010-02-18T13:47:04-06:00

Also, HBO's Reporter documentary asks viewers to spend 90 minutes with New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof, who continues to report on genocide in the war-ravaged Congo despite massive stateside indifference.... Plus, former Friends star Lisa Kudrow talks about her new celebrity-spiked genealogy series, NBC's Who Do You Think You Are? The venue is my home away from home, locatetv.com.

Four North Texans (and six Texans all together) make Idol's Top 24 live performers

Ed Bark — 2010-02-18T01:02:02-06:00

Perhaps you only counted 23 identified and announced Top 24 semi-finalists on American Idol Wednesday night.... A late-night Fox news release, included at the end of our story, clarifies to a large extent why Urban was an invisible man.

Olympics vs. Idol: Who won in D-FW?

Ed Bark — 2010-02-17T10:23:53-06:00

And furthermore, unfairpark.com's Robert Wilonsky has been doing his usual first-rate job of keeping up with current and possible TV and film productions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.... Also, if you haven't seen them yet, check out your friendly content provider's two pieces on Fox's Code 58 series, which will premiere in May and is set up at Fair Park.

New CBS11/TXA21 boss talks about his first priority

Ed Bark — 2010-02-16T15:29:42-06:00

Broadcast TV veteran Gary Schneider, named Tuesday as president and general manager of DFW-based CBS11/TXA21, does his first one-on-one interview with unclebarky.com.... Also, the latest local Nielsen ratings are in for a very eventful weekend -- plus Monday.

Glimmering, shimmering: NBC5's new 10 p.m. anchor team

Ed Bark — 2010-02-15T15:50:00-06:00

Brian Curtis and Meredith Land debuted Friday night as custodians of NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts, replacing the deposed team of Jane McGarry and Mike Snyder.... Also, Cowboys Stadium immediately returns to a national spotlight Monday night with truTV's look back at the emporium's first regular season NFL game.

NBC5's McGarry talks about life after NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-02-12T16:12:44-06:00

NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry, whose portfolio suddenly no longer includes the station's 10 p.m. newscasts, talked at length with unclebarky.com in a telephone interview Friday. You can find it right here.

McGarry out, Land in as NBC5's new 10 p.m. co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-02-12T11:49:15-06:00

Jane McGarry's nearly 20-year reign as co-anchor of NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts ended abruptly Friday with the Fort Worth-based station's announcement that incumbent anchor/reporter Meredith Land will be replacing her. She starts tonight after NBC's telecast of the Winter Olympics' opening ceremonies while McGarry re-routes to the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.

More snow, more coverage, more pictures

Ed Bark — 2010-02-11T19:05:39-06:00

Unclebarky.com productions presents a second look at the day in snow, as portrayed on D-FW television screens.

Cowboy Colby tangles with varmint Russell in Big Tex subplot on Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains

Ed Bark — 2010-02-11T11:38:14-06:00

Also, take a look at D-FW's snow 'n' tell street reporters who braved the elements on Thursday's early morning newsers. And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show NBC5 with a bit of a skip in its step now that Jay Leno's prime-timer is gone.

Latest North Texas Idol angles

Ed Bark — 2010-02-10T10:10:08-06:00

American Idol's Hollywood rounds kicked in Tuesday night, with 17 North Texans among the nearly 200 hopefuls.... See what new shows the Peacock will be promoting while also trumpeting Jay Leno's March 1st return to The Tonight Show.

Fox's Past Life is present-day lifeless

Ed Bark — 2010-02-09T13:24:01-06:00

Fox blesses another new series with a post-Idol launch Tuesday night.... Also, Fox4 has added a bit of bell/whistle to its 9 p.m. newscasts.

Super Bowl XLIV mashes MAS*H finale to become most-watched program in TV history

Ed Bark — 2010-02-08T15:16:15-06:00

But the last episode of CBS' M*A*S*H stood for nearly 27 years as the show with the largest audience in TV history.... Plus, truTV lamely tries to capitalize on pro football's massive popularity with Monday's launch of the six-part NFL Full Contact.

Letterman, Leno play-act in surprise Super Bowl spot

Ed Bark — 2010-02-08T11:30:39-06:00

Super Bowl XLIV's best spot was a surprise, one-time-only 15-second promo for Late Show with David Letterman that also made room for Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey.... Also, the big game blew past last year's matchup in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Old, tired, disheveled Mavs lose at home to roadkill Timberwolves

Ed Bark — 2010-02-05T22:51:37-06:00

I wanted to believe in this year's Dallas Mavericks, but what's the point after Friday's desultory 9-point home loss to the toothless Minnesota Timberwolves. Time to vent while hoping that Dirk gets traded to a team that might someday get him a ring.

Undercover Boss works well in post-Super Bowl slot

Ed Bark — 2010-02-05T15:11:04-06:00

Houston-based Waste Management, Inc. and its well-disposed COO are on display in CBS' Undercover Boss, this year's Super Bowl followup act.... And this mostly does.

A great Danes performance (lame pun intended) in HBO's Temple Grandin

Ed Bark — 2010-02-05T11:20:03-06:00

But in its infancy, you won't see a better performance on any sized screen than Claire Danes as the autistic title character in HBO's Temple Grandin.... Also, WFAA8 gets off to a fast start in the truncated February "sweeps" sprint at 10 p.m.

Exactly how many North Texans are in Idol's Hollywood mix?

Ed Bark — 2010-02-04T12:08:43-06:00

But after due diligence, we've got the complete list of North Texans plus the contingent from other parts of the state. ...In that context, we bring you video of a still smokin' hot one from 1969, when Tom Jones went toe-to-toe with Janis Joplin.

Season 6 Lost premiere holds two Jacks, a pair of Kates, etc.

Ed Bark — 2010-02-03T10:20:39-06:00

Lost continued to throw curves Tuesday night, giving its principal characters parallel lives.... Also, Lost finds a nice-sized audience in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Lost takes last cracks at finding its way

Ed Bark — 2010-02-02T11:50:02-06:00

ABC's Lost starts its sixth and final season Tuesday with a two-hour episode. ...Plus, what was up with NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry and that "Sickening Smell" graphic Monday night?

WFAA8 throws a debate, debuts an anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-02-01T04:32:22-06:00

WFAA8 had an eventful weekend, with a finely tuned Republican gubernatorial faceoff on Friday night and Sunday morning's debut of the Dallas-based station's weekend morning anchor. ...Also, Conan O'Brien goes out a winner with a big week in the late night ratings while Sunday night's Grammy telecast on CBS goes out with a whimper during a top-heavily censored three-way rap among the genre's elite.

Withering heights: Kimmel escalates feud with Leno

Ed Bark — 2010-01-29T11:47:21-06:00

Jimmy Kimmel's takes on NBC's late night pratfalls are pungent and now very personal. On Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live, he socked it to Jay Leno after Leno claimed that Kimmel had "sucker punched" him during a recent "10 at 10" segment.

And now Ray Romano as Al Capone . . .

Ed Bark — 2010-01-28T16:03:47-06:00

But our latest "Making a List" is for real, counting down the Top 10 head-scratching TV portrayals of real-life people by big-name stars. Also, Dallas-based WFAA8 finds itself near the top of the national download charts with its newly launched news app for the Apple iPhone and ITouch.

Idol worship peaks with Dallas auditions

Ed Bark — 2010-01-28T11:00:17-06:00

Wednesday's American Idol auditions from Dallas had more D-FW viewers on a single network -- Fox -- than President Obama's State of the Union Address had on the Big Four broadcast networks -- Fox, ABC, CBS and NBC. ...Also, we review Wednesday's Idol festivities on both Fox and Fox4.

Leno up-close in a vintage interview that still holds true

Ed Bark — 2010-01-27T13:27:35-06:00

Back in spring 1995, Jay Leno was still the relatively new host of The Tonight Show and hadn't yet taken the ratings measure of arch rival David Letterman. Your friendly content provider interviewed him in his Burbank offices, where Leno let his guard down and pretty much said it all about himself.

All-Star hoops in Dallas will have a big hurdle in prime-time

Ed Bark — 2010-01-26T13:48:18-06:00

And local TV stations, with the possible exception of one, will devote plenty of air time to the Feb. 14th NBA All-Star game in Dallas at Jerry's Palace.... Which puts the All-Stars on likely thin ice ratings-wise -- even in these parts.

Branching out again with another cnn.com commentary

Ed Bark — 2010-01-26T12:33:09-06:00

Your friendly content provider has another commentary on cnn.com, this one on the future talking points in late night TV now that the Conan O'Brien/NBC soap opera has ceased.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in place on unclebarky.com, and ABC's increasingly popular Castle is a prime beneficiary.

Big doings in Dallas: new Fox action-comedy cop series set to start production Tuesday, with Fair Park as home base

Ed Bark — 2010-01-25T14:33:59-06:00

It's from the creator of USA network's Burn Notice, and he sees Dallas as a "great city to jump on the hood of a car." Get our complete report here, including pictures and inteviews. Also, the D-FW weekend Nielsen ratings are in, with high profile attractions ranging from Sunday's Saints-Vikings white-knuckler to Friday's last Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

Syfy fo fum: Caprica launches as Battlestar Galactica prequel

Ed Bark — 2010-01-22T15:00:58-06:00

Plus, be sure to spend four minutes with The Late Night War, a Ken Burns mockumentary from Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live. The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, too, and they're a boon for the next-to-last Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

Starz new Spartacus is violent, excessive -- and bloody well done

Ed Bark — 2010-01-21T16:40:48-06:00

The gladiator goings-on are unflinchingly graphic in the new Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are another big flex for American Idol.

Tonight, Tonight: Conan out, Leno back in

Ed Bark — 2010-01-21T13:53:54-06:00

NBC made it official Thursday, freeing Conan O'Brien from his contract with the network while re-deploying Jay Leno as Tonight Show host. We give you all the details -- and then analyze -- on our Network News & Reviews page.

Dallas-made The Deep End premieres as ABC's latest law drama

Ed Bark — 2010-01-20T13:53:08-06:00

Filmed mostly in Dallas but set in L.A., ABC's The Deep End dog-paddles into view Thursday night as a legal drama with a Grey's Anatomy over-coat.... We also have the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings and a look at Friday's two-hour benefit for Haiti, which will be shown on an unprecedented array of broadcast and cable networks.

Incoming at WFAA8: two new weekend news anchors

Ed Bark — 2010-01-19T16:40:30-06:00

WFAA8 is adjusting its weekend newscast picture by adding a pair of anchors from the East and West coasts.... And we catch you up on all the big developments from the TV critics "press tour" with links to the complete stories your friendly content provider wrote from Pasadena for locatetv.com.

CW's newest: Life Unexpected

Ed Bark — 2010-01-18T17:39:56-06:00

Rife with false moments and falser mood music, The CW's Life Unexpected premieres Monday.... Also, we catch up on all those D-FW ratings reports we missed while away, with the exception of Sunday's.

Back on site and catching up

Ed Bark — 2010-01-18T00:16:43-06:00

We've resumed posting on unclebarky.com after a highly eventful week of Conan/Leno/Simon intrigue at the Television Critics Association "press tour" in Pasadena. ...Plus, a brief look at Sunday night's Golden Globes show and a review of Fox's Human Target, which continues with a second episode on Wednesday night after Sunday's sneak-preview.

Leaving on a jet plane (pretty much know when I'll be back again)

Ed Bark — 2010-01-07T16:51:42-06:00

You can find them here, and I encourage you to do so periodically for the latest on what the networks have in mind. ...We have new reviews of this Sunday's 20th anniversary Simpsons special and of next week's new and ultra-ribald/risque FX animated series, Archer.

New Survivor includes old Texas heartthrob

Ed Bark — 2010-01-07T11:26:35-06:00

Former Dallas car customizer Colby Donaldson, heroic figure of 2001's Survivor: The Australian Outback, returns to play again in CBS' upcoming 10th anniversary edition, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings boost both The People's Choice Awards and CBS11's cold weather 10 p.m. newscast.

Krystle gets Good Day visibility boost

Ed Bark — 2010-01-06T12:43:36-06:00

Dismayed by somewhat slumbering ratings for its early morning Good Day program, Dallas-based Fox4 is giving former substitute anchor Krystle Gutierrez a more prominent role.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that CBS' crime shows squeezed out Fox's Orange Bowl telecast.

Contract negotiations at CBS11, big numbers for an otherwise despondent TCU, Brit Hume plays God, etc.

Ed Bark — 2010-01-05T13:46:47-06:00

Two prominent CBS11 news personalities remain in contract renewal talks as 2010 kicks in. TCU's disappointing Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State again proves that misery loves company.... And WFAA anchor/reporter Shelly Slater shows off her big ol' high school smile in our belated li'l wrapup of the station's Big D NYE telecast.

By the numbers: Cowboys in review

Ed Bark — 2010-01-04T13:27:25-06:00

And on unclebarky.com, we've got the top-to-bottom D-FW Nielsen ratings for all 16 games. Which was the biggest draw -- and the biggest "loser" -- in a season where every Cowboys contest topped the one million mark?

Fox/Time Warner tiff is good news for news print

Ed Bark — 2010-01-04T02:00:38-06:00

Who benefited the most from the recently settled transmission dispute between Fox Networks Group and Time Warner Cable? Read all about it here, and get a few other D-FW news scoops as well.

Peacock, not Fox, plucks plum Cowboys-Eagles playoff rematch

Ed Bark — 2010-01-04T00:25:13-06:00

The TV schedule for this weekend's four opening playoff games was set Sunday night, with NBC announcing that it will have Saturday night's rematch between Dallas and Philadelphia at Cowboys Stadium. ...So if the Cowboys win on Saturday night -- and that's a big if -- Fox4 can still clean up with at least one and possibly two huge post-season draws.

Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to one and all!!!

Ed Bark — 2009-12-23T10:34:21-06:00

So with kids comin' in and lots still left to do, we bid all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Unclebarky.com will take a bit of a break and resume posting early in 2010, which will be the fifth year to fly this banner after a Sept. 17, 2006 startup.

A light dusting of postings

Ed Bark — 2009-12-22T09:57:32-06:00

It's a cuddler from WFAA8's Joe Trahan on the Dallas Cowboys' Monday visits to area children's hospitals. Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a big crowd for the Giants' pasting of Washington on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

We say goodbye to D-FW television's departing class of 2009

Ed Bark — 2009-12-21T15:39:03-06:00

Some left voluntarily, others were pushed out. Unclebarky.com lists them one and all in our annual year-end compendium of D-FW television personalities who are now out of our pictures.

Cowboys-saints roll up big ratings, of course (But how big on a Christmas party-filled Saturday night?)

Ed Bark — 2009-12-21T11:39:11-06:00

The Dallas Cowboys' big upset win over previously unbeaten New Orleans played on two channels Saturday night.... Also, the 10th "Countdown to Christmas" video is WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's latest "Thank God For Kids" video/commentary, delivered Sunday night.

Baron James signs off at Fox4; Randy Galloway dead wrong again

Ed Bark — 2009-12-20T15:06:29-06:00

Fox4 anchor Baron James said goodbye to viewers Friday night, leaving a month earlier than the station initially planned.... And acerbic Randy Galloway's prediction of a 100-3 Cowboys loss to New Orleans didn't quite turn out that way.

No more Gibson on ABC's World News

Ed Bark — 2009-12-18T18:55:18-06:00

Charles "Charlie" Gibson signed off Friday from ABC's World News, leaving "The Chair" to Diane Sawyer. We've got details and a picture here.

Another new Katie kids book from former weathercaster Kristine Kahanek

Ed Bark — 2009-12-18T11:16:33-06:00

She'll be signing and reading copies of her latest Katie and the Magic Umbrella kids book on Friday evening, Dec. 18th.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscast almost overcoming a mammoth lead-in disadvantage on the last night of the station's Santa's Helpers toy drive.

New TCM special looks at giant-sized world of Hollywood epics

Ed Bark — 2009-12-17T15:11:55-06:00

The towering, budget-busting epic, epitomized by Gone with the Wind and Ben-Hur, will be revisited Sunday night in a nifty TCM special that itself will be surrounded by some classics of the genre.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the bin.

Weighing in on Wade and the Cowboys -- again

Ed Bark — 2009-12-16T17:45:06-06:00

Unclebarky.com again ventures into sports opinion territory with this helpful suggestion. If you're going to fire Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips right now, then do likewise to his chief antagonist, Randy Galloway.

2009: A very turbulent TV year

Ed Bark — 2009-12-16T13:05:21-06:00

The national TV landscape shook, got rattled and tried to roll with the punches in 2009.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that viewers like their holiday viewing wrapped in body bags.

Globes noms a plus for Glee and Modern Family

Ed Bark — 2009-12-15T11:30:12-06:00

Golden Globes nominations, announced Tuesday, make ample room at the TV table for broadcast network comedies.... Also, the sixth in our series of "Countdown to Christmas" videos features Jennifer Hudson from Monday night's sparkling ABC special.

NBC's post-Winter Olympics lineup on a slippery downhill slop to Blagojevich

Ed Bark — 2009-12-14T15:30:17-06:00

NBC has announced its post-Winter Olympics schedule, which makes room for former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich on a third edition of Donald Trump's alleged Celebrity Apprentice. Also, we have a revealing look back -- via Back Channels -- at new Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, who was hawking his first book in Dallas a decade ago. Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show some diminishing returns for Sunday's newest Cowboys December loss.

One's a Christmas video, one's not but sure looks like one

Ed Bark — 2009-12-11T11:48:34-06:00

Our daily "Countdown to Christmas" video harkens back to Mad Men times with this time capsule pitch for cigarettes under the tree. Also, check out a new NBC5 promo that has all the trappings of a holiday commercial, but instead veers elsewhere at spot's end.

George, Juju join GMA as anticipated

Ed Bark — 2009-12-10T15:01:02-06:00

ABC News officially announced what had been widely reported -- George Stephanopoulos and Juju Chang respectively are replacing Diane Sawyer and Chris Cuomo on Good Morning America.... Also, ABC has announced a January spot for The Deep End, a legal drama recently filmed in Dallas but set in L.A.

Abrupt departure: CBS11 president/GM Steve Mauldin heading West two weeks after landmark November sweeps news win

Ed Bark — 2009-12-10T13:50:08-06:00

CBS11 president and general manager Steve Mauldin is heading West to take charge of the network's biggest duopoly -- KCBS/KCAL-TV. He spent nearly seven years in D-FW, and finally reached the promised land in November with a razor-thin "sweeps" victory in the 10 p.m. local news wars.

Not making this up: Conveyor Belt of Love coming soon to ABC

Ed Bark — 2009-12-10T11:41:05-06:00

ABC's latest looking-for-true-love gambit makes Flava of Love seem like Washington Week In Review.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in. And the third video entry in our "Countdown to Christmas" collection looks like an instant contemporary classic to me.

GMT After Dark bumps Charlie Brown, substitutes product-hawking and disheveled "Santa Gordo"

Ed Bark — 2009-12-09T18:08:47-06:00

WFAA8's prime-time edition of Good Morning Texas After Dark offered a blizzard of pre-paid promotions in place of Charlie Brown Tuesday night.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show Jay Leno playing Santa to NBC5's 10 p.m. newscast.

Traumatized Nowitzki says he pigged out after fiancee scandal

Ed Bark — 2009-12-08T17:53:12-06:00

Fox Sports Southwest's latest In My Own Words special finds Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki in an unusually talkative mood.... Also, Fox's Glee will be taking the winter off after Wednesday's "fall finale."

Late afternoon local news expansion coming to CBS11

Ed Bark — 2009-12-08T11:16:14-06:00

CBS11 will be expanding its 4 p.m. newscast to a full hour, starting early next year.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are a nice present for Carrie Underwood's Fox holiday special.

TNT's Men of a Certain Age is grownup comedy/drama set in late 40s

Ed Bark — 2009-12-07T12:50:04-06:00

Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula are ripe for TNT's very promising new Men of a Certain Age, which premieres Monday.... Also, the Cowboys' loss to the Giants of course has Giant-sized ratings.

CBS11 investigative reporter Bennett Cunningham leaves station in face of proposed salary cut

Ed Bark — 2009-12-04T17:09:20-06:00

Veteran CBS11 investigator Bennett Cunningham called it a day at the D-FW station Friday rather than take a proposed pay cut.... Also, cable's syfy network very much "re-imagines" Alice In Wonderland in a four-hour production beginning Sunday.

Barbecuing with saucy mouths on TLC's new Texas-infused BBQ Pitmasters

Ed Bark — 2009-12-03T16:59:38-06:00

The "high-stakes world of competitive barbecue" comes into view on TLC's eight-episode BBQ Pitmasters, co-starring three grillers from Texas. We hold it to the fire here.

Cable's king in Comcast's big buy of NBC Universal from GE

Ed Bark — 2009-12-03T13:18:18-06:00

That much is clear from Thursday's long-anticipated announcement that Comcast will be taking over NBC Universal.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show Rudolph winning by much more than a nose in a duel of annual Christmas specials.

Brain optional in Jesse Ventura's new Conspiracy Theory series

Ed Bark — 2009-12-02T15:15:30-06:00

Wrestler turned governor turned "detective" Jesse Ventura finds sinister forces at work in truTV's Conspiracy Theory.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that a one night respite from The Jay Leno Show can be a pretty good deal for NBC5's 10 p.m. newscast.

No laurels for Lauer: His Today interview with State Dinner Salahis misses one big base (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-12-01T11:58:20-06:00

Pleading their innocence all the way to the bank -- or to possible prosecution -- Michaele and Tareq Salahi made their case exclusively to Today's Matt Lauer Tuesday. ...So unclebarky.com steps in to assess the punching power of WFAA8's head man, who says his station is still No.

Salahi, Salahi, baloney -- but Today's got 'em

Ed Bark — 2009-12-01T03:07:16-06:00

NBC's Today announced Monday night that it's nabbed the first interview with State Dinner-crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahi. ...Our exhaustive report on the November "sweeps" local newscast ratings, with WFAA8 and CBS11 waging all-out war at 10 p.m., is now residing in the November archives.

Opining on cnn.com

Ed Bark — 2009-11-30T15:46:32-06:00

Your friendly content provider, upon request, has entered the realm of cnn.com with a commentary on the State Dinner-crashing Salahis and their thirst to be reality TV stars. If you'd like, you can read it here.

Slugfest at 10 p.m., with head men at WFAA8 and CBS11 still trading punches after the bell

Ed Bark — 2009-11-30T14:11:33-06:00

Uncle Barky's corner men are toweling him off after WFAA8 honcho Mike Devlin heatedly declared it a tie while CBS11's Steve Mauldin basically said that excuses are for losers. Get all the details here on what likely was the closest 10 p.m. race in the history of this market.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and you and you

Ed Bark — 2009-11-25T12:39:26-06:00

We'll be taking a few days off to celebrate the holiday. But not before thanking all of unclebarky.com's readers for their continued support and interest.

Anchor Baron James getting walking papers at Fox4

Ed Bark — 2009-11-25T11:03:50-06:00

Veteran Fox4 anchor Baron James won't be part of the Dallas-based station's news team for much longer.... Also, CBS11 still clings to a first-place ratings ledge with one night to go in its 10 p.m. November "sweeps" battle with WFAA8.

Idol returns (of course) amid Fox's shaken and stirred midseason lineup

Ed Bark — 2009-11-24T18:32:09-06:00

Fox announced its midseason lineup early Tuesday evening, and unclebarky.com has all the details here. Notable omission: Glee will be going away for a while after its "fall finale."

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Mon., Nov. 23)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-24T13:38:31-06:00

The white-hot war for 10 p.m. ratings supremacy is in its closing stages, with both WFAA8 and CBS11 throwing a little fear factor into the top of their newscasts.... Also, see just how close it is at 10 p.m. in our latest D-FW Nielsen ratings "Snapshot."

Up-close with an unguarded Oprah (just don't take her picture)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-23T16:49:37-06:00

Oprah Winfrey's decision to leave her daytime talk show -- nearly two years from now -- prompts a return to a 1986 interview in Dallas just a month before the launch of her long-running syndicated smash. ...Also, we have reviews of a new KERA13 special on the Trinity River and the latest anniversary-tied look at the dark day that President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Thurs., Nov. 19)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-20T15:05:11-06:00

We're training our sights on just the two Titans -- WFAA8 and CBS11 -- as the November "sweeps" ratings period hits the homestretch. They're locked in a virtual dead heat for the 10 p.m. lead in total viewers.

Oprah's long goodbye looks like pretty good news for WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2009-11-20T08:45:14-06:00

The "Queen of Talk's" decision to leave broadcast TV -- effective with the Sept. 9, 2011 finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show -- likely won't leave Dallas-based WFAA8 in tears. In fact there may be some jubilation, although no one can say that publicly.

"Street Squad" violation?

Ed Bark — 2009-11-19T17:33:25-06:00

James Rose, whose "Street Squad" reports appear weekly on Fox4's 9 p.m. newscast, is a generally solid veteran with an aggressive bent. Should he have yielded, though, when a motorist kept telling him she didn't want to be on TV after being busted for a minor traffic violation?

New night for Lost's last season

Ed Bark — 2009-11-19T16:21:31-06:00

ABC has announced a launch date for the sixth and final season of Lost.... Also, we go "Up-Close and Objective" with an emphasis on CBS11's gamesmanship during the backstretch of the hotly contested 10 p.m. ratings race.

CBS11 ends 10 p.m. downturn, still clings to paper-thin lead over WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2009-11-19T10:41:07-06:00

Nielsen ratings for Wednesday's 10 p.m. D-FW newscasts show CBS11 stopping a 5-night losing skid to remain precariously atop the late night news race with just five weeknights remaining in the November "sweeps." CBS11 is trying to win at 10 p.m. in total viewers for the first time ever in a sweeps period.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Tues., Nov. 17)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-18T16:43:20-06:00

Battered Reunion Arena finally came tumbling down Tuesday afternoon, providing a picture-perfect TV story that all but one station capitalized on. The one that didn't might shock you -- as they like to tease in the TV biz.... Also, a rallying WFAA8 continues to hit ratings homers at 10 p.m. in its quest to remain late night's power-hitter.

Meteorologist MacLaughlin leaving NBC5

Ed Bark — 2009-11-18T15:01:43-06:00

By ED BARK Meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin, nearly a six-year veteran of Fort Worth-based NBC5's weather team, has decided to leave the station at the end of his contract, which expires in January. "Steve's choice to leave is simple," NBC5 vice president of content development Susan Tully said in a memo to staffers Wednesday.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Mon., Nov. 16)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-17T16:00:03-06:00

Our latest critical assessment is in place, with WFAA8 under the most scrutiny after first deploying scare tactics and then reverting to anchor hijinks while weatherman Pete Delkus tried to get his sub-freezing game face on. Get the details here. ...It's the heart of the November "sweeps," and the 10 p.m. battle between WFAA8 and CBS11 remains way too close to call.

Meet 'n' greet with Oprah 'n' Sarah

Ed Bark — 2009-11-16T19:40:48-06:00

Sarah Palin launched the TV portion of her book tour Monday with a much-publicized appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.... Also, check out an evocative collection of D-FW newscast openings, circa 1986.

Calling all bootys -- the bigger the better

Ed Bark — 2009-11-16T12:40:40-06:00

Here's the come-on: "For anyone who is ready to make a change and bust a move while doing it, this is the chance of a lifetime to turn flab into fab while America cheers on!" Your chance of a lifetime arrives on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dallas Powerhouse of Dance, 12300 Inwood Road #124.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Fri., Nov. 13)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-16T12:20:33-06:00

The D-FW television market's two most prominent cop shop reporters battled it out with their stations' lead stories Friday night while rival stations had nothing to report on the calculated slow-down in traffic tickets by protesting police officers.... Also, the weekend ratings "Snapshot" has the latest Cowboys numbers plus a look at the ever-tightening 10 p.m. newscast race.

Ghost of Christmases past? Troy Dungan says Santa's Helpers toy drive apparently will go on without him for first time in more than 30 years

Ed Bark — 2009-11-13T13:33:03-06:00

Former WFAA8 weatherman Troy Dungan, synonymous with Dallas-based WFAA8's Santa's Helpers toy drive since its inception in the 1970s, says the station hasn't invited him this time around.... Also, our latest 10 p.m. newscast report card is in. And WFAA8 closes the gap in what looks to be a down-to-the-wire 10 p.m. newscast ratings race with CBS11.

AMC's re-do of The Prisoner again plays by the numbers

Ed Bark — 2009-11-13T08:18:32-06:00

AMC's six-hour "reinterpretation" of the cult classic The Prisoner fires up on Sunday night. And complex though it may be, at least you'll get a resolution this time.

CBS11 meteorologist Larry Mowry a dad anew

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T16:47:13-06:00

CBS11 chief meteorologist Larry Mowry and his wife, Lisa, are new parents of a second daughter. ...Mowry joined CBS11 in January 2008 from the CBS affiliate in Orlando, FL. Congrats to all.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Wed., Nov. 11)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T15:22:33-06:00

D-FW's 10 p.m. newscasts get another content inspection in our latest ratings sweeps compendium. Take a look at the good/bad/laughable right here.

Tight local news races across the board as November "sweeps" hit halfway point

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T11:22:11-06:00

Our latest Nielsen ratings "snapshot" shows WFAA8 getting a nice boost at 10 p.m. from ABC's dominant Country Music Association Awards.... We've got the results from Wednesday night plus the 10-day newscast ratings averages at 6 a.m. and 5, 6 and 10 p.m. For info.

Dobbs done with CNN

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T08:42:15-06:00

Self-promoting, hackles-raising Lou Dobbs has left CNN. He announced his departure on Wednesday's edition of Lou Dobbs Tonight.

Hank, Dollhouse marching off cliffs

Ed Bark — 2009-11-11T17:31:54-06:00

The reaper's blade is sharpening as the holiday season nears. Prime-time's latest cuts are ABC's Hank and Fox's Dollhouse.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Tues., Nov. 10)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-11T13:49:38-06:00
Tuesday afternoon's Fort Hood memorial ceremony was still very much in evidence on that night's 10 p.m. newscasts.... Check out our latest summations, including WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's joking reference to a former colleague as a terrorist.

Up-close and objective ( 10 p.m. newscasts, Mon., Nov. 9)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-10T16:59:23-06:00
The November "sweeps" are in full bloom as we launch two weeks of watching the 10 p.m. newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11.... And Smithsonian Channel's six-hour documentary Apocalypse, premiering on Veterans Day, provides a stark new look at World War II.

It's on: KXT-FM (91.7) makes its music felt

Ed Bark — 2009-11-09T09:28:12-06:00
Dallas-based KXT-FM (91.7) launched Monday morning as the music arm of long-running 90.1 FM. Give a listen if you'd like.

Two winning teams Sunday night -- Cowboys and NBC's Michaels/Collinsworth

Ed Bark — 2009-11-09T00:54:28-06:00
The Cowboys notched their most impressive win of the season Sunday night. Lucky for us we had Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth to bring it on home.

Lopez, Sykes ready to colorize late night TV (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-06T13:52:05-06:00
Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show which stations drew the most viewers for their breaking news coverage of the Fort Hood shootings.... For those who are interested, the first commentary, on Sarah Palin's upcoming TV tour, can be found here.

Fort Hood shootings test the quick response capabilities of North Texas TV stations

Ed Bark — 2009-11-05T19:27:39-06:00
When tragedy struck at Fort Hood, Fox4 proved highly adept at covering itself. Its three principal D-FW rivals otherwise set the pace with live reports and interviews.

Deborah does Dallas, pitching a new book on respect and also talking about how NBC gave her none (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-05T13:24:17-06:00
Deborah Norville brought her new book to Dallas. Photo: Ed Bark Touting her latest book, The Power of Respect, Deborah Norville also remembers the heavy-duty dissing she took as a Today show co-anchor.... Also, check out the Tonight Show's dramatic readings of Levi Johnston's alleged tweets, which have the punk and his lawyer demanding a retraction.

Babs/Palin matching up on ABC (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-04T11:46:51-06:00
Barbara Walters will notch another "Big Get" when she quizzes Sarah Palin in a series of interviews during the November "sweeps" ratings period.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings chart V's heavily hyped touch-down in this market.

Dirk at work

Ed Bark — 2009-11-03T22:55:06-06:00
Tuesday night's best TV drama had nothing to do with actors and their roles. How many viewers saw what Dirk did to the Jazz after all seemed hopeless?

Hell-o-o-o-o. Does anyone out there actually watch the commercials during DVR playback? (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-03T13:02:42-06:00
Nielsen Media Research says, and The New York Times is reporting, that almost half of TV viewers in the motherlode 18-to-49 age group actually watch the commercials during DVR playbacks.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that the World Series did all right in North Texas Monday night, but still was no match for ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Leapin' lizards: V at last lands on ABC

Ed Bark — 2009-11-02T17:54:58-06:00
After a super-spashy promotional campaign, the sci-fi series V finally visits Earth and ABC Tuesday night.... Plus, the latest Cowboys-infused D-FW ratings are in. And we also look at the Barry Levinson documentary Poliwood, in which the acclaimed filmmaker finally discovers the link between politics, TV and show biz.

Inside Edition goes after Cheaters -- which probably loves the pub

Ed Bark — 2009-11-02T12:02:16-06:00
Bobby Goldstein of Cheaters and Inside Edition's Deborah Norville By ED BARK File this one under "The image on the Lincoln penny is that of -- Lincoln." ...The syndicated tabloid show (4:30 p.m. locally on CBS11) will report on Tuesday's edition that Cheaters "has hired people to pretend they have been caught in the act of cheating on their spouses or lovers."

Back in play -- after the play

Ed Bark — 2009-11-02T02:32:01-06:00
Daughter Liz after her play and with playgoers. Photos: Dad We're back from Chicago, where daughter Liz Ladach-Bark directed the original play 1512 West Studebaker Place at Prop Theater. ...You can catch up with last week's Tuesday-Thursday D-FW Nielsen ratings -- which include the first day of the November "sweeps" -- by going here, here and here.

Fast break to Windy City

Ed Bark — 2009-10-27T23:42:34-05:00
Darlin' daughter Liz is directing an original play, 1512 West Studebaker Place, which has its world premiere in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 30th. So your friendly content provider will be taking a respite for the next three days to see the show and bask in her considerable accomplishment.

See spots run

Ed Bark — 2009-10-27T23:42:28-05:00
Also, the FX cable network premieres the new comedy series The League on Thursday, Oct. 29th. It's about a Fantasy Football League run by -- what else -- hopelessly infantile men with R-rated sexual hangups.

Shine on: Friday Night Lights begins a rousing Season 4 on DirecTV

Ed Bark — 2009-10-27T15:05:03-05:00
NBC's made-in-Austin Friday Night Lights kicks off Season 4 Wednesday night -- on DirecTV. As before, the Peacock will wait until later -- this time all the way to summer -- to air prime-time's most under-appreciated drama.

Roll 'em: Stop the Presses at last gets some TV time

Ed Bark — 2009-10-26T13:55:30-05:00
Stop the Presses: The American Newspaper in Peril, from Dallas filmmakers Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza, has its long overdue TV premiere tonight (Oct. 26th) on Dallas-based KERA13.... Plus, revisit a classic, cornpone 1987 promo in which a very folksy Dennis Weaver pitched the virtues of WFAA8's newscasts.

Picking the wrong fight: Obama vs. Fox News

Ed Bark — 2009-10-23T16:35:47-05:00
But why be a whiner when you have your own house organs on a rival cable news network?... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in and we have another local news video from the vault.

Oprah's State Fair show set

Ed Bark — 2009-10-22T17:48:50-05:00
Taped earlier this month, Oprah Winfrey's exhaustively chronicled day at the Texas State Fair will consume the Monday, Oct. 26th edition of her syndicated show. ...Included is a guest performance by country singer Martina McBride and a trip to the fair's fried food vat.

Nicely suited: White Collar and the USA network

Ed Bark — 2009-10-22T16:47:47-05:00
Cable USA network launches another breezy new drama series Friday night while corporate sibling NBC idles in place at the same hour with The Jay Leno Show.... Also, Dallas-born ventriloquist Jeff Dunham starts his new series on Comedy Central Thursday night.

Fox4's Doocy still without a voice (updates)

Ed Bark — 2009-10-21T15:08:29-05:00
Also, check out our review of CNN's two-part Latino In America documentary, which launches Wednesday night. The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in. And in case you missed WFAA8 traffic reporter Alexa Conomos' hiccup episode, well, here it is.

Upon further review, are the Cowboys really as bad as many D-FW commentators seem to think they are?

Ed Bark — 2009-10-20T13:14:10-05:00
Uncle Barky straps on his helmet to make a case for the Cowboys while also playing smash mouth with ESPN radio's Randy Galloway among others.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings again show baseball's drama-filled post-season games being obliterated by just about anything played on a gridiron.

What're you watchin' at 10 p.m.? (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-10-16T12:19:53-05:00
Plus, we show you why there's only one network that really cares about the care and feeding of its affiliates' late night newscasts. The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in. And Uncle Barky puts his manhood in a blind trust to review Lifetime's Sorority Wars.

Bon Jovi exclusive to NBC during "Artist in Residence" stint tied to new CD

Ed Bark — 2009-10-15T13:18:01-05:00
NBC Universal's broadcast and cable networks will flog Jon Bon Jovi's upcoming new CD in return for an exclusive arrangement that keeps him off all rival networks. The deal includes an appearance on the NBC Nightly News, which used to be reserved for news.

Joan's arc: standout American Masters portrait of Baez gives Dylan his due, too (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-10-14T11:25:31-05:00
Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings further establish CBS11 as the new newscast to beat at 10 p.m. And you can see it here in case you didn't see Oprah Winfrey's close encounter with WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen.... Plus, another North Texan will be setting sail on The Bachelor when its 14th edition premieres in January.

Oprah does drive-by anchoring for WFAA8; TXA21 hires new co-anchor for "First In Prime" newscasts

Ed Bark — 2009-10-12T23:06:32-05:00
Oprah Winfrey anchored a newscast for the first time since December 1983 by her recollection. Her venue was WFAA8's 5 p.m. Monday edition.

Dream World Series still a reality

Ed Bark — 2009-10-12T12:53:33-05:00
Fox execs can't admit anything publicly, but you can bet they'll rooting for two teams this weekend as the American and National League Championship Series get underway.... And before Dallas-based KDFW-TV became Fox4, it had a Mike & Mike promo on its hands.

Fresh posts

Ed Bark — 2009-10-09T15:35:59-05:00
Yet another assassination special, History Channel's four-hour JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America, nonetheless is instructive and engrossing for young and old alike.... Also, another car chase broke out Friday, with all four of D-FW's major TV news providers along for the ride.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-10-08T13:05:41-05:00
Fans and students of TV can unite around the Archive of American Television and its fully loaded website.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings again show CBS11's 10 p.m. newscast successfully feeding off a bounteous network lead-in.

ABC -- easy as DVD: former D-FW television photographer finds his place in the new world

Ed Bark — 2009-10-07T16:24:11-05:00
Film at 11 (10 central): Gregg Primus has worked as a photographer at Fox4, NBC5 and WFAA8. Now he's lately reinvented himself as master of his own DVD domain.

What's the worst show on TV?

Ed Bark — 2009-10-07T12:44:53-05:00
Also, we rewind to a rare vintage interview with David Letterman, who first talked to your friendly content provider in 1983. He had a lot to say back then, and it's all on our Back Channels page.

Packers-Vikes set cable viewing record, smashing last fall's Cowboys-Eagles shootout

Ed Bark — 2009-10-06T17:51:13-05:00
By ED BARK Cable has a new all-time national viewing record, with 21.8 million watching ESPN's Monday Night Football showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. The larger-than-life encounter, with QB Brett Favre facing his old team for the first time, wiped out the previous record of 18.6 million viewers for the Sept. 15, 2008 MNF game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

Oh what a night: Letterman, Favre, DeLay all in play

Ed Bark — 2009-10-06T13:00:17-05:00
We riff on the continued adventures of David Letterman, Brett Favre and Tom DeLay while also picturing all of them in action on the Network News & Reviews page. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings were boffo for ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Lotsa new stuff inside (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-10-02T11:04:34-05:00
Also, check out our reviews of the new CBS medical series Three Rivers and of a Dallas-based gentlemen's club's showing on Thursday night's Rachel Maddow Show. ...Furthermore, Curb Your Enthusiasm's mock Seinfeld reunion begins taking shape Sunday night, with all four principal cast members returning.

Letterman's latest Late Show talker is his own acknowledgment of sex with staffers and a tell-all extortion plot (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-10-02T05:54:03-05:00
In one of the more bizarre 10 minutes of television in the medium's history, David Letterman outlined a $2 million extortion attempt on Thursday's CBS Late Show before finally telling viewers, "The creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who worked on this show." ...As word of mouth spreads, his ratings likely will go up even further in the short term. But the joking manner in which he disclosed his sexual relationships with staffers might not play favorably with some women viewers, even though Letterman said that at base level, "I am just a towering mass of Lutheran Midwestern guilt."

Newt's topless trip-up moves to national TV stage

Ed Bark — 2009-10-01T17:36:50-05:00
Newt Gingrich's dalliance with a Dallas-based gentlemen's club continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, and we have a nicely stocked TV Bulletin Board page.

Archival action

Ed Bark — 2009-10-01T02:42:28-05:00
We begin with the first October post on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you'll find news about former WFAA8 anchor Jeff Brady and current Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy. ...Also, thanks again to all who made their amazon.com or netflix purchases after first clicking on the ads on unclebarky.com.

WFAA8 reporter opts for bigger stage in Big Apple (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-09-30T13:29:10-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 is losing a full-time reporter and occasional substitute anchor to ABC's flagship station in New York.... Also, we scrutinize Tuesday night's battle for post-terrorist arrest scoops between 10 p.m. news kingpins WFAA8 and CBS11.

Grammer, Heaton take two more shots in new ABC comedies

Ed Bark — 2009-09-29T15:37:39-05:00
After working together in Fox's failed Back To You, Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton are back-to-back Wednesday nights in ABC's Hank and The Middle.... Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings break down the Cowboys' latest triumphant march through some high-profile network programming.

Rowlett at rest, with a little teaching on the side

Ed Bark — 2009-09-28T13:45:30-05:00
Former anchor Tracy Rowlett after teaching at SMU. Photo: Ed Bark Tracy Rowlett, who spent 35 years in front of a camera at WFAA8 and then CBS11, seems more content in semi-retirement.... Check out our update on one of D-FW's signature news anchors.

Crash/boom -- Trauma barges onto NBC

Ed Bark — 2009-09-28T11:25:02-05:00
The last of NBC's new fall series, Trauma, premieres Monday. It looks like they may have spent some of that money they're saving on The Jay Leno Show.

Fox's Cleveland Show makes it three from Seth

Ed Bark — 2009-09-27T14:00:09-05:00
Seth MacFarlane, Fox's King of Cartoons, adds another notch Sunday night with the premiere of The Cleveland Show. Our review is here, where we also note the arrival of Ken Burns' latest PBS opus and the return of Showtime's Dexter for Season 4.

D-FW's 10 p.m. newscasts converge on aborted terrorist bombing (updated with other links to inside stuff)

Ed Bark — 2009-09-25T10:28:16-05:00
A would-be bomber's thwarted attempt to level downtown Dallas's Fountain Place building topped the 10 p.m. newscasts of all four major TV news providers. ...It stars former New York Giants mainstay Michael Strahan, but the actress who plays his mama carries the ball.

ABC's FlashForward begins accelerating

Ed Bark — 2009-09-24T11:27:17-05:00
Preceded by the fall season's biggest promotional campaign, ABC's FlashForward at last is nearly here.... And for grins, take a look at a quick but classic Daybreak blooper.

Our marathon run continues

Ed Bark — 2009-09-23T15:42:43-05:00
Click here for our combined reviews of ABC's Modern Family, Cougar Town and Eastwick.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are largely a big plus for CBS -- and a nice little plus for The 33's new 5:30 p.m. local newscast.

Throw another new whodunit on the fire -- namely ABC's The Forgotten

Ed Bark — 2009-09-22T16:31:56-05:00
ABC's first series from CBS hitmaker Jerry Bruckheimer -- a crime drama, of course -- joins Tuesday night's roster of premieres. Our review of The Forgotten is here.

Cowboys-Giants set record high for Sunday Night Football while Emmys escape record low

Ed Bark — 2009-09-22T12:29:45-05:00
Dagnabbit, we lost the dadgummed game: Perturbed Cowboys coach Wade Phillips and happier Emmy host Neil Patrick Harris Sunday. By ED BARK The New York Giants last second win over the Dallas Cowboys set a national ratings record for NBC's Sunday Night Football. Averaging 24.8 million viewers, it also was the most-watched prime-time regular season NFL game since the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers drew 27 million viewers on Dec. 15, 1997.

CBS invigorates its Tuesday lineup with effective spinoff, terrific newcomer (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-09-22T10:09:56-05:00
Also, we chart the Dancing with the Stars debuts of Tom DeLay and Michael Irvin on the TV Bulletin Board page. And we have a complete look at how an array of heavy-hitting prime-time attractions fared in D-FW on the first official night of the fall season.

More new stuff inside -- pant, pant

Ed Bark — 2009-09-21T15:43:17-05:00
Check out our new unclebarky.com posts on Lauren Przybyl's Good Day debut and the blockbuster D-FW ratings for Sunday night's Cowboys-Giants game. Also, we review CBS' latest Monday night sitcom entry, Accidentally On Purpose starring Jenna Elfman.

Cowboys, Emmys, Megan

Ed Bark — 2009-09-21T04:32:04-05:00
CBS threw on the annual prime-time Emmy Awards against the Cowboys game Sunday night.... Also, former Good Day anchor Megan Henderson can be seen on a rival D-FW station's newscasts this week.

Cowboys new stadium gets joy ride on NBC's Today

Ed Bark — 2009-09-18T12:53:59-05:00
NBC's Today show touched down at Jerry's palace in Arlington Friday for two-hours of adulation. ...And check out the review of HBO's new Bored to Death comedy series, which will follow the Season 7 premiere of Curb Your Enthusiasm this Sunday.

Unclebarky.com careens into 4th year of existence

Ed Bark — 2009-09-18T08:05:42-05:00
A contemplative little Unca Barky envisions running his own website someday while perched comfortably on a patch of Racine, Wis. slush. Established on Sept. 17, 2006, unclebarky.com turned three yesterday and starts its fourth year today as your homegrown purveyor of local and national TV news and reviews.

Guest envy? Leno gets the cream, Conan tills the crops (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-09-17T12:27:54-05:00
The Jay Leno Show is off to a big ratings start for NBC, which seems perfectly willing to let him line up the big-name guests while Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show is left with scraps or seconds.... And Cinemax's Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo, reviewed here, looks up-close at a violent, last of a kind Oklahoma "tradition."

DeLay derailed? He says not

Ed Bark — 2009-09-17T12:12:25-05:00
By ED BARK Wacky ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay could find himself on ABC's health care plan after hurting his foot during rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars. ...Meanwhile, here's official ABC footage of DeLay rehearsing with pro partner and two-time champ Cheryl Burke, who tells him he looks "a little floaty."

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-09-16T14:19:09-05:00
Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a sizable dropoff for The Jay Leno Show, which nonetheless still won its time period Tuesday. And we review HDNet Movies' latest "Sneak Preview" film, The Burning Plain, which opens in theaters Friday after three free looks Wednesday night.

New North Texas public radio music station set for Nov. 9 debut

Ed Bark — 2009-09-16T09:38:31-05:00
The 91.7 FM call letters currently are KKXT, but KERA has decided to subtract one of the Ks after initially trying to re-scramble them into a TX of some sort. "We tried to secure call letters that conveyed a sense of place, but everything with the combination of 'TX' was already licensed," KERA president and CEO Mary Anne Alhadeff said in a statement.

Leno laps up extra-large ratings

Ed Bark — 2009-09-15T14:36:32-05:00
D-FW viewers went for the premiere of The Jay Leno Show in a big way Monday night, particularly during Kanye West's one-night act of contrition.... Also, we review The CW's new The Beautiful Life: TBL, a series about New York-based models that should fit right in with Wednesday's preceding America's Next Top Model.

Comedy tonight: The Jay Leno Show vs. those teases for NBC5's late night newscasts

Ed Bark — 2009-09-15T02:38:49-05:00
NBC's exhaustively promoted Jay Leno Show finally premiered Monday night.... We look at Jay's opening night here, and NBC5's paper sack wearing flasher gambit here.

Swift kick: Kanye again makes spectacle of self

Ed Bark — 2009-09-14T09:49:34-05:00
By ED BARK The big boor struck again Sunday on MTV's Video Music Awards. Many D-FW viewers likely had better things to see -- including the Season 2 finale of HBO's True Blood, another new episode of AMC's Mad Men or the Packers battling and finally beating the Bears on NBC's Sunday Night Football thriller.

R.I.P. Larry Gelbart (Feb. 25, 1928 to Sept. 11, 2009)

Ed Bark — 2009-09-11T18:00:44-05:00
He also wrote for Sid Caesar's legendary Your Show of Shows during a 65-year career in TV/film/radio. By ED BARK Larry Gelbart, an all-time great TV writer whose masterwork was M*A*S*H, died Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. ...Gelbart's TV credits also include Sid Caesar's renowned Your Show of Shows and two acclaimed HBO movies, Barbarians at the Gate and Weapons of Mass Distraction.

Jay talking -- and other new stuff inside (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-09-11T13:25:49-05:00
Drawing from a teleconference earlier this week, we take a long look at Jay Leno and the risk he's taking with his new five-nights-a-week, prime-time comedy hour. ...Plus we'd like to remind you a final time about the "Take Dale Out to the Ballgame" fund, which actually benefits the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation for underprivileged kids.

Today to make the scene at Jerry's new spread

Ed Bark — 2009-09-10T15:44:02-05:00
By ED BARK NBC's Today will touch down at Jerry's Palace on Friday, Sept. 18th to trumpet the Dallas Cowboys' home opener against the Giants on Sunday Night Football. Co-hosts Matt Lauer and Al Roker will do the show live from Arlington, with former Cowboys great (and current Cowboys naysayer Emmitt Smith) providing a behind-the-scenes tour of the $1.12 billion football emporium.

"What's a Przybyl?"

Ed Bark — 2009-09-10T13:42:16-05:00
Faithful unclebarky.com readers already know the answer to the above, but Dallas-based Fox4 is still playing name games in a new promotional spot.... Also, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings pitted the fall season premiere of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance against President Obama's health care reform speech to Congress.

A surprise but savvy choice: Idol picks Ellen

Ed Bark — 2009-09-09T23:49:10-05:00
Fox's American Idol struck faster than expected Wednesday night, naming Ellen DeGeneres to replace Paul Abdul and become the show's fourth judge. Get our take here.

It might be, it could be, it is -- the launch of our "Take Dale Out to the Ballgame" drive

Ed Bark — 2009-09-09T17:58:45-05:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen says his Dallas-based station doesn't have enough money budgeted to send him to the ballpark for a live sportscast during the upcoming 9-game Texas Rangers homestand.... But unclebarky.com has a plan -- in the form of a "Take Dale Out to the Ballgame" fundraiser.

Glee brightens Fox anew

Ed Bark — 2009-09-09T12:35:10-05:00
After another big buildup, Fox's Glee returns Wednesday, Sept. 9th, for its first full-fledged fall season.... And the 15th edition of CBS' The Amazing Race has an unusual brother duo, with one of them from Fort Worth.

Melrose re-do launches fall TV season

Ed Bark — 2009-09-08T12:24:34-05:00
The CW begins its fall season festivities Tuesday night with a compatible pairing of the returning 90210 and the network's new version of Melrose Place, last seen 10 seasons ago on Fox.... Also, the holiday weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

From Woodstock bliss to Manson mayhem

Ed Bark — 2009-09-07T12:13:30-05:00
History Channel's two-hour Manson, premiering Labor Day night, combines actor re-enactments and interviews with the likes of former "Family" member Linda Kasabian.... And CBS11 is losing a member of its 10 p.m. reporting team.

Charting the new fall TV season: Datebook

Ed Bark — 2009-09-03T13:47:45-05:00
Network television's latest fall season kicks off unofficially next Tuesday with the premiere of The CW's Melrose Place and the return of 90210. We've got all of the network-by-network dates for you on our illustrated down-loadable look at what's coming when.

Lady in waiting: Sawyer will helm ABC's World News after Gibson retires in January

Ed Bark — 2009-09-02T11:54:30-05:00
Charles Gibson's decision to depart ABC's World News gives Diane Sawyer the job she'd wanted before rival Katie Couric made history. ...Plus, Dallas-based CW33's news director comments for the first time to unclebarky.com on the rumored dating between his newly hired high school sports reporter and Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo.

A busy September beckons

Ed Bark — 2009-09-01T04:36:53-05:00
Television's annual pre-Labor Day lull will soon give way to a flood of fall season premieres, beginning with the return of Fox's Glee on Wednesday, Sept. 9th. ...We begin with the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, which chills with a collection of clips starring D-FW anchors and a certain red-headed talk show host experiencing varying forms of reptile dysfunction.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-08-31T10:55:57-05:00
NBC's Today show has hired a former First Daughter to be a "contributing correspondent."... Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings show the Cowboys are strong as ever, despite their late-game bumbles.

Dancing with the Lone Stars: DeLay, Irvin in inaugural ABC poses

Ed Bark — 2009-08-28T16:10:20-05:00
First poses: Michael Irvin/Anna Demidova, Tom DeLay/Cheryl Burke By ED BARK Fresh from ABC publicity, here are the official costumed shots of the two Texas connections on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. The network also has provided rehearsal pictures (below) of former House Majority Leader Tom ("The Hammer") DeLay and two-time champ Cheryl Burke.

House at home in institution

Ed Bark — 2009-08-28T12:34:46-05:00
As an appetizer, we'll be rolling out fresh clips of selected favorites, beginning with a look at the Sept. 21st, two-hour Season 6 premiere of House, which finds its cranky doc in a psychiatric hospital.... Also, a Dallas entrepreneur hopes to spread sunshine -- and attract an investor -- on Sunday's episode of ABC's Shark Tank.

Fresh posts

Ed Bark — 2009-08-27T14:45:26-05:00
Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show small appetites for Wednesday's pair of prime-time Ted Kennedy specials. And on the TV Bulletin Board page, check out the latest Texas braggart joining CBS' upcoming Survivor: Samoa.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-26T12:26:37-05:00
A nationally hatched promo for the web sites run by NBC's owned-and-operated stations didn't sit well with viewers of Fort Worth-based KXAS-TV (NBC5). ...Plus, the Sept. 20th regular season debut of Jerry's Palace in Arlington will have an even bigger national presence, thanks to NBC's "new look" Football Night In America pre-game show.

Glee tour does Dallas

Ed Bark — 2009-08-26T09:05:25-05:00
Glee stars Kevin McHale of Plano and Mark Salling of Dallas. By ED BARK Eight young stars from the Fox series Glee, including two from North Texas, will touch down in Dallas on Wednesday, Aug. 26th for a meet 'n' greet. The venue is the Hot Topic store at Dallas Galleria, 13350 Noel Rd., where fans can meet them from 3 to 6 p.m. You can get autographs, ask the cast questions and get a sneak preview of the new season.

Aging like fine whine: Season 1 of thirtysomething finally hits DVD market

Ed Bark — 2009-08-25T14:33:24-05:00
The ABC series thirtysomething, which premiered in fall 1987, at last is available for re-appreciation -- or denigration -- via a 3-disc, Season 1 set from Shout!... Also, Monday's D-FW ratings provide a bit of a back-to-school boost for the early morning news shows.

Why Mike Wallace was a no-show on Sunday's 60 Minutes tribute to Don Hewitt

Ed Bark — 2009-08-24T13:43:15-05:00
Sunday's 60 Minutes salute to its creator, the late Don Hewitt, came and went without any new contributions from the program's longtime signature pit bull, Mike Wallace.... Plus, Tom DeLay gets a ringwise, two-time champ on Dancing with the Stars while Michael Irvin will be partnered with Season 9's only rookie.

It's alive!!! Unique hands-on screenshop co-founded by son is now in business in Austin

Ed Bark — 2009-08-24T13:03:27-05:00
Co-founders Michael Fuchs (left) and Sam Ladach-Bark invite you to enjoy the vibe and creations at their brand new Under Pressure screen printing store in Austin. ...But you have to make your own breaks in today's economy, so they're giving it their all in hopes of making this a lasting business both online, in their store and on the road at various festivals and fairs.

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-21T12:02:03-05:00
Discarded TV anchor/reporter clothing resurfaces for sale on a new North Texas-based website.... Also, The Price Is Right is ready to audition you Saturday.

More in store

Ed Bark — 2009-08-19T16:28:11-05:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 is adding a new full-time reporter who's arriving from San Antonio's Peacock affiliate and is a former Scrappy the Eagle mascot at the University of North Texas. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsens show that Shaquille O'Neal can come close to besting Ben Roethlisberger but has no chance at all against NBC's America's Got Talent.

Television news pioneer Don Hewitt: Dec. 14, 1922 to Aug. 19, 2009 (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-08-19T11:09:41-05:00
Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes and architect of the first televised presidential debate in 1960, died of pancreatic cancer Wednesday.... Our tribute to him revisits his last visit to Dallas, where he spent half a week before picking up a prestigious honor.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-18T14:23:20-05:00
Fox4 reporter Matt Grubs has something new under the sun -- and it's adorning his face.... And the latest D-FW ratings show that NBC is still getting mileage out of a pretty raggedy news magazine.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-08-17T12:11:21-05:00
For a change of pace, we focus on the way in which The Dallas Morning News camouflages its "special contributors." Also, the newest and largest cast for ABC's Dancing with the Stars includes two out-sized Texans.

More inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-14T16:17:54-05:00
The Cowboys pre-season opener against Oakland predictably piled up big ratings Thursday night despite the team's overall inept play.... And NBC's upcoming Jay Leno Show has announced its first guest.

Mad Men's back

Ed Bark — 2009-08-14T11:16:14-05:00
Flush with 16 Emmy nominations for its second season, AMC's Mad Men reloads for Season 3 Sunday night. Do its ad men still add up to TV's best drama series?

Fresh posts

Ed Bark — 2009-08-13T15:32:46-05:00
Bravo's got a meal-ticket with its Real Housewives franchise.... Also, check out some fun pictures of Julia Child, who seemed to be having a great time during her visit to Dallas a decade or so ago. And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, too.

R.I.P. Les Paul: June 9, 1915 to Aug. 13, 2009

Ed Bark — 2009-08-13T13:50:14-05:00
In the past several years, my wife, Madeline, and I were lucky enough to see him on two occasions at the Iridium Jazz Club in Manhattan, where he regularly performed two shows on Monday nights with his combo and guest performers. ...We'll always remember those two nights at the Iridium, where his fingers still seemed to fly through his many indelible arrangements.

New inside (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-08-12T10:25:27-05:00
And while on this subject, we revisit KXAS's controversial hidden camera "Tarnished Star" investigation of Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin.... Back then -- in 1996 -- local news station execs actually were willing and able to venture opinions during on-the-record conversations with TV critics.

Larry David's magical, mystical, farcical Seinfeld reunion

Ed Bark — 2009-08-11T15:09:37-05:00
Replete with Seinfeld stars, Larry David's seventh season of Curb Your Enthusiasm comes to HBO on Sept. 20th.... Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings give Who Wants To Be A Millionaire a bit of a boost from Sunday's low-scoring start.

"This is enough Bark to kill a man in 4.2 seconds"

Ed Bark — 2009-08-11T12:49:44-05:00
Bark is kind of a unique surname, ripe for jokes and wordplays, more unusual than Ripperton or Tspwiozbxmt. ...Furthermore, Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show recently gave viewers a taste of the Discovery Channel's followup to its longstanding "Shark Week."

This Barry bonds with voters

Ed Bark — 2009-08-10T15:40:14-05:00
HBO's The Nine Lives of Marion Barry, premiering Aug. 10th, documents the strange-but-true career of a man who just can't seem to lose an election -- no matter what. Our review is here.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-10T11:17:49-05:00
Check out our Texas-sized battle of Good Day "music"-makers. Also, how'd Who Wants To Be A MiIlionaire do in D-FW with its 10th anniversary return Sunday night?

Co-piloting The Jack E. Jett Show

Ed Bark — 2009-08-07T15:39:44-05:00
Jett for two hours of co-hosting Saturday on the conveniently titled Jack E. ...Our guests are supposed to include Barbara Eden of I Dream of Jeannie fame.

More inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-07T14:31:17-05:00
Budget cutbacks and downsizing haven't stopped D-FW's four major TV news providers from trekking off to Cowboys training camp.... The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in. And unclebarky.com has updated the exclusive story on NBC-owned KXAS-TV's forced outsourcing of promotions and marketing to corporate HQ in New York.

Barton out at KRLD, Dean in with Cowboys

Ed Bark — 2009-08-07T11:33:34-05:00
Veteran weatherman Brad Barton and the ubiquitous Jody Dean We try to pretty much stay away from radio on this site because, frankly, covering local and national television is already way more than enough for one person's plate. ...Speaking of KLUV, the station's morning drive host, Jody Dean, will be the new public address announcer at Jerry's Dallas Cowboys Palace, succeeding George Dunham of "The Ticket" (1310 AM).

Further homogenizing/downsizing at NBC-owned KXAS

Ed Bark — 2009-08-06T23:23:30-05:00
Fort Worth-based KXAS-TV's marketing and promotions department soon won't exist. They've been strong-armed out of existence by NBC corporate in New York.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-08-06T14:42:53-05:00
Look for a cavalcade of TV tidbits on the Bulletin Board page, including who'll be Jay Leno's first musical guest on his upcoming Mon.-Fri.... The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that many viewers still stick instead of click.

The case for Paula Abdul (What!!! I must be insane)

Ed Bark — 2009-08-05T17:21:35-05:00
Fox apparently is going along with Paula Abdul's decision to leave American Idol after the two sides reached a money impasse. Here's why that looks like a big mistake.

More new stuff inside

Ed Bark — 2009-08-05T14:50:21-05:00
The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show how good life could be for NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts if they had America's Got Talent as a lead-in every night. Also, Joan Rivers poses a new question in a TV Land series that finds her in the company of made-from-scratch millionaires, not including Mark Cuban.

Back in play

Ed Bark — 2009-08-05T04:24:01-05:00
Unclebarky.com has returned to the living in D-FW after a few days in Pasadena tied to the 25th anniversary of the Television Critics Association awards. ...On the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, we detail Shelly Slater's new co-anchoring duties on WFAA8's 5 p.m. newscasts, with pictures included.

Headin' West -- for a last roundup

Ed Bark — 2009-07-29T16:34:08-05:00
There at the creation: former NBC chairman Grant Tinker, winner of the first Television Critics Association Career Achievement award in June 1985, stands amid five past TCA presidents, including your then croissant-mustached friendly content provider at far right. ...It seems like something very worth doing -- even though all of unclebarky.com's expenses will be billed to your friendly content provider, not The Dallas Morning News.

Fox4 has decided on new Good Day co-anchor, sources say

Ed Bark — 2009-07-28T20:34:05-05:00
After a five-month gap, Dallas-based Fox4 (KDFW) has picked a new Good Day co-anchor to succeed Megan Henderson, informed sources tell unclebarky.com. Get the name and the details here.

Fox's More to Love puts on the pounds

Ed Bark — 2009-07-28T12:38:58-05:00
Twenty "plus-sized" women, including North Texan Natalia Jackson, vie for bulky bachelor Luke Conley in the new Fox dating competition, More to Love.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings weigh the numbers for Monday night's Bachelorette finale while a new "Ask Uncle Barky" has most of the answers, but not quite all of 'em. And WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen has left his weeknightly ESPN radio show, reports ace Dallas Observer sports reporter/columnist Richie Whitt.

Silverman bounced at NBC

Ed Bark — 2009-07-27T12:54:50-05:00
Ben Silverman in first month on job at NBC. Photo: Ed Bark Ben Silverman's problematic two-year reign as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment came to an abrupt end Monday.... Also, WFAA8's Good Morning Texas has a new male co-host and CBS11 will be getting a new digital channel after petitioning the FCC earlier this month.

So you sometimes think we've got it bad here? Think again

Ed Bark — 2009-07-24T16:33:59-05:00
Morning weathercaster Don Harman, of Kansas City Fox affiliate WDAF-TV, set a modern-day record for over-laughing when a live shot from Pooches Paradise got a little out of hand. One of the program's news anchors later observed, "You know what, here's the thing.

Weighing in further on Bud Gillett's lawsuit

Ed Bark — 2009-07-24T15:25:49-05:00
As though nothing had happened, CBS11 reporter Bud Gillett dropped in as the lead-off hitter on Thursday's 5 p.m. newscast after management earlier in the day pledged to vigorously fight his lawsuit against the station.... Also, let's have some fun with NBC's newest disaster epic, The Storm, starring former Dawson's Creek heartthrob James Van Der Beek.

CBS11 reporter Bud Gillett files multi-pronged discrimination suit against his station -- but still wants to stay there

Ed Bark — 2009-07-23T15:38:29-05:00
And NBC has just launched a new website tied to the Sept. 14th premiere of The Jay Leno Show.... Plus, David Letterman's Late Show has socked it to Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show for the second straight week.

Possible midseason ABC legal drama getting ready to shoot in Dallas

Ed Bark — 2009-07-22T17:47:04-05:00
Unfair Park's ever-prolific and resourceful Robert Wilonsky reports that a previously announced midseason ABC legal drama, The Deep End, will be filmed in Dallas. It's packed with newcomers save for Billy Zane, whose previous credits range from Titanic to The Phantom, which actually was kinda under-rated.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-07-22T12:18:51-05:00
Rivals networks offer heaping helpings of new reality and scripted series, but CBS keeps shooting them down with its repeating rifle of crime and comedy reruns. It's the only network to show a year-to-year summertime increase in total viewers.

Analog this: Citing a "massive decline" in its converter box audience, CBS11 petitions the FCC for a new digital frequency

Ed Bark — 2009-07-21T12:03:10-05:00
D-FW's CBS11 has the FCC's number, but wants a new one after "several thousand" viewers complain they can't get the station's signal anymore.... And NBC will carry President Obama's prime-time news conference Wednesday after the administration blinked and bumped it up an hour in deference to America's Got Talent.

ABC's Dating in the Dark -- whose bright idea was this?

Ed Bark — 2009-07-20T11:31:25-05:00
Western civilization reels anew with ABC's Monday night premiere of Dating in the Dark.... And Shaquille O'Neal will go the wide world of sports route by taking on star athletes from other fields in a new ABC series premiering next month.

Close encounters: through the years with Walter Cronkite

Ed Bark — 2009-07-18T13:37:25-05:00
Walter Cronkite's death on Friday, at age 92, takes many of us back to the way it was. My own first-hand experiences, with an emphasis on his stops in North Texas, are rekindled in this time-traveling obit.

Walter Cronkite: Nov. 4, 1916 to July 17, 2009

Ed Bark — 2009-07-17T20:19:46-05:00
Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS anchor/reporter dubbed "the most trusted man in America" at the height of his powers, died on Friday, July 17th, at the age of 92. He last anchored the CBS Evening News on March 6, 1981, long before the Internet became a reality and cable news networks began polarizing the airwaves with partisan opinions.

Lindsay Lohan survives Labor Pains and more or less delivers

Ed Bark — 2009-07-17T13:28:39-05:00
There are several reasons -- mostly voyeuristic -- to watch multi-troubled Lindsay Lohan carry the load in the new ABC Family channel movie Labor Pains.... Plus, lo and behold, a new set of questions and answers has been posted on the "Ask Uncle Barky" page.

Emmy voters again snub Friday Night Lights

Ed Bark — 2009-07-16T10:33:12-05:00
The 2009 Emmy nominations are in. And even with expanded fields in the drama and comedy series categories, there's still no room at the inn for Austin-made Friday Night Lights.... Our unclebarky.com breakdown is here.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-07-15T14:16:04-05:00
CNBC gets up-close with the ever-profitable porn industry in its latest prime-time documentary.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show how Tuesday night's baseball All-Star game fared against NBC's potent America's Got Talent.

NBC5 web site streaming funeral service for reporter Brett Johnson

Ed Bark — 2009-07-15T13:52:10-05:00
Funeral services for NBC5 reporter Brett Johnson, who passed away Sunday at the age of 48, will be streamed live on nbcdfw.com. The service is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15th.

More in store

Ed Bark — 2009-07-14T14:13:46-05:00
TNT's latest new drama series, Dark Blue with Dylan McDermott, launches on Wednesday night.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings make a hit of ESPN's elongated long ball competition on the eve of baseball's All-Star game.

Services for Brett Johnson

Ed Bark — 2009-07-13T21:30:55-05:00
As relayed by NBC5, these are the official arrangements for reporter Brett Johnson, who passed away Sunday at the age of 48. Visitation Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel and Cemetery 7301 E.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-07-13T10:48:40-05:00
And the "Built for Fun" Rangers' weekend fall from first place is still a ratings go-getter in D-FW. Also, the prime-time Emmys have a first-time host for this September.

NBC5 reporter Brett Johnson dies at age 48

Ed Bark — 2009-07-12T12:42:24-05:00
"The breadth of this man's soul is demonstrated by the number of friends who have just gotten down on their knees and prayed for him this week," Snyder said by telephone. ...Former NBC5 meteorologist James Aydelott, who left the market earlier this year to do weathercasts for a Tulsa station, said he "could always count on Brett to make me laugh with his wicked, sarcastic wit, especially about the news business.

Local, local, local

Ed Bark — 2009-07-10T19:31:25-05:00
A lengthy disruption in service by our cable/Internet provider knocked unclebarky.com to the canvas for much of Friday. But now we're back in there punching with three better-late-than-never posts on Brian Curtis' oddly unheralded debut as NBC5's new 10 p.m. co-anchor; an ethical lapse by WFAA8 and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Runaway Runway, now on Lifetime, has two North Texans among its designing women/men

Ed Bark — 2009-07-09T13:05:39-05:00
Premiere date is Aug. 20th. Lifetime photo By ED BARK Bravo for Lifetime, which resolved its legal battle over the rights to Project Runway, which used to be on NBC Universal-owned Bravo. ...In one of her several videos on Lifetime's Web site, Black greets "my lifetime.com people" and tells them she loves "anything with a decadent, decaying sort of feel to it."

Now what? Post-Snyder era begins on NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2009-07-08T09:45:59-05:00
Man of the house: But sports guy Matt Barrie looked just a little bit out of it on Tuesday's late night NBC5 newscast. Photo: Ed Bark Fort Worth-based NBC5 set sail without longtime 10 p.m. co-anchor Mike Snyder Tuesday. ...Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, with an emphasis on all that Michael Jackson coverage Tuesday afternoon and night.

Cute. The 33 hires native Texan and former Miss Missouri USA as sports reporter

Ed Bark — 2009-07-07T18:28:57-05:00
The news just never stops here at unclebarky.com, where sources say that Dallas-based KDAF-TV ("The 33") has hired a young blonde beauty to rev up the station's sports department.... All you've got to look at is WFAA8's fat, old bald guy.

Jackson memorial goes national on multitude of networks

Ed Bark — 2009-07-07T16:19:15-05:00
Smokey Robinson speaks at Tuesday's memorial. Photo from msn.com Michael Jackson's memorial dominated the broadcast and cable universe Tuesday. But did it deliver as a live television event?

Out as NBC5's 10 p.m. co-anchor, Mike Snyder talks about what's next

Ed Bark — 2009-07-07T10:04:05-05:00
By ED BARK As previously reported on unclebarky.com, NBC5 anchor Mike Snyder has chosen one of the options available to him, ending a 19-year-run on the Fort Worth-based station's 10 p.m. newscasts while remaining with the 5 and 6 p.m. editions.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the numbers for what turned out to be Snyder's farewell late-nighter.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-07-06T12:59:42-05:00
We speculate on which cable news network might benefit the most from making a play for her as host of a new talk show. Also, the D-FW Nielsen ratings for Thursday and Friday show a striking comeback by one 10 p.m. newscast.

A happy Fourth to all!!!

Ed Bark — 2009-07-03T11:41:21-05:00
Another Independence Day is nigh, so we'll be taking advantage of the extended weekend before resuming festivities here on Monday. Have a safe and happy holiday, everybody.

Insights, Rochelle Brown dropped by Fox4

Ed Bark — 2009-07-02T17:52:20-05:00
D-FW's longest-standing minority-targeted program, Insights, and its executive producer and first host, Rochelle Brown, are out of the picture at Fox4. Brown had been at the station longer than even anchor Clarice Tinsley.

Season 7 of Curb has its parking spot

Ed Bark — 2009-07-02T12:50:26-05:00
Season 7 of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm is scheduled to premiere on Sept. 20th. As previously reported, star Larry David's guest list includes the entire principal cast of Seinfeld -- namely Jerry, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-07-01T15:06:06-05:00
Also, the Texas Rangers crucial Tuesday night win over the Angels is a player opposite 10 p.m. local newscasts. And BET's Sunday night awards show, which doubled as a tribute to Michael Jackson, comes very close to being the most-watched show of the week in all of TV land.

Goodbye June, hiya July

Ed Bark — 2009-07-01T03:23:32-05:00
On the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, you'll find a response from NBC5 management to recent criticism of the station's week-long series on homes for sale.... Furthermore, Sunday's premiere of HBO's new Hung gave the premium cable network a nice bump in the national Nielsens while viewers continued to sink their teeth into holdover True Blood.

For sale -- pricey homes (and NBC5 newscasts?)

Ed Bark — 2009-06-29T00:44:10-05:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 has just concluded a week-long 10 p.m. "news" series that played the same as those Sunday morning Hot On Homes infomercials. There goes the neighborhood -- as you'll see here.

Celebrity death-athon marches on

Ed Bark — 2009-06-28T21:18:22-05:00
Pitchman Billy Mays and Texas-born actress/singer Gale Storm By ED BARK Willie Mays lives on, but Billy Mays has yelled out his last infomercial. ...Storm made just three guest star appearances on scripted TV shows after The Gale Storm Show was canceled, the last as Maisie Mayberry on a 1989 episode of Murder, She Wrote, according to a list of her credits on imdb.com.

HBO's Hung has all the right tool(s)

Ed Bark — 2009-06-26T18:11:32-05:00
Premiering Sunday, the new HBO comedy/drama Hung has a title that pretty much spells out its premise. The lead character indeed has a big unit in a series that amounts to much more than that.

Good Day's audition edition guns Idol engine

Ed Bark — 2009-06-26T15:24:33-05:00
American Idol staged its North Texas auditions Friday.... Also, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" looks at where audiences went for coverage of the late Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.

Icons dropping like flies -- with no immediate end in sight

Ed Bark — 2009-06-25T18:29:45-05:00
***Fawcett was the pre-eminent sex symbol of the mid-1970s, starring in a show (Charlie's Angels) and smiling from a poster that remain entrenched in the pop culture firmament. ...As this is written, the cable news networks of course are covering Jackson's death non-stop while ABC, CBS and NBC all have altered Thursday's prime-time schedules.

TV icon Farrah Fawcett dies of cancer

Ed Bark — 2009-06-25T15:24:16-05:00
Texas-born TV beauty Farrah Fawcett, best known as bouncy gumshoe Jill Munroe in Charlie's Angels, is dead at age 62 of cancer.... And ABC's health-conscious Q&A with President Obama did scant ratings business in D-FW Wednesday night.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-06-24T11:31:04-05:00
NBC's The Philanthropist premieres Wednesday night.... But former Cowboy Terrell Owens is probably happier that few in these parts watched his big flop Tuesday night on the first episode of ABC's The Superstars.

T.O./supermodel K.O.'d in first episode of ABC's The Superstars (Both cop 'tudes)

Ed Bark — 2009-06-23T20:40:06-05:00
and supermodel Joanna Krupa. ABC photos By ED BARK An embarrassingly inept Terrell Owens met his petulant, defiant match Tuesday night in supermodel Joanna Krupa. ...Owens responded like the champ he is by becoming entangled in a net while actor David Charvet (Baywatch) beat him to the finish line by an eternity or more.

The passing of Ed McMahon

Ed Bark — 2009-06-23T13:14:09-05:00
He's fondly remembered in two up-close-and-personal articles written in the '80s and '90s by your friendly content provider. We also rewind back to the '60s, where a teenager from that time -- now living in North Texas -- recalls Big Ed's impact on the small New York community where his late son, Mike McMahon, went to high school.

Separated after births: reality stars Jon and Kate Gosselin quit each other but not their show

Ed Bark — 2009-06-22T22:00:18-05:00
So for the record -- and apparently to no one's surprise -- Jon & Kate Gosselin are separating while still supposedly putting their kids first. ...Overall impression: the eight Gosselin children are blameless, precious innocents who likely will pay long-term prices for their parents' willingness to exploit them on national television during the two-year run of this series.

Nielsen catches up with another ratings blitz

Ed Bark — 2009-06-22T18:26:51-05:00
D-FW's television ratings, slowed by the transition from analog to digital, are finally up to date. Nielsen Media Research provided local stations with the July 18-21 results Monday.

Digital doings in D-FW: your first look

Ed Bark — 2009-06-22T15:11:54-05:00
The first three full weekdays -- June 15-17 -- of digital era Nielsen ratings are in. So how are D-FW's local newscasts bearing up under the transition from analog?... There are some eye-popping numbers to behold, but it's still very early in this game.

Melissa Rycroft nabs 3rd ABC job, this time with GMA

Ed Bark — 2009-06-22T12:28:02-05:00
The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is now a special contributor for the network's Good Morning America. By ED BARK You can't make this stuff up. ...The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and University of North Texas grad (fittingly with a degree in marketing) became famous last fall for being jilted on The Bachelor after its latest namesake, Jason Mesnick, first gave her the ABC show's final rose.

Cronkite still among us but reportedly in very ill health (or not)

Ed Bark — 2009-06-19T15:03:30-05:00
Numerous Web sites and networks have carried this news after former Philadelphia Inquirer TV critic Gail Shister broke the story on tvnewser.com. ...For now, here's a video of Cronkite's sign-off, on March 6, 1981, as anchor of the CBS Evening News.

WFAA8's Alexa Conomos has second baby boy (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-06-19T10:06:02-05:00
By ED BARK WFAA8 Daybreak traffic reporter Alexa Conomos and her husband, Bradley, are parents for the second time. ...And NBC5 anchor-reporter Meredith Land and her husband, Xan, had a baby girl, McCall, on May 17, the station confirmed Friday.

Dave vs. Conan: Got your numbers

Ed Bark — 2009-06-18T14:03:51-05:00
The national Nielsen results are in for Week 2 of David Letterman vs. Conan O'Brien.... Also, NBC premieres its new Merlin series this Sunday.

Idol doing Dallas on June 26th after two registration run-ups

Ed Bark — 2009-06-17T17:20:37-05:00
And here's a copy of the three-page release form, which includes the provision, "I further understand that my appearance, depiction and/or portrayal in the Program may be disparaging, defamatory, embarrassing or of an otherwise unfavorable nature which may expose me to public ridicule, humiliation or condemnation." ...Idol also trolled for talent in these parts in 2007 and 2002, when Burleson's Kelly Clarkson emerged as the show's first champ.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-06-17T14:21:53-05:00
What's former WFAA8 Daybreak co-anchor Justin Farmer up to at his new TV home in Atlanta?... Also, one of unclebarky.com's occasionally twitted -- but never tweeted -- fallen TV stars celebrates his birthday today.

D-FW ratings still on hold, but reportedly coming soon

Ed Bark — 2009-06-17T10:23:32-05:00
Still grappling with last Friday's digital transition, the nation's audience counter has released the following schedule to local stations across the land. ...So there you have it, with station managers in D-FW eagerly awaiting the results while also dreading any possible audience drop-offs.

Once more with feeling: Letterman apologizes anew

Ed Bark — 2009-06-16T12:46:33-05:00
David Letterman has re-apologized, sincerely this time, for the ill-considered jokes he made about Alaska governor Sarah Palin's daughter.... Here's video of Letterman's act of contrition on Monday's CBS Late Show: Ed Bark

GOP accuses ABC of "glorified infomercial" in upcoming Obama sit-down on health care

Ed Bark — 2009-06-16T12:16:58-05:00
The Republican National Committee is taking sharp issue with ABC over its upcoming prime-time special Questions for the President: Prescriptions for America.... Also, 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin has more than a few choice words in the latest Playboy interview.

Intensive care: TNT's HawthoRNe is fifth new medical series in last three weeks

Ed Bark — 2009-06-15T17:39:59-05:00
Jada Pinkett Smith is on pins and needles as the nurse in charge of TNT's new HawthoRNe. ...Also, Friday's digital conversion will mean a delay in local Nielsen ratings, which possibly won't start coming in until Friday of this week.

Top 10 list of Letterman Late Show events/incidents

Ed Bark — 2009-06-15T12:45:31-05:00
We scour the history of his CBS Late Show to give you a Top 10 list of Dave Dramatics. Also, the digital age is officially upon us, but WFAA8's sentimental sendoff of analog still bears watching.

Lots inside

Ed Bark — 2009-06-12T14:53:54-05:00
Also, Game 4 of the NBA Finals raised the ratings roof in D-FW, particularly during its late night OT. Additionally, we look at GSN's new "Big Saturday Night" game show extravaganza and provide some munchies on a new TV Bulletin Board.

Music to y'ur ears: KERA will orchestrate new radio station

Ed Bark — 2009-06-12T10:35:31-05:00
"The new station will be a public radio music format programmed with the North Texas audience in mind," KERA president and CEO Mary Anne Alhadeff says in a statement. ...Alhadeff, who joined KERA in 2005, says that "right away I heard from long-time listeners who said that they appreciated the expanded public radio news schedule but missed the music programs."

Back in play

Ed Bark — 2009-06-11T15:57:57-05:00
Vacation time's over, complete with a bumpy return to D-FW during assorted cloudbursts. We wade back in with a special, elongated edition of "Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot."

Time off for good behavior

Ed Bark — 2009-06-03T15:11:07-05:00
Check out our reviews of three upcoming new series -- NBC's The Listener, USA's Royal Pains and Showtime's Nurse Jackie, starring Edie Falco in her first big post-Sopranos role. We also have video of former Fox4 Good Day anchor Megan Henderson in her early morning guise at L.A.'s KTLA-TV.

And baby makes three

Ed Bark — 2009-06-03T11:46:50-05:00
Amy Vanderoef, co-host of WFAA8's Good Morning Texas, and her husband, NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield, became first-time parents early Wednesday morning. ..."Baby, mommy and daddy are doing well," says GMT executive producer Dave Muscari.

Leno's relaunch date set

Ed Bark — 2009-06-02T12:25:02-05:00
Jay Leno's new prime-time show -- imaginatively titled The Jay Leno Show -- has an official air date. ...Leno's new comedy/variety/talk show will air Mondays through Fridays at 9 p.m. (central) from the old Tonight's Burbank studio.

Not A-OK, but a start: Conan logs his first Tonight

Ed Bark — 2009-06-02T01:56:30-05:00
Still a redheaded stranger to some, Conan O'Brien officially became only the fifth permanent host of NBC's Tonight Show Monday. Our report/review is here.

As the odometer turns . . .

Ed Bark — 2009-06-01T05:13:47-05:00
Another month begins on unclebarky.com, relegating May to the archives on the lower right column as various pages are refreshed with June posts. ...Our first June entry on the always active Dallas-Fort Worth TV page is a look back at a 1987 credit roll for WFAA8's news department.

Leno takes his leave

Ed Bark — 2009-05-30T01:18:47-05:00
Jay Leno ended his 17-year Tonight Show reign Friday with a nice touch at the end. Our full report/review is here.

Rangers will swing into view on Friday nights under new deal with TXA21

Ed Bark — 2009-05-29T20:31:03-05:00
"We're proud to be the new over-the-air home of the Texas Rangers," CBS11/TXA21 president and general manager Steve Mauldin said in a statement. ...Rangers team president Nolan Ryan said it's "important for us to maintain an over-the-air television presence for our games, and TXA21 will be a great partner in accomplishing this."

More in store

Ed Bark — 2009-05-29T16:37:48-05:00
Our inside pages include reviews of Lifetime's Maneater miniseries and HBO's Into the Storm dramatization of Winston Churchill's World War II grit. Also, see NBC5 reporter Omar Villafranca being dive-bombed by mockingbirds and find out whether ABC's live telecast of the Scripps National Spelling Bee stung any competing programs in Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Shocking discovery: Ryan Seacrest's 5th cousin resides in Bark abode

Ed Bark — 2009-05-28T16:09:44-05:00
Ryan Seacrest, tombstone of Frederick Zullinger and Madeline Bark By ED BARK Calling Access Hollywood. My mother-in-law, Janice Roden, who's also an ace genealogist, has uncovered a common grandfather for American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and Dallas nurse Madeline Bark, who's also the wife of commoner Ed Bark.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-05-28T12:09:53-05:00
As Conan O'Brien prepares to assume the Tonight Show position, we rerun your friendly content provider's review of his 1993 Late Night debut in place of David Letterman.... And our latest TV Bulletin Board has some munch-able new developments.

New inside -- and a radio appearance, too

Ed Bark — 2009-05-27T11:23:52-05:00
Austinite Mike Judge's animated followup to King of the Hill is ABC's The Good Family, which premieres Wednesday night.... And your friendly content provider will be waxing ineloquently on Wednesday's BAD radio show on "The Ticket."

Conan ready for the big plunge; Fox's Mental kind of thinks it's House

Ed Bark — 2009-05-26T15:40:38-05:00
Less than a week before his Tonight Show debut, Conan O'Brien gabbed with TV critics Tuesday.... Also, the new Fox hospital drama Mental is at home with many of House's touches.

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everybody (meanwhile we've thrown three new posts on the grill)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-22T13:14:33-05:00
"The 33's" remodeled news Web site is being awfully generous to rival TV news operations.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show whether Fox's So You Think You Can Dance has picked up where ABC's Dancing with the Stars left off.

More ratings results -- for Idol and 4th and Long

Ed Bark — 2009-05-21T18:23:18-05:00
How did American Idol's Season finale do nationally compared to its other closers.... Also, the first episode of Michael Irvin's 4th and Long hit a ratings bullseye with the network's young male target audience.

The Peacock crows loudest in May "sweeps" D-FW newscast battles

Ed Bark — 2009-05-21T14:29:38-05:00
NBC5 trounced its early morning rivals in the just-concluded May "sweeps" while Fox4 made a first-time breakthrough and CBS11 took more baby steps in its battle to be first at 10 p.m. and escape last place at 6 a.m. Meanwhile, WFAA8 remained on top at 10 p.m., but suffered another wave of year-to-year audience losses.... Also, how high did American Idol go in Wednesday night's D-FW Nielsen ratings?

Last call for Idol

Ed Bark — 2009-05-20T15:06:33-05:00
American Idol again will dominate the airwaves tonight with its eighth season finale. We pick a winner and offer a season-long critique of prime-time's runaway top moneymaker.

CBS announces new fall lineup; WFAA8 pulls a quickie with Dancing

Ed Bark — 2009-05-20T11:54:15-05:00
Two notable old faves will be missing in action on CBS next season, but the network also saved a rival network's canceled series from the reaper.... Also, Dallas-based WFAA8 deployed a little ratings sweeps gamesmanship Tuesday night as Shawn Johnson celebrated her Dancing with the Stars win.

Up-close and objective ends a bit early

Ed Bark — 2009-05-19T15:59:43-05:00
Note to readers: Because of the heavy load of new network season announcements and other programming premieres/finales, we're going to end our "Up-close and objective" feature a bit before the May sweeps wind up on Wednesday. ...And there'll be lots of other interesting content, too, on D-FW's only homegrown, independent national and local TV Web site.

NBC adds dates, times, Chuck

Ed Bark — 2009-05-19T11:57:41-05:00
NBC unveiled Part 2 of its fall and midseason plans Tuesday.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are ready to reveal themselves.

ABC turns back toward star-powered sitcoms

Ed Bark — 2009-05-19T08:27:58-05:00
ABC's new fall lineup, announced Tuesday, will try to make comedy king again with four newcomers starring the likes of .... Get our complete details here.

Fox's Glee finally takes stage after long buildup

Ed Bark — 2009-05-19T06:52:12-05:00
Glee makes a one-night stand -- until the fall -- with Tuesday night's post-American Idol "Special Preview" on Fox. Gotta sing, gotta dance, gotta review -- right here.

Up-close and objective (Night 17 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-18T16:50:51-05:00
With just three weekdays remaining in the May sweeps, here's a look at how D-FW's late night newscasts behaved on Friday, May 15th. Can your friendly content provider stagger to the finish line?

Brothers -- can you spare a few minutes?

Ed Bark — 2009-05-18T16:26:32-05:00
The new Fox fall sitcom Brothers isn't a huge stretch for former New York Giants defender Michael Strahan, who's co-starring as a recently retired NFL star. ...Then again, Brothers is perilously scheduled on Friday nights, where Fox hasn't rung up any real ratings since The X-Files relocated to Sundays after the 1995-96 season.

Fox flies fall colors

Ed Bark — 2009-05-18T13:55:08-05:00
Fox's new fall schedule, announced Monday, brings African-American personalities to the forefront.... Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are up and running.

NBC5's Mike Snyder faces 10 p.m. demotion; former Cowboy Michael Irvin gets his 4th and Long series in motion

Ed Bark — 2009-05-17T23:28:31-05:00
Reliable sources say that veteran NBC5 anchor Mike Snyder has been given two options, neither of which would keep him on the Fort Worth-based station's 10 p.m. newscasts. Also, Michael Irvin's new Spike TV series, 4th and Long, isn't for the faint of stomach.

Down to the wire in May sweeps newscast ratings races

Ed Bark — 2009-05-16T11:46:03-05:00
Two D-FW television newsrooms hope to make ratings history for themselves as the May sweeps near the finish lines. Get the information you won't find anywhere else right here.

Layoffs confirmed at NBC5, but management won't talk about names or numbers (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-15T17:00:15-05:00
Management is not giving out any names or numbers, although early information indicates that at least nine people have been affected, the majority of them photographers. ...As previously reported on unclebarky.com, NBC5 recently signed a content sharing agreement with two competing D-FW stations, Fox4 and KDAF-TV ("The 33").

Up-close and objective (Night 16 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-15T15:27:42-05:00
All four major local TV news providers, plus Uncle Barky himself, partook of Thursday night's Michael Irvin party/fundraiser.... All this and much more in our daily compendium of D-FW's late night newscasts.

"The 33" has 5:30 p.m. local newscast in the works

Ed Bark — 2009-05-15T13:40:37-05:00
By ED BARK Reliable sources close to the station report that Dallas-based KDAF-TV ("The 33") plans to launch a 5:30 p.m. local newscast in September or earlier. It would compete against the three network evening newscasts and Fox4's local edition, which in the March "sweeps" ratings period ran third at 5:30 behind ABC's World News and the NBC Nightly News, which tied for first.

Up-close and objective (Night 15 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-14T15:26:34-05:00
We've got another one in the books, this time with a special emphasis on Fox4 reporter Lari Barager's ability to strike first on a human interest story that had rival stations tardily following in her footsteps.

WFAA8's Good Morning Texas quickly reverts back to a twosome

Ed Bark — 2009-05-14T15:07:38-05:00
Kristin Mitchell, who joined Dallas-based WFAA8's Good Morning Texas in early March as a replacement for Brenda Teele, is no longer in the picture. "She decided to leave the show, and her last day was a week ago," the program's executive producer, Dave Muscari, confirmed in an email Thursday.

Jay talking: Leno reveals his last Tonight Show guests, renews vows to never take a vacation

Ed Bark — 2009-05-14T13:17:55-05:00
Jay Leno, who's bequeathing the Tonight Show to Conan O'Brien after the May 29th telecast, had lots to say Thursday during a teleconference with TV critics.... Also, The Dallas Mavericks died with their boots on -- and their ratings up -- Wednesday night in Denver.

Up-close and objective (Night 14 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-13T16:26:22-05:00
The Mark Cuban-Kenyon Martin feud made the cut on all four D-FW late night newscasts.... And no, this time it wasn't Dale Hansen.

Two Dallas Morning News evictees rebound as "backpack journalists" at Dallas-based KDAF-TV

Ed Bark — 2009-05-13T11:02:23-05:00
Bounced by The Dallas Morning News during April's layoffs, two seasoned metro reporters are joining "The 33" news team as "backpack journalists" at Dallas-based KDAF-TV.... Also, it's a runaway in the early morning D-FW news race, as the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show.

Up-close and objective (Night 13 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-12T18:20:07-05:00
Included on Monday's late night local newscast menu -- "Beer babes" and WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's latest rip of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show how Monday's late-running Mavs thriller fared opposite 10 p.m. newscasts and CBS' CSI: Miami.

One helluva freakin' win: Dallas finally does Denver

Ed Bark — 2009-05-12T00:18:36-05:00
And he wasn't done yet. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK TNT knows drama, especially when the Mavs and Nuggets play like they did Monday night. ...And now he'll likely have to do it all over again if the Mavs are to have even a ghost of a chance on the Nuggets' home floor Wednesday night.

Nightly News anchor plays music man in new net-centric briTunes

Ed Bark — 2009-05-11T18:07:49-05:00
NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams tries to keep his cool with indie artists in the new Web-only briTunes. The first one features Deer Tick, a major player at Austin's latest South By Southwest music festival.

Up-close and objective (Night 12 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-11T12:17:45-05:00
Friday wasn't much of a news night on D-FW's four major TV providers.... We also have the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings, including Saturday's Mavs-Nuggets horror show.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-05-09T12:14:56-05:00
High-larity reigns, whether it's Leonard Nimoy's Star Trek-themed Top 10 list or Dan Rather sporting a 'fro on The Daily Show.... Also, CBS11 yearns to have you for breakfast in a new spot touting its early morning foursome.

Up-close and objective: (Night 11 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-08T14:42:36-05:00
Dirk Nowitzki's off-court tribulations continued to get heavy play on Thursday's late night D-FW newscasts.... Check out our latest roundup, and also see how Thursday's local Nielsen ratings stacked up.

Up-close and objective: (Night 10 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-07T20:27:06-05:00
Our latest late night newscast roundups are in. Believe it or not, so are the D-FW Nielsen ratings for Monday-Wednesday after a technical meltdown delayed results and frayed the nerves of networks and local stations around the country.

CBS11 drops Dirk bombshell (updated again)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-07T12:19:52-05:00
WFAA8's web site posted its story -- "Source: Nowitzki's jailed 'friend' is his fiancee" -- at 12:28 p.m. Thursday. ...On its Web site, The Dallas Morning News initially credited CBS11 with breaking the story of Taylor's reported pregnancy.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-05-07T11:54:36-05:00
Also, the Nielsen ratings are trickling in after a major technical meltdown deprived local stations and networks of their daily fixes. Sunday's D-FW numbers have just been released, allowing a belated look at the Dallas Mavericks' big score in the ratings despite their lopsided loss to Denver.

Up-close and objective: (Night 9 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-06T15:38:55-05:00
NBC5 doesn't much let content get in the way of commercials down the homestretches of its 10 p.m. newscasts.... Note to readers: Continuing problems at Nielsen Media Research mean further delays in nightly ratings reports.

Five Big Texes in latest Bachelorette hunt

Ed Bark — 2009-05-06T15:10:42-05:00
"Love," TV style: Jake, Bachelorette Jillian Harris and Tanner P. By ED BARK ABC's upcoming fifth edition of The Bachelorette will be lousy with Texans, including two now living in the D-FW area. ...ABC press materials say that he's "secretly obsessed" with the feet of Canadian-born Bachelorette Jillian Harris, 29.

Ride 'em, Cowboy

Ed Bark — 2009-05-06T10:52:07-05:00
Michael Irvin's new reality competition series for Spike TV now has a name, a premiere date and an array of announced guest stars. They'll be presiding over 12 contestants, with the winner getting a spot on the Dallas Cowboys training camp roster.

Up-close and objective: (Night 8 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-05T14:10:24-05:00
The collapse of the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility continued to be a major player on Monday's late night D-FW newscasts.... Meanwhile, Saturday's local Nielsen ratings show a big bump for CBS11 during the time it dominated breaking coverage of the Valley Ranch disaster.

Note to readers: weekend ratings delayed

Ed Bark — 2009-05-04T17:59:33-05:00
Complete local weekend ratings from Nielsen Media Research -- which include both Sunday's Dallas Mavericks game and coverage of Saturday's disaster at Cowboys training camp -- have been delayed and probably won't be available until Tuesday. Sorry for the inconvenience, but we'll regroup then.

Fringe gets seconds

Ed Bark — 2009-05-04T13:42:59-05:00
Fox made it official Monday, giving Fringe a Season 2. Its first-season finale is on Tuesday, May 12th, with guest star Leonard Nimoy dropping in as a "pivotal person of interest," says Fox.

Up-close and objective: (Night 7 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-04T11:53:08-05:00
Our serrated summation of Friday's late night D-FW newscast activities is ready to share. Also, NBC half-announces its 2009-10 prime-time schedule, promising Part 2 on May 19th.

CBS11 excels in breaking coverage of Cowboys' "practice bubble" collapse

Ed Bark — 2009-05-02T16:43:21-05:00
CBS11 dominated the early television coverage of Saturday afternoon's Cowboys practice field disaster. Photos: Ed Bark By ED BARK CBS11 excelled in its breaking coverage Saturday afternoon of the Dallas Cowboys' rookie camp disaster, and virtually had the story to itself in the first half-hour. ...Kelly was inside the team's air-supported practice bubble when it collapsed during inclement weather around 3:30 p.m. His jarring pictures were quickly put into play while Fox4, NBC5 and WFAA8 stayed with scheduled programming.

Meteorologist Kristine Kahanek caps seven-year career at CBS11

Ed Bark — 2009-05-01T17:39:17-05:00
Taking the cake: CBS11's Kristine Kahanek signs off. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK CBS11 meteorologist Kristine Kahanek officially signed off at the end of Friday's 4 p.m. newscast, ending a seven-year career with the station. ...Kahanek was the only on-air personality to depart the station Friday amid a round of layoffs that also claimed assistant news director Sarah Garza.

Up-close and objective: (Night 6 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-01T14:31:23-05:00
One of D-FW's four major TV news providers is notably downplaying the swine flu situation.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house.

Layoffs in progress at CBS11; weathercaster Kahanek out (updated again -- and again)

Ed Bark — 2009-05-01T11:13:23-05:00
By ED BARK Sources confirm that CBS11 meteorologist Kristine Kahanek, who joined the station in 2002 as the station's chief temperature taker, has been dropped as part of Friday's layoffs at the D-FW-based station. ...In August of last year, she was relocated to the station's 4 p.m. newscasts while also serving as new chief meteorologist Larry Mowry's main backup.

Pete 'n' Dale get a bigger playhouse

Ed Bark — 2009-05-01T02:18:37-05:00
Coming soon to a home screen near you -- Dallas-based WFAA8's Rumble in the Plaza starring Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus. ...Also, you may have noticed it's a new month, which means that April posts on unclebarky.com gradually will be moving to the appropriate archive (located along the right-hand border).

Up-close and objective (Night 5 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-04-30T14:18:53-05:00
The Fort Worth school district's surprise swine flu shutdown not surprisingly topped Wednesday's late night D-FW newscasts.... Also, how did President Obama's prime-time news conference do against holdout Fox's competing Lie to Me?

NBC5's Meredith Land expecting soon

Ed Bark — 2009-04-30T10:26:39-05:00
NBC5 anchor/reporter Meredith Land and her husband are expecting their first child, the station confirms. ...In other local TV baby news, CBS11 weathercaster Jeff Jamison posted a video blog on April 23rd announcing that he and his wife, Molly, are expecting their first child in early September.

One day of Weeks

Ed Bark — 2009-04-29T17:03:22-05:00
Paul Potts coming to North Texas; Jerome Weeks already here. By ED BARK A weekly TV presence is in the works for Jerome Weeks, former book critic at The Dallas Morning News and now a member of Dallas-based KERA's Art&Seek staff. ...KERA says he'll interview guests from the "world of art and culture" in a segment produced by another former DMN Arts & Entertainment staffer, Anne Bothwell.

Up-close and objective (Night 4 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-04-29T14:01:35-05:00
OK, you, me and a lot of other people were watching the Mavericks punch out the Spurs during Tuesday's under-watched late night D-FW newscasts. But through the miracle of DVRing, I'm here to tell you about 'em anyway.

Up-close and objective (Night 3 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-04-28T15:52:00-05:00
Monday's late night D-FW newscasts proved to be quite a vision. Our latest four-ring roundup is here.

NBC's MVP back in Tonight trenches

Ed Bark — 2009-04-28T09:25:01-05:00
Jay Leno put NBC at ease Monday with his return to the Tonight Show after a health scare last week.... And CBS sentences Harper's Island to hard labor while also changing a few of its series finale dates.

Obama's 100th day news conference nixed by Fox (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-04-27T21:58:56-05:00
By ED BARK Fox has decided not to carry President Obama's Wednesday, April 29th prime-time news conference, which also marks his 100th day in office. ...Fox had carried the previous three appearances, including a pair of Tuesday night outings (on Feb. 24 and March 25th) that bumped Idol's performance show to Wednesday and the show's results hour to Thursday.

Up-close and objective (Night 2 of the May sweeps)

Ed Bark — 2009-04-27T12:29:55-05:00
Which D-FW news anchor has resorted to tweeting during newscasts?... Also, catch up on the ratings for the Dallas Mavericks' big win Saturday in our latest look at the D-FW Nielsen numbers.

Up-close and objective: Night 1 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2009-04-24T15:38:59-05:00
So for each and every weeknight of the May "sweeps," we're going to watch the featured nighttime newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show big returns for the Dallas Mavericks on the first night of the sweeps.

May day

Ed Bark — 2009-04-23T13:54:47-05:00
The May "sweeps" have officially started (never mind that it's only April 23rd), which means that the official May 20th end of the 2008-09 TV season is coming up fast.... Also, the eve-of-the-sweeps D-FW Nielsen ratings show a potentially hot horse race at 6 a.m., with even CBS11 not all that far back.

Hot story

Ed Bark — 2009-04-22T23:16:00-05:00
Fox4's roving Good Day reporter, Fiona Gorostiza, suffered a second degree burn while hot-coal walking on Tuesday's edition. But the Dallas-based station's web site is treating the mishap as a semi-comical sidebar.

WFAA adds extra layers of live to 5 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2009-04-22T14:30:36-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 is addressing its 5 p.m. newscast ratings dip with a lighter, hands-on approach. That included a live appearance Tuesday by three rescued baby hawks.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-04-21T14:46:46-05:00
Plus, Terrell Owens has another off-field venture set for this summer, this time in partnership with an oft-unclothed model. And the Dallas Mavericks score big in the D-FW Nielsen ratings Monday despite laying an egg in Game 2 at San Antonio.

"I'm not doing anything, sir" -- El Paso TV reporter pleads case to no avail as officer cuffs him on video

Ed Bark — 2009-04-21T09:20:33-05:00
By ED BARK Caught on video Monday: Reporter Darren Hunt and photographer Ric Dupont of KVIA-TV in El Paso were handcuffed and taken to police headquarters for interviewing witnesses near the scene of a serious car wreck. ...Police spokesman Javier Sambrano told the station on camera: "It's unfortunate at any time that any member of the public or the news media feels that they were treated unfairly by any member of our department.

Who makes the A-team?

Ed Bark — 2009-04-20T16:46:03-05:00
Our Making A List page begins a periodic new feature by starting with A and eventually covering the whole alphabet.... And the latest D-FW ratings show a nice bump for the suddenly very watchable Mavericks.

Sign o' the times: cutbacks claim former WFAA8 personality Bill Ratliff after generation-spanning career in Tampa

Ed Bark — 2009-04-17T16:33:51-05:00
By ED BARK Bill Ratliff, former co-host of Dallas-based WFAA8's PM Magazine with Leeza Gibbons, is calling it quits at Tampa, Florida's WFLA-TV after 27 years as an anchor. In short, the station made him an offer he could refuse -- fewer hours and far less pay, according to a story by Tampa Bay Tribune TV critic Walt Belcher.

HBO's Grey Gardens and a Fox cartoon character named Miracle Grohe

Ed Bark — 2009-04-17T12:59:45-05:00
Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange excel in HBO's Grey Gardens. But Fox falls flat with the animated comedy Sit Down, Shut Up, despite a wealth of behind-the-scenes talent.

See for free: Mavs-Spurs will battle on TXA21

Ed Bark — 2009-04-16T17:31:58-05:00
You won't need cable or a dish to watch the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs hoop it up in first round NBA playoff action. ...Sat., April 18th -- Mavs at Spurs (7 p.m.) Mon., April 20th -- Mavs at Spurs (8:30 p.m.) Thurs., April 23rd -- Spurs at Mavs (7:30 p.m.) Sat., April 25th -- Spurs at Mavs (3 p.m.)

Madden retires, successor seems obvious

Ed Bark — 2009-04-16T13:13:52-05:00
John Madden's surprise retirement from broadcasting Thursday leaves NBC with a big Sunday Night Football vacancy.... Plus, a Dallas woman will strut her 41-year-old stuff in the second season of TV Land's She's Got the Look.

Cowboys' 2009 schedule comes up short for Fox4

Ed Bark — 2009-04-15T16:23:34-05:00
NBC's Sunday Night Football will have the first regular season game from the so-called "Eighth Wonder of the World," with the New York Giants in town as the loyal opposition on Sept. 20th. ...Split by a bye week, Fox4 will have four consecutive games early in the season, beginning with an Oct. 4th road game against Denver and ending with a Nov.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-04-15T12:06:42-05:00
TV Land's The Cougar isn't a nature show, although its 40-year-old star enjoys preying on tender young meat.... Also, the Back Channels page revisits a time when D-FW reporters regularly moved on up to the network news level, with some not liking it much.

What's up with Macie Jepson?

Ed Bark — 2009-04-14T14:02:46-05:00
Also, her former 5 p.m. newscast running mate, Jeff Brady, is aggressively selling himself and his new company. Check out his pitch -- but beware of curveballs -- on our Web Browser page.

Fox Sports Southwest has own Project Runway -- starring Jet Terry

Ed Bark — 2009-04-13T22:39:50-05:00
Cue the unscripted drama on Fox Sports Southwest Photo: Ed Bark What could have been a crushing home loss to Minnesota's woeful Timberwolves became a tingling two-point win Monday night when guard Jason "Jet" Terry canned a clutch jumper. ...A final regular season home win against Houston on Wednesday -- or a loss by the Utah Jazz to the Lakers Tuesday night -- gives the Mavs at least a fighting chance to avoid a third consecutive first round playoff knockout.

Good Day in a good way? The co-anchors keep shifting (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-04-13T09:25:14-05:00
Six weeks after Megan Henderson's departure and nearing the start of the May "sweeps," Fox4's Good Day continues to rotate co-anchors.... Also, PBS looks deep into Native American history Monday night with the first film in its five-part We Shall Remain.

R.I.P: Matt Quinn

Ed Bark — 2009-04-10T14:20:42-05:00
Former WFAA8 and ABC News reporter Matt Quinn and his wife, Cathy, were killed when wildfires decimated their home in rural Montague County. We look back at what Quinn meant to the station in times when stylists had more room to roam.

Breaking huddle: Friday Night Lights ends Season 3 with a new score to settle

Ed Bark — 2009-04-09T21:33:50-05:00
Friday's third season finale of NBC's Friday Night Lights is full of senior moments, plus an unexpected challenge for Coach Taylor that sets up what should be a game-changing fourth season. Get the details here.

Body counting on CBS, CSIs excluded

Ed Bark — 2009-04-09T13:33:05-05:00
CBS already has plenty of whodunits, but its new Harper's Island will keep doing it for 13 weeks before fingering the killer.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in their usual spot.

Updating inside: reviews of two NBC Thursday night newcomers and a buncha stuff on the TV Bulletin Board page

Ed Bark — 2009-04-08T18:18:05-05:00
NBC ventures into an ER-less Thursday with two new series -- a comedy starring SNL alum Amy Poehler and a cop drama from ER's former maestro.... Also, the TV Bulletin Board page has a new slew of breathless announcements.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-04-08T10:58:54-05:00
Should Shelly Slater be filling one of those 5 p.m. newscast anchor vacancies on WFAA8?... Also, Eminem's first new video in ages finds him in uniform as Tony Romo throwing a hamburger to a mock Jessica Simpson.

WFAA8 silent on DMN layoffs but Neiman Marcus job losses make the cut

Ed Bark — 2009-04-08T08:20:02-05:00
Harris' reports were valuable, but I wondered at the time whether WFAA8 would have proceeded with the same zeal had Dateline been an ABC news magazine. ..."And now, all of us 'Stepford' worker bees will sit in our meetings tomorrow with George and Bob (managing editor George Rodrigue and editor Bob Mong) and politely listen and nod our muted heads in a very understanding way, when all we really want to do is scream obscenities.

Rescue Me at long last returns with a newfound burning intensity

Ed Bark — 2009-04-07T12:06:01-05:00
FX's Rescue Me was hit harder than most by last year's writers' strike.... And if you want the latest information about the ongoing layoffs at The Dallas Morning News, here's the best source.

More new stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-04-06T14:48:59-05:00
NBC5's new Geico-derivative spot makes the most of the budding partnership between old hand Newy Scruggs and newcomer Matt Barrie.... Also, ABC re-embraces Bob Saget -- again -- in the new sitcom Surviving Suburbia.

A day unlike any other

Ed Bark — 2009-04-06T13:56:38-05:00
(null)

Rangers at home for one-timer on Fox4 -- unless the playoffs or a World Series magically intervene

Ed Bark — 2009-04-06T09:45:15-05:00
A self-described "Rangers fan of epic proportions" made this 30-second video a few months ago. The team's promotions department should sign him up. Our one and only pro baseball club begins anew at 1:05 p.m. Monday, and it's the only game scheduled all season on Fox4.

Re-stocking

Ed Bark — 2009-04-03T14:25:46-05:00
D-FW's NBC5 lately has stretched its out-of-studio pictures to full screen size on its HD newscasts.... Also, Showtime's The Tudors and HBO's In Treatment are back in view Sunday night.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-04-03T11:23:59-05:00
And MSNBC has hired another left-of-center personality who otherwise doesn't look like your typical TV type. Get the details here, and also see how ER did in the D-FW ratings with Thursday night's two-hour series finale.

Have backpack? Will hire

Ed Bark — 2009-04-02T18:33:58-05:00
Dallas-based KDAF-TV's 9 p.m. local newscast is looking to hire a few good "backpack journalists." We look at the implications as TV newsrooms of all sizes and quality strive to go cheaper.

Disney Channel ready with new Jonas brothers sitcom

Ed Bark — 2009-04-02T18:11:26-05:00
Already flush with Hannah Montana and the High School Musical movies, Disney Channel will add the Jonas brothers to its kid-powered arsenal with a new comedy series set to premiere on Saturday, May 2nd. ...The first episode, titled "Wrong Song," will be available a week before its cable air date via the On Demand services on Time Warner and Verizon Fios among others.

March "sweeps' no spring fling for some

Ed Bark — 2009-04-02T15:04:53-05:00
Also, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsens are in the house, and we say goodbye to ER and an era on our Network News & Reviews page. And if you haven't already, check out our all-time top 10 TV docs list to see if your favorite operators made the cut.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-04-01T12:56:44-05:00
The Peabodys have announced their latest batch of winners.... Also, look who's adding Wanda Sykes to the late night mix, check out the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings and get more of your questions answered in a new "Ask Uncle Barky."

Unclebarky.com rolls over, but doesn't play dead

Ed Bark — 2009-04-01T06:01:45-05:00
Recent material on unclebarky.com gradually will relocate to the March 2009 archives (scroll down along right-hand border and then click) as April postings magically appear. We begin with new entries on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page (look what the Texas Rangers have for you) and the Network News & Reviews page (a look back at Tuesday's dreadful Osbournes: Reloaded).

As ER nears an end, who are TV's all-time top 10 docs?

Ed Bark — 2009-03-31T17:06:48-05:00
NBC's ER will end its record 15-season run -- the most ever for a medical series -- with Thursday's two-hour finale.... Plus, your friendly content provider adds his voice to cnn.com's story on ER's impact and legacy.

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2009-03-30T23:57:35-05:00
Miles with DPD officer Robert Powell. Photo: Ed Bark Tough-worded questioning from CBS11 reporter J.... Miles put Dallas police officer Robert Powell on the receiving end during an exclusive interview on Monday's 10 p.m. newscast.

Advancing the story: CBS11 lands exclusive interview with Moats case cop

Ed Bark — 2009-03-30T17:14:02-05:00
Miles By ED BARK CBS11 plans to play catch up in a big way Monday with its own exclusive in the Ryan and Tamishia Moats case. ...Powell is on administrative leave after his controversial conduct outside Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano, where he issued a traffic ticket to Ryan Moats and detained him at length while his hospitalized mother-in-law died.

More inside

Ed Bark — 2009-03-30T14:33:20-05:00
Live from New York, WFAA8 reporter Rebecca Lopez talks to unclebarky.com about the biggest story of her career. Also, Fox will premiere Osbournes: Reloaded following Tuesday's latest American Idol performance show.

Waiting game: Ryan, Tamishia Moats go public first on GMA while WFAA8 readies its own local exclusive

Ed Bark — 2009-03-30T09:50:36-05:00
Robin Roberts with Ryan, Tamishia Moats on ABC's GMA. Photo: Ed Bark Ryan and Tamishia Moats were interviewed exclusively on Monday's Good Morning America while the reporter who broke the story, WFAA8's Rebecca Lopez, waited her turn.... Also, Tiger Woods' dramatic 18th hole win Sunday gives NBC a short-lived boost in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Moats and wife opt for more visible morning venue (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-03-29T11:39:47-05:00
Pro football running back Ryan Moats and his wife Tamishia (also spelled Tamisha in some accounts) have changed morning partners and now will appear exclusively on Monday's Good Morning America to talk about what has become their nationally famous altercation with Dallas traffic cop Robert Powell. ...As previously reported on unclebarky.com, CBS11 spokesperson Lori Conrad said she was informed that the Early Show interview "was a lock" until Friday morning, "when the broadcast executive producer got an email saying that they couldn't do the interview because Ryan's wife was still grieving."

More new stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-03-27T15:41:06-05:00
Also, Rebecca Lopez's scoop on the much talked-about Ryan Moats/traffic cop incident re-proves the value of experienced beat reporting in times when many local TV stations are giving it up. Also, we have updates requested on several former D-FW television newsies pictured in a vintage WFAA8 promotional video.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-03-25T15:07:45-05:00
ABC's new In the Motherhood premieres Thursday. Not to be too judgmental, but if you're in the womb, stay there.

Sportscaster Gina Miller knows the score as D-FW television's last woman standing

Ed Bark — 2009-03-24T13:33:55-05:00
Sportscaster Gina Miller in the CBS11/TXA21 newsroom. Photo: Ed Bark Dallas-Fort Worth, the country's fifth-largest TV market, now has just one woman sportscaster on the six stations with nightly local newscasts. Post up with Gina Miller in our extended profile.

Fresh produce

Ed Bark — 2009-03-24T11:37:16-05:00
Which D-FW weatherman showed up in a tuxedo to do Monday's 10 p.m. forecast?... Also, TBS enters the late night talk show ring with a surprise newcomer of color.

Rather hits the century mark -- in HDNet news programs

Ed Bark — 2009-03-23T17:08:11-05:00
It's turned out to be an optimum marriage for the former CBS News heavyweight and Dallas-based owner Mark Cuban.... Also, we get an update from former Fox4 Good Day anchor Megan Henderson, who's newly on the air at KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-03-23T13:20:46-05:00
Throwing your voice can be a very good gig, especially if you're originally from D-FW. Check out the latest homegrown ventriloquist who's raking it in. Also, the weekend Nielsen ratings were bullish for both Obama and basketball.

Local angles -- all nine of 'em

Ed Bark — 2009-03-23T12:20:53-05:00
By ED BARK We recently messed around with NBC5's new "Golden Local" award, which kind of looks like a cowboy giving D-FW the time-tested finger. ...In fact, nine of NBC's 10 O&O stations have a Golden Local in play, with WTVJ-TV in Miami so far the only exception.

On Wisconsin -- off Florida State (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-03-20T13:54:00-05:00
Bucky's ready to slow the game to a crawl tonight. Photo: Ed Bark Uncle Barky's alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will take on the heavily favored Florida State Seminoles in one of the NCAA basketball tournament's late games Friday. ...Postscript: Well, the Badgers beat Florida State by two points in overtime, but then wilted in the second half against Xavier to bow out of the NCAA tournament Sunday afternoon.

Web-only Rockville CA finds O.C. creator skipping networks

Ed Bark — 2009-03-19T17:53:47-05:00
West) stars in Rockville CA. The new web-only series Rockville CA is another instance of a prominent TV producer bypassing the conventional networks to play what for now is still small ball. In this case it's Josh Schwartz (The O.C.).

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2009-03-19T13:35:09-05:00
Former CBS11 news director Regent Ducas, quite the notorious figure during his brief tenure, has landed a coaching job in North Texas.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, as is news of two long leases on life for a pair of CBS comedies.

Ah, the humanity -- seriously

Ed Bark — 2009-03-19T13:07:22-05:00
"In a message to the station's staff, Vice President and General Manager Susan Adams Lloyd said economic realities during the recession required that she make a very difficult decision. ...Lloyd also is quoted in the story as saying, "Like so many businesses in our community that are adjusting to these uncertain economic times, WCCO-TV, too, had to make one of these tough decisions .

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-03-18T15:15:32-05:00
Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings mark the first time a competing show has beaten American Idol.... And unclebarky.com picks a Final Four for American Idol in hopes that at least one of 'em makes it.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-03-18T07:45:33-05:00
Jay Harrington has the title role in ABC's new Better Off Ted. The new ABC workplace comedy Better Off Ted launches Wednesday night. Comparisons to The Office are inevitable, but this one has its own odd charms.

"I'll be back at 6 -- unless they fire me between now and then"

Ed Bark — 2009-03-17T12:55:13-05:00
OK, maybe we should be glad that traffic reporter Bob Herzog's not plyin' his trade in D-FW. ...Herzog channeled his dance at 5:48 a.m. on WKRC-TV's Good Morning Cincinnati program.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-03-17T11:38:22-05:00
The early morning ratings are getting very grim for WFAA8's Daybreak, which hasn't clicked at all lately in the local Nielsens.... Plus, a new "Ask Uncle Barky" gives you a look at former WFAA8 anchor Jeff Brady's new -- and so far underwhelming -- Web site.

In memoriam: Mike Maza

Ed Bark — 2009-03-16T11:26:10-05:00
Today is the memorial for my good friend and former Dallas Morning News colleague Mike Maza, who died last year of cancer. In his memory, there'll be no further postings today.

NBC's Kings deserves some loyal subjects

Ed Bark — 2009-03-13T12:54:44-05:00
One of the better new TV dramas of late, NBC's suitably epic Kings, premieres Sunday night.... We also apprise George Clooney's little-promoted appearance on Thursday's ER, which didn't fare very well in that night's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Earmarking of a different sort: Cell phone usage in a steam room

Ed Bark — 2009-03-13T10:48:48-05:00
This basically has nothing to do with TV, although a D-FW station presumably could flip it into a "trend" story. ...It's the first time I'd witnessed cell phone usage in a steam room and whirlpool.

Idol axes two, bungles new rule

Ed Bark — 2009-03-12T11:22:39-05:00
Prime-time's most popular show, American Idol introduced a very lame "Judges' Save" option Wednesday.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens are in. And on the Web Browser page, we commend NBC Universal for finally doing something right, even if it's an embarrassment for one of its owned networks.

WFAA8 to be hit by more layoffs

Ed Bark — 2009-03-11T10:27:35-05:00
Belo Corp., owner of Dallas-based WFAA8 and 19 other TV stations, will be dropping 150 more employees by mid-April.... Also, another network cooking competition, NBC's The Chopping Block, steps up to the plate Wednesday night.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-03-10T14:35:09-05:00
Dancing with the Stars returned Monday night to the tune of big ratings and high scores for former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader turned Bachelor jilt-ee Melissa Rycroft.... Get Dancing's D-FW ratings here and the other stuff here.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-03-09T16:06:29-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 has named a third Good Morning Texas co-host to fill the spot left by Brenda Teele.... Plus, NBC reporter Lindsay Wilcox has a new arrival and a freshly posted TV Bulletin Board page entry tells you what South Park has in mind for the Jonas Brothers on Wednesday's 13th season premiere.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-03-06T10:44:13-06:00
It's not every day you hear a fire alarm go off in the middle of a local newscast.... Also, we have a review of ABC's new and heavily promoted Castle series, an American Idol update and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings on Day 1 of the largely inconsequential March "sweeps."

Stripped of stripes

Ed Bark — 2009-03-05T12:26:35-06:00
Fox4 anchor Steve Eagar again called attention to his sinister wide-striped suitcoat Wednesday, this time to swear off wearing it at the order of his "boss's boss."... We've got our latest American Idol picks, too, and a variety of tidbits on the TV Bulletin Board page.

Fox4 anchor shows his stripes

Ed Bark — 2009-03-04T11:40:46-06:00
Fox4 anchor Steve Eagar made a point of wearing his wide-striped suitcoat Tuesday night after he says management told him to bag it.... And we again pick our three Idol survivors from Tuesday's last in a trio of 12-way sing-offs.

Another new male delivery at WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2009-03-03T10:30:27-06:00
Anchor Chris Flanagan made his Daybreak debut Tuesday on WFAA8, and hopes to last much longer than the previous trio.... And the latest D-FW Nielsens are rosy for ABC's The Bachelor, where North Texan Melissa Rycroft belatedly got jilted Monday night.

New inside

Ed Bark — 2009-03-02T13:58:34-06:00
The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are both a plus and a minus for Megan Henderson's last day on Fox4's Good Day. Also, Jimmy Fallon will take a Web-centric approach to NBC's Late Night, where he debuts on Monday, March 2nd.

Rebooting for March

Ed Bark — 2009-03-02T00:46:09-06:00
New posts for March send last month's to the February archives located along the right-hand border of each unclebarky.com page. ...P.S. Again, a monthly thanks to all who have made Amazon.com purchases by first clicking through the Amazon ad on unclebarky.com.

Long goodbye for Fox4's Henderson

Ed Bark — 2009-02-27T11:22:02-06:00
Fox4 devoted much of Friday's four-hour Good Day to a "Mega Megan Celebration" in honor of departing co-anchor Megan Henderson. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in. And unclebarky.com slumps to five out of six after missing on one of Thursday's selections to American Idol's top 12 finalists.

Good Day re-percolates

Ed Bark — 2009-02-26T13:27:35-06:00
Dallas-based Fox4 will go an unconventional route -- at least in the short-term -- after co-anchor Megan Henderson signs off Friday from the station's early morning Good Day.... And on the Network News & Reviews page, see what new shows are coming in March -- and which Big 4 broadcast networks are leading the ratings pack.

Jury duty done

Ed Bark — 2009-02-26T10:24:58-06:00
Check out our picks of which three contestants will survive Thursday's American Idol vote-off. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in for both a President Obama-infused Tuesday and Idol's delayed Wednesday sing-off.

Gotta go

Ed Bark — 2009-02-24T22:32:21-06:00
Two words: Jury duty. So cornfed unclebarky.com will be out of commission for at least part of Wednesday.

Wake up and smell the ratings

Ed Bark — 2009-02-24T13:27:15-06:00
Megan Henderson's impending departure from Fox4 and the imminent arrival of a new guy at WFAA8 make early mornings a fertile field for NBC5. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are a grim reaper for NBC's fallen Heroes.

Oscar audience grows from last year's low

Ed Bark — 2009-02-23T14:28:24-06:00
Sunday night's Oscar ceremony topped last year's all-time low in the national Nielsens, but still is no blockbuster on the all-time list. Also, Mel Gibson resurfaced deep into the night on Jimmy Kimmel's post-Oscar show.

It's official: Henderson leaving Fox4

Ed Bark — 2009-02-23T08:28:19-06:00
Megan Henderson, co-anchor of Fox4's Good Day since August 2003, is heading West to KTLA-TV.... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings take a look at how Oscar performed in these parts.

P(l)ay ball: A record number of Rangers games will be on Fox Sports Southwest

Ed Bark — 2009-02-20T13:30:20-06:00
The Texas Rangers have just announced their TV schedule, which mostly will be out of reach for fans without cable or satellite packages.... Also, the new BBC America series Mistresses has both sex appeal and substance.

Ruminating on "Pete's Tweets" and Dale's "procedure"

Ed Bark — 2009-02-19T15:58:13-06:00
Actually, "ruminating" is way too long a word for any self-respecting, character-deprived Tweeter. See what we mean in regards to Dallas-based WFAA8's oft-childlike duo of Pete Delkus and Dale Hansen.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-02-18T13:29:20-06:00
Also, unclebarky.com picks the survivors from Tuesday night's 12-way American Idol sing-off, from which only three will emerge Wednesday night after Season 8's first viewer votes are announced. Note to readers: Nielsen Media Research won't be releasing any further local market ratings until Friday because of digital switchovers by some stations on the previously announced date of Feb. 17 (now pushed back to June 12).

Two new faces -- and lotsa Facebook -- on the The 33's 9 p.m. local newscast

Ed Bark — 2009-02-17T15:16:46-06:00
Dallas-based The 33 unveiled its new anchor team on Monday's 9 p.m. newscast.... And on our still relatively new Web Browser page, CBS says that 2.5 million sets of eyeballs watched David Letterman/Joaquin Phoenix on the Internet within 36 hours of the initial Feb. 11th telecast.

Linking to a pair of self-penned D CEO articles on WFAA8 anchor John McCaa, Latina Lista founder Marisa Trevino

Ed Bark — 2009-02-17T09:41:36-06:00
Veteran WFAA8 anchor John McCaa prepares to do a live report for the 5 p.m. newscast from a decidedly different anchor desk in the station's downtown Dallas newsroom. Photo: Ed Bark Your friendly content provider has written an extended profile of WFAA8 anchor John McCaa for the new issue of D CEO magazine.

And the Oscar goes to . . .

Ed Bark — 2009-02-16T15:29:55-06:00
ABC's 1979 Oscar telecast hasn't been equaled since, at least in this view.... And scroll down on the same page for video of a former D-FW weathercaster's crowd-pleasing performance at a Dancing with the Stars-themed charity event in Austin.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-02-13T12:28:53-06:00
Creator Joss Whedon of Buffy, the Vamper Slayer fame looms large over his new Dollhouse series, as he did during Fox's January press conference.... Plus, HBO further debases baseball with Eastbound & Down, a new comedy series about a profane, cocksure, washed-up relief pitcher.

Phoenix redux

Ed Bark — 2009-02-12T10:50:04-06:00
Well, so what do you make of this?... Below are highlights from bearded Joaquin Phoenix's already historic Wednesday night visit to Late Show with David Letterman, which surely will have more viewers than his new and supposedly last movie, Two Lovers, which opens Friday and was sneak previewed Wednesday on Mark Cuban's HDNet Movies.

By the time you get to Phoenix

Ed Bark — 2009-02-11T18:00:52-06:00
Mark Cuban's HDNet Movies channel has another three-pronged "Sneak Preview" Wednesday night (Feb. 11) of a film opening in theaters this Friday. This one, Two Lovers, is billed as Joaquin Phoenix's "final feature film performance," even if he'll likely be back for more after knock, knock knockin' on rap's door.

Weather ups and downs

Ed Bark — 2009-02-11T10:50:32-06:00
Tuesday night's severe weather throughout the D-FW viewing area brought disruptions to prime-time schedules as well.... And meanwhile, there's a little more turbulence at "The 33."

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-02-10T15:30:53-06:00
Bad weather's movin' in again, which is great for both local newscast ratings and the profiles of their featured forecasters.... Also, the latest D-FW ratings chart the network-by-network audiences for President Obama's first prime-time news conference.

Babe vs. Romo

Ed Bark — 2009-02-09T12:35:24-06:00
CBS11 sports anchor Babe Laufenberg and Cowboys QB Tony Romo went one-on-one late Sunday night after the Grammys went overtime.... And you can chat with the stars of TNT's Trust Me right after the Monday, Feb. 9th episode.

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2009-02-06T13:12:37-06:00
Deposed anchors are taken out with less dignity than garbage bags while their replacements are extolled as news messiahs.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, and the Back Channels page looks fondly upon Lonesome Dove on its 20th anniversary.

Checking out: WFAA8 anchor Jeff Brady leaving to become own boss

Ed Bark — 2009-02-05T16:44:39-06:00
Jeff Brady will be joining the ranks of D-FW television newsies who want to try something new. Our complete story is here.

"The 33" names new anchors of 9 p.m. newscast

Ed Bark — 2009-02-05T13:51:42-06:00
Two new anchors, one previously revealed on unclebarky.com, will be helming "The 33's" 9 p.m. newscast later this month. The hires were announced on the day after veteran anchor Tom Crespo was dropped.

Another KO at "The 33"

Ed Bark — 2009-02-04T16:08:36-06:00
Weeknight news anchor Tom Crespo is out as "The 33" continues to chop station veterans. Our story is here.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-02-04T13:54:11-06:00
Veteran WFAA8 reporter Jim Douglas tackled a tough topic Tuesday night -- but as usual handled it impeccably. Also, the latest D-FW ratings are in, and a previously junked Bob Saget sitcom has been resurrected by a rival network.

Flight of the Conchords touching down at Nokia

Ed Bark — 2009-02-03T12:38:06-06:00
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6th, for Flight of the Conchords' May 5th show at Grand Prairie's Nokia Theatre. New Zealanders Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are in the midst of their second season on HBO, which slots Conchords on Sundays at 9 p.m. (central) following Big Love.

Riggs, Cheaters creator get in bed together

Ed Bark — 2009-02-02T23:34:38-06:00
Former TV investigative reporter Robert Riggs talks to unclebarky.com about his new duties at Dallas-based Bobby Goldstein Productions, home port for the TV show Cheaters. Also, a former host of WFAA8's defunct La Vida program will be joining The 33's news team, according to sources.

Absolutely, positively final national Nielsens bump Supie XLIII from II to I on all-time list (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-02-02T16:05:56-06:00
Super Bowl's Superman: MVP Santonio Holmes strikes a pose. By ED BARK "Unusual and unexpected adjustments" Tuesday to Super Bowl XLIII's national Nielsen numbers have vaulted it to No. ...NBC's post-Super Bowl attraction, a one-hour episode of The Office, drew 22.9 million viewers nationally from 9:40 to 10:40 p.m. Last year's followup act, Fox's House, did appreciably better with 29 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

More inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2009-02-02T14:03:47-06:00
Fox's 100th episode of House goes against NBC's 3D hour of Chuck Monday night.... Also, Super Bowl XLIII obviously dominated Sunday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Monthly rollover

Ed Bark — 2009-02-02T02:48:04-06:00
January content has been archived on the Dallas-Fort Worth and Network News & Reviews pages as we begin another new month here at unclebarky.com central. Our first February posts on those pages are a highlight reel from Sunday's Super Bowl XLIII and an update on a Dallas-made film with ties to a veteran CBS11 reporter.

II Super Bowl XLIII posts

Ed Bark — 2009-01-30T14:47:08-06:00
A guest star-infused episode of The Office will be Sunday's post-Super Bowl dessert.... Click on over to our new Web Browser page to see both the spot and why NBC saw it as way too sexy.

Blart's not art, but . . .

Ed Bark — 2009-01-29T18:31:10-06:00
Former King of Queens star Kevin James is the latest TV toiler to score with an out-of-nowhere hit movie. But where does Paul Blart: Mall Cop rank on our all-time list of surprise hits that made their onetime TV stars bankable at the box office?

Goodbye to Good Day?

Ed Bark — 2009-01-28T23:11:24-06:00
Her latest contract is almost up, leaving Good Day co-anchor Megan Henderson in the mood to make a move -- or not. Get the latest here.

And here I thought NBC5 was just givin' me the finger

Ed Bark — 2009-01-28T12:11:05-06:00
It's described as "14 inches of gold-colored spinning status," even though its cowboy-hatted likeness (above) appears to be telling viewers to stick it. There's currently a less than raging "Golden Local" competition for "Best Barbecue," which as of this early Wednesday afternoon is being led by Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse over Railhead Smokehouse.

D-FW slide show

Ed Bark — 2009-01-28T11:53:43-06:00
Fox4 survived a major power outage while its foot soldiers and those from rival stations hit the streets skidding Tuesday night. Our up-close look at the frozen chosen is here.

Re-stocking the shelves

Ed Bark — 2009-01-27T12:49:32-06:00
An upcoming visit from Mr. Freeze finds Fox4's 9 p.m. newscast on fire in Monday night's D-FW ratings. Plus, a new TV Bulletin Board serves more nuggets of semi-nutritious info., including the current whereabouts of former Fox4 anchor/reporter Natasha Curry.

WFAA8 goes to cornbelt for new early riser

Ed Bark — 2009-01-26T18:05:05-06:00
This just in: WFAA8 has hired a new Daybreak co-anchor -- from Des Moines. Get our complete story here.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-01-26T16:51:05-06:00
Publishing problems earlier Monday kept unclebarky.com steaming behind the scenes. But all's well -- finally -- so take a look at our posts on the first Dallas edition of Antiques Roadshow, an absorbing American Experience film on the father of the atomic bomb and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Just what this team needed: T.O. goes into OT with new series for VH1

Ed Bark — 2009-01-26T15:27:26-06:00
VH1, already home to Rock of Love, Flavor of Love, Celebrity Rehab and I Want to Work For Diddy, is welcoming Terrell Owens to its fold in a new, still untitled series set to premiere this summer. ..."They will function as matchmakers and therapists and also put their marketing expertise to use and help him make his life off of the field as successful as his life on it!"

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-01-23T12:52:00-06:00
Also, TNT premieres its new ad men series, Trust Me, and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are good news for both CBS and CBS11. Plus, Bob Eubanks is coming to Grapevine and Katie Couric is moving to prime-time for a pair of special editions.

Irvin puts Cowboys behind 88 ball in new Spike TV reality series

Ed Bark — 2009-01-22T13:36:17-06:00
Spike TV and former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin are teaming on a new, yet to be titled reality series whose winner will get a chance to further prove himself at this summer's Cowboys training camp. ...Irvin, who hosts a daily radio show on 103.3 FM ESPN, can be both seen and heard this Sunday on ABC's answer to the Super Bowl halftime show.

Layoffs and Lost

Ed Bark — 2009-01-22T12:27:59-06:00
We have updated information and quotes on WFAA8's new round of layoffs, which were first reported on unclebarky.com. Also, see how Lost's Season 5 return fared in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-01-21T12:56:27-06:00
Fox's new Lie to Me finds truths in the face of -- facial expressions.... And a new "Ask Uncle Barky" answers some of your pressing questions, including the status of NBC5 meteorologist James Aydelott, who was supposed to be in Tulsa by now.

More changes at "The 33" and, of course, on Lost

Ed Bark — 2009-01-19T18:30:29-06:00
Reporter Michael Rey has been let go as part of an ongoing shakeup at "The 33," which also has named two new reporters. And Lost returns for a 5th season Wednesday with an opening nod to an old Willie Nelson song.

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2009-01-16T11:23:57-06:00
In response to a previous unclebarky.com post, CBS11 news director Scott Diener pledges to give credit where it's due from now on. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the numbers for Gil Grissom's CSI goodbye episode and President Bush's farewell address. And Showtime's decidedly different United States of Tara premieres Sunday, with star Toni Collette playing a foursome.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2009-01-15T15:49:34-06:00
Death-defying Patrick Swayze stars in the new A&E cop series The Beast, which premieres Thursday night.... A new "Ask Uncle Barky" has crept into the mix, and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are uncommonly bad news for WFAA8's local newscasts.

Inside looks

Ed Bark — 2009-01-14T12:11:13-06:00
Fox4 reporter Shaun Rabb's exclusive jailhouse interview with an accused cop killer wound up making news on CBS11 as well.... Also, Tuesday's D-FW ratings are another cakewalk for American Idol, which launched its eighth season.

Aguilar alleges racial discrimination in suit against Fox4 (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-01-13T12:10:36-06:00
By ED BARK Former Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar filed a racial discrimination suit against the station late Monday afternoon, claiming she was suspended and ultimately terminated because of her "documented history of complaining about the treatment of Hispanics and Latinos by her employer." The lawsuit was first publicized Tuesday by Courthouse News Service, which quotes Aguilar's attorney, Steve Kardell as saying, "Fox4 wanted my client to advocate change in the community through her reports, but to keep silent in improving working conditions in the newsroom."

Golden Globes and Gold Baton

Ed Bark — 2009-01-12T14:44:10-06:00
NBC's Golden Globes telecast as usual brought out the best and worst of recipients and presenters Sunday night. Check out our fun rundown and also see how they fared against 24 and other stuff in the D-FW Nielsens.

Inside looks

Ed Bark — 2009-01-09T15:45:44-06:00
All hell once again breaks loose as 24 restarts for a seventh season that might make president-elect Barack Obama feel a bit blessed about the relatively minor problems he's about to inherit. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens are in, with an up-close look at local audiences for last night's college football championship game.

Nita Wiggins out as Fox4 sports reporter

Ed Bark — 2009-01-08T18:02:27-06:00
An ongoing epidemic of downsizing in D-FW's television newsrooms has claimed Fox4 sports reporter Nita Wiggins, whose last day was Thursday. We have more details here.

More new stuff inside

Ed Bark — 2009-01-08T13:21:39-06:00
PBS has set the dates for its three Antiques Roadshow hours from Dallas.... Plus, our new "Web Browser" page puts you in touch with the TV sights and sounds of hulu.com.

A few tips on using unclebarky.com (it's as easy as UNC)

Ed Bark — 2009-01-07T14:59:23-06:00
So if you want to see recent posts that suddenly are invisible, just click on the appropriate month in our Archives list, located in the bottom right-hand margin of each UB page. ...But of course it helps if you make it a point to make any Amazon purchases by first clicking on one of the ads appearing on unclebarky.com.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2009-01-07T13:57:58-06:00
FX's excellent Damages returns for a second season Wednesday night. Meanwhile, The CW offers excrement in the form of its new 13 -- Fear Is Real.

It's a go for Miller as The 33's new weeknight weathercaster

Ed Bark — 2009-01-06T00:24:12-06:00
Former NBC5 early morning meteorologist Rebecca Miller is officially the featured forecaster at The 33, with previous occupant Bob Goosmann still on board for now. (Updated twice Tuesday with quotes from Miller and Goosmann) Also, ABC premieres Homeland Security USA while welcoming Scrubs for the first time as part of a revamped Tuesday lineup.

All the news that's fit to print -- plus an ad

Ed Bark — 2009-01-05T11:09:29-06:00
"In its latest concession to the worst revenue slide since the Depression, The New York Times has begun selling display advertising on its front page, a step that has become increasingly common across the newspaper industry," he wrote rather glumly. ...Maybe they'll draw the line, though, on accepting an ad touting VH1's new January lineup of Sober House, Rock of Love Bus, Tool Academy (it has nothing to do with work benches) and Confessions of a Teen Idol.

Flights out for Sky 4, Chopper 5 and Chopper 11

Ed Bark — 2009-01-04T22:39:02-06:00
Also, WFAA8 closed out 2008 on a ratings high with its Big D NYE special, which drew almost as many viewers as the Rose Bowl. And ABC's new True Beauty reality series has a former Dallas pageant queen in its group of 10 duped posers.

2008 at last gets rid of itself, with assist from WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2008-12-31T11:15:31-06:00
WFAA8 held Farmer to the rest of his contract but stopped promoting him until he finally left for WSB-TV after the Friday, Aug. 1st edition of Daybreak. ...We close with the Hansen/Delkus/Izaguirre clip from the 2008 Big D NYE special, and with thanks to all for sticking with good ol' unclebarky.com.

Dying without their boots on: Cowboy-ettes instead wear booties in bumblin', fumblin', Philly flameout

Ed Bark — 2008-12-29T10:16:41-06:00
Which the locals certainly did on their late night sports specials after a little burnt toast buttering by game commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, followed by a repulsed Jimmy Johnson on Fox's Sunday post-game show. ...Instead one and all called for the head of head coach Wade Phillips despite owner Jerry Jones' post-game assurances that he'd be back for a third season.

Tidings of comfort and joy, and a Merry Christmas to all from unclebarky.com central

Ed Bark — 2008-12-23T16:46:57-06:00
Thanks to the many who have read and continue to support unclebarky.com as we head away from an oft-dispiriting year and toward a Christmas and 2009 that hopefully will bring out the best in all of us. And now for a little dancing music.

High-def within sight on Fox4

Ed Bark — 2008-12-22T18:43:37-06:00
Whatever the actual date, Fox4 will be lagging roughly two years behind WFAA8, which went HD on Feb. 2, 2007 while also opening its new Victory Park studios. ...Word is that Fox4 will have HD cameras in the field as well, eliminating the need to upconvert its out-of-studio pictures to full widescreen size.

The TV Year in review -- nationally and locally

Ed Bark — 2008-12-17T00:23:03-06:00
But we're leaving you with a Top 10 countdown of the year's most momentous national TV events. Also inside: a complete list of the many D-FW television anchors and reporters who left their stations in 2008.

Fox4 adds Fiona Gorostiza to weather staff

Ed Bark — 2008-12-15T17:56:49-06:00
By ED BARK Fiona Gorostiza will be joining Fox4's weather team, filling the vacancy left in April by Maria Sotolongo. ...But there's ample youtube footage of Gorostiza, who knows how to have a good time on the air.

Teele departing WFAA8's Good Morning Texas (updated Monday)

Ed Bark — 2008-12-12T15:30:17-06:00
By ED BARK Brenda Teele, one of three co-hosts for WFAA8's Good Morning Texas, will be leaving the show at the end of this year. ...As previously reported, the station's Daybreak co-anchor, Brad Hawkins, also is departing WFAA8 on that day to take a public relations position with Southwest Airlines.

Last laugh? Leno to remain at NBC in new Monday-to-Friday prime-time variety hour

Ed Bark — 2008-12-09T07:22:50-06:00
Conan O'Brien will replace Leno as Tonight Show host on June 1, 2009 as part of a succession plan announced nearly five years ago. He will relocate from New York to a new Hollywood studio, with Jimmy Fallon stepping in as host of O'Brien's Late Night program. ...CBS currently is the only Big Four broadcast network with a potent 9 p.m. drama lineup, regularly winning at that hour with Monday's CSI: Miami, Wednesday's CSI: NY, Thursday's new Eleventh Hour crime drama and Friday's Numb3rs.

Former Ch. 33 anchor Terri Chappell speaks out about her abrupt termination

Ed Bark — 2008-12-05T13:26:09-06:00
Terri Chappell didn't expect to be celebrating her 43rd birthday Friday as a former Ch. 33 news anchor.... And TNT's new "high-octane" Leverage series presents Timothy Hutton as a combination Hannibal Smith/Danny Ocean/Jim Phelps.

Veteran anchor Chappell out at "The 33"

Ed Bark — 2008-12-02T18:14:19-06:00
Her picture was removed from the station's Web site Tuesday, and several sources say this marks the end of her 10-year career at the station. ...Chappell joined Ch. 33 from Austin's CBS station, KEYE-TV, where she anchored the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.

New whereabouts of "Why guy" is at San Diego station, where an old D-FW hand also resides

Ed Bark — 2008-12-02T00:18:38-06:00
Mike Castellucci and Steve Bosh of San Diego's KUSI-TV By ED BARK You remember the guy on the left. He's former WFAA8 "Why Guy" Mike Castellucci, who left the station in July and now is part of the news team at KUSI-TV of San Diego.

Flippin' the bird: Dubya goes turkey bowling

Ed Bark — 2008-11-26T08:04:25-06:00
By ED BARK "This will be the death of any thoughts this man ever had of being president!" ...It also includes a brief interview and demonstration by Turkey Bowling inventor Derrick Johnson, who was fired for perfecting his sport on a grocery store graveyard shift.

Taking flight: WFAA8 anchor Brad Hawkins heads for Southwest

Ed Bark — 2008-11-25T12:44:52-06:00
Daybreak co-anchor Brad Hawkins has decided to leave WFAA8 after eight years, but it'll be a short departing flight to Southwest Airlines.... Also, the latest D-FW ratings are a big stomp for ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

TV's top 10 old-school alpha males, plus a little more ratings intrigue as the November "sweeps" hit the 15-day mark

Ed Bark — 2008-11-20T15:04:32-06:00
Also, there's still much to be decided as D-FW's homegrown newscasts hit the homestretch of the 20-weekday November sweeps. ...And in more local news for you, NBC5 meteorologist James Aydelott soon will be reading maps elsewhere, and Dan Rather's 11th hour cancellation means he won't be speaking Saturday night in Dallas on the 45th anniversary of JFK's assassination.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2008-11-14T13:42:42-06:00
CBS11 investigative reporter Bennett Cunningham and his partner, Michael Spann, are happy to be back in D-FW after the Oct. 10 births of Gregory Adam and Liliana Elizabeth in a Hartford, Conn. ...Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens show further sea changes in the 10 p.m. news wars, where the top dog newscast of two Novembers ago is now fighting to stay out of fourth place.

Synergize this: Fox Television Stations, Inc and NBC Local Media form news service in Philly with plans to expand to other markets where both corporations own stations (P.S. those five markets include Dallas-Fort Worth)

Ed Bark — 2008-11-13T11:46:20-06:00
The Dallas Morning News and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, long derided in each other's newsrooms as "The Morning Snooze" and "The Startlegram," announced earlier this month that they'd be "exploring ways to collaborate in a few targeted areas of newsgathering." ...Says NBC Local Media president John Wallace: "By pooling resources to provide video coverage of general market events, we can ensure our stations are covering the news of the day, and at the same time, focus our efforts on the type of specialized reporting that defines our brands and differentiates our stations within their communities."

Edie Adams and the Kovacs Award -- forever inseparable as the Dallas Video Festival advances to drinking age

Ed Bark — 2008-11-07T11:39:24-06:00
Edie, Bart, myself, Sylvia Komatsu and Ron Simon formed the board that selected the Kovacs Award winner from 1997 until "we realized that it was just getting to be too difficult for Edie to travel and decided to end the award," Bart said in an email sent Thursday, the first day of the 21st annual Video Festival. ...The very first Kovacs honoree was Joel Hodgson of Mystery Science 3000, followed in chronological order, according to Video Festival news releases, by Terry Gilliam, Robert Smigel, Paul ("Pee-wee Herman") Reubens, Martin Mull, Mike Judge and Bill Camfield, a true D-FW television icon who created Slam Bang Theater and the famed, madcap "Icky Twerp" character -- our own Ernie Kovacs -- back when KTVT-TV (Channel 11) dawned as an independently owned and operated station.

The World Series ends and Barack Obama tries to close out John McCain (plus a sidetrip in search of a DMN endorsement of a Democratic presidential candidate)

Ed Bark — 2008-10-30T15:14:22-05:00
And before that, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama submitted himself for approval via a half-hour national pitch on four broadcast and three cable networks. ...And, um, er, has The Dallas Morning News, in well over a century of publishing, ever endorsed a Democrat for president in the finals?

If not Joe the Plumber, then who?

Ed Bark — 2008-10-30T09:14:16-05:00
For better or worse, a majority of the electorate by now knows who Joe the Plumber is.... Which of them has the best chance to be part of the national conversation 10 years/5 years/6 months from now?

Still pumpkins in the playoffs, Mavs open latest regular season with Halloween eve outing on TNT

Ed Bark — 2008-10-29T13:19:58-05:00
Will this season's TV ratings be scarily lower as the stand-pat Dallas Mavericks get into costume for a pre-Halloween night opener against the Rockets?... Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house, and Barack Obama will blanket all but one of the Big Four broadcast networks with a half-hour ad Wednesday night.

Leachman unleashed; Banfield under oath

Ed Bark — 2008-10-28T16:57:50-05:00
Once, twice, eight times an Emmy winner, semi-crazed Cloris Leachman is still kicking at age 82 -- in high heels. Easily the oldest competitor ever on ABC's Dancing with the Stars -- and also lasting longer than Mark Cuban did -- Leachman has network censors on high alert whenever she speaks her mind.

Hot flashes in local TV news

Ed Bark — 2008-10-27T13:26:01-05:00
Check out our trio of D-FW news "Talking Points," plus the latest Cowboys-infused local ratings snapshot.

Today's last post

Ed Bark — 2008-10-24T14:26:38-05:00
As many may already know, today was another layoff day at The Dallas Morning News. ...The most that I can do, via this little web site among millions, is to wish all of you future good fortune and happiness.

One-month report card for Big Four networks finds only one crowing so far (and it's not the Peacock)

Ed Bark — 2008-10-24T11:09:29-05:00
The new fall season is a month-old and all of its new series are now operative.... Get all the further details in our first look at where the new shows and the Big Four networks stand.

Hey, how'd Game 1 of the World Series do nationally?

Ed Bark — 2008-10-23T15:53:24-05:00
So far that's the second lowest total audience ever, barely a smidgen "ahead" of the 2005 Series, in which the Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros in four games to the tune of 17,162,000 viewers. ...Game 1, which was close throughout, kept gaining viewers as the night wore on. What happens Thursday night could go a long way in determining whether baseball will at least be very good to Fox -- or much closer to a whiff with the bases loaded.

Hey, how'd Game 1 of the World Series do in D-FW Wednesday night?

Ed Bark — 2008-10-23T12:10:38-05:00
But it did beat NBC's Lipstick Jungle. For all the messy details, dial up our daily "Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot."

Baseball and presidential politics mix as Fox opens 2008 World Series

Ed Bark — 2008-10-22T14:16:32-05:00
Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama will be on the same team -- for a few fleeting seconds at least -- during Fox's coverage of the 2008 World Series, which begins Wednesday, Oct. 22nd, at 7 p.m. (central). ...Or as crusty icon Uncle Barky once said majestically -- and at length, "The Chicago Cubs, whom I foolishly favored as a Dairyland youth in those cherished Dick Drott glory years, have yet to even play in a World Series during my too many years on this godforsaken planet."

Former CBS11 anchor/reporter Maria Arita now shooting on her own

Ed Bark — 2008-10-22T12:37:56-05:00
Former CBS11 anchor/reporter Maria Arita advocates for Barack Obama in the first film from her new Frisco-based film company. And the latest D-FW ratings snapshot charts another bumpy Tuesday night.

New for you

Ed Bark — 2008-10-21T14:01:23-05:00
And how is WFAA8's 5 p.m. newscast faring without those big booster shots? Our latest local Nielsen ratings snapshot zooms in. Also, look who's getting two more seasons to ply his gruesome craft and see where old hand Dan Rather will be on election night.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2008-10-20T15:53:19-05:00
Also, talented MADtv alum Nicole Sullivan gets her own Lifetime sitcom, Rita Rocks. And two pro athletes with mixed success in Dallas -- Dennis Rodman and Hershcel Walker -- will be teaming on a new edition of a celeb-driven network reality show.

Re-stocking

Ed Bark — 2008-10-17T17:35:27-05:00
The Starz cable network's first original drama series is a continuation of the Oscar-winning film Crash.... The latest D-FW Nielsens also are in. And that's not good news for the second episode of ABC's Life on Mars.

No man is an island, but Crusoe's on one

Ed Bark — 2008-10-16T18:22:50-05:00
NBC has an engaging, first-rate adventure yarn in its new Crusoe series, premiering Friday. (Note to readers: Wednesday's D-FW Nielsens weren't immediately available.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2008-10-15T10:11:03-05:00
John McCain has company in being upstaged by running mate Sarah Palin.... And Comedy Central's Chocolate News begins a 10-week run, with David Alan Grier fake-anchoring.

Sounds of silence: WFAA8's late night Sat. newscast takes a one-time knockout punch

Ed Bark — 2008-10-13T18:03:34-05:00
By ED BARK Several readers have asked what happened to WFAA8's Saturday night local newscast, which already had been delayed until roughly 10:45 p.m. by ABC's NASCAR race overrun. ...The station took another hit Monday, when a "significant power loss" punched out both the 3:30 p.m. edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and the opening minutes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Devlin said.

Get your latest local news

Ed Bark — 2008-10-13T15:01:07-05:00
It's a boy -- and a girl -- for CBS11 investigative reporter Bennett Cunningham and his partner, Michael Spann. Also, it at least was another big ratings Sunday for the Cowboys, with Fox4 the happy recipient this time.

Shale.TV dead before planned arrival (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-10-13T11:19:41-05:00
Former CBS11 and WFAA8 anchor Tracy Rowlett, veteran, award-winning local television producer John Sparks and former network television producer Olive Talley (who earlier reported for The Dallas Morning News) were hired in July to be the linchpins of the planned new web site. ...Robbins, in the Chesapeake statement, said that Rowlett, Sparks and Talley "have been tirelessly working to produce a high-quality program covering an assortment of developments pertaining to the Barnett and other shale plays .

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2008-10-10T09:45:53-05:00
Also, Pete 'n' Dale get legal in a new and clever WFAA8 promo that's certain to further displease viewers who say they're already turned off by the pair's nightly newscast banter. And in a pivotal night for new and returning network series programming, see how they ran in a very special (sorry) "Local Nielsen ratings snapshot."

More crime time on CBS

Ed Bark — 2008-10-09T11:52:45-05:00
Thursday night's third new series, CBS' Eleventh Hour, is another "police procedural" from producer Jerry Bruckheimer. We take a look while also paying respects to the network's godfather of the genre, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-10-08T18:38:09-05:00
Our reviews are in on two new Thursday night series -- ABC's Life On Mars and NBC's Kath & Kim. Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsens gave ABC a landslide win in the presidential debate ratings.

Local developments

Ed Bark — 2008-10-07T11:32:41-05:00
The 33"s weather team is now a one-man band after veteran Fred Barnhill called it a day.... Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsens are feast or famine for some of the Big Four broadcast networks' best-known series.

Cuban packs the house at Saturday's climactic Uncle Barky Show

Ed Bark — 2008-10-06T09:23:23-05:00
Dallas Mavericks owner and TV entrepreneur/star Mark Cuban sports a lovely parting gift -- an inaugural unclebarky.com T-shirt -- at Saturday's seventh Uncle Barky Show. ...23rd -- Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson, co-anchors of Fox4's early morning "Good Day" April 12th -- Documentary filmmakers Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza, who collaborated on the recent "Stop the Presses" May 17th -- Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus, respectively the sports and weather anchors at WFAA8 July 19th -- News anchor Tracy Kornet and the Eleven21 band Oct.

It's the eve of the next Uncle Barky Show, with guest Mark Cuban

Ed Bark — 2008-10-03T11:40:26-05:00
By ED BARK Your friendly content provider very much hopes to see you this Saturday, Oct. 4th at a brand new "episode" of The Uncle Barky Show, with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in the house. ...They range from competing on Dancing with the Stars to the controversial hiring of Dan Rather as a prominent player on Cuban's high-definition cable network, HDNet.

Nothing else matters at the moment: Paul Newman (1925-2008) no longer graces us

Ed Bark — 2008-09-27T12:15:11-05:00
Paul Newman: A dreamboat who kept his eyes on his prize. By ED BARK Paul Newman's death didn't hit with the sudden, shocking impact of Tim Russert's. ...Could it be true that Newman once played Plato and Nathan Hale in two episodes of CBS' You are There, a history-in-the-making series hosted by Walter Cronkite?

Health update, and some local TV news notes

Ed Bark — 2008-09-24T12:18:39-05:00
Rebecca Miller, David Duitch and John Hammarley By ED BARK As noted a few days ago, a rather sudden health setback has knocked unclebarky.com and your namesake content provider out of commission since last weekend. ...***Former NBC5 early morning meteorologist Rebecca Miller, whose six-month "non-compete" clause ended early this month, will be back in front of a weather map on "The 33's" Thursday and Friday (Sept. 25-26) 9 p.m. newscasts.

Unclebarky.com on short leave of absence

Ed Bark — 2008-09-22T12:49:35-05:00
I had eagerly planned to write about Sunday's big ticket developments -- the Cowboys' commanding win over my homestate Packers and an Emmy Awards ceremony characterized by waves of partisan political jabs. ...Hopefully I'll be back shortly to continue writing about the new fall season and Friday's first presidential debate.

Political suicide: Saturday Night Live veers left, swerves right.

Ed Bark — 2008-09-21T10:17:45-05:00
A later, longer sketch deployed virtually the entire SNL cast and a big chunk of extras as a clueless task force of 50 New York Times reporters. ...Republican talking point: Aha, but SNL led the show with the McCain sketch and then waited until the last half-hour to give a semblance of equal time to our side of things.

Shale.TV adds another CBS11 newsman

Ed Bark — 2008-09-20T09:51:13-05:00
Johnson's last day was Friday and his new home will be the still-under-construction Shale.TV website, headed by former CBS11 colleagues Tracy Rowlett and John Sparks, and ex-network producer and Dallas Morning News reporter Olive Talley. ..."We will miss Mark's excellent story telling, creative live work, political contacts and knowledge, keen interest in environmental reporting and ability to flawlessly jump on the anchor desk with just a moment's notice," Diener said.

Aikman to Fox: Patch up those holes in the head

Ed Bark — 2008-09-18T11:56:27-05:00
Troy Aikman questions Fox sports execs and George Dunham's programming tastes during eventful morning on "The Ticket." By ED BARK Troy Aikman spiked his regular Thursday morning segment on "The Ticket's" Dunham and Miller show with an unsolicited hot sports opinion aimed at Fox's sports overlords. ...Aikman also wondered about co-host George Dunham's mental makeup after asking whether it's true he's actually a fan of Fox's new Japanese import, Hole in the Wall.

Kid orator Dalton Sherman of Dallas will emote on Thursday's Ellen DeGeneres Show

Ed Bark — 2008-09-17T17:35:04-05:00
Dallas fifth grader Dalton Sherman climbs another step on the celebrity rung Thursday with an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (3 p.m. locally on NBC5). Sherman, 10, a student at Charles Rice Learning Center, won the Gardere Martin Luther King Jr.

No false start for HBO's True Blood

Ed Bark — 2008-09-17T14:18:49-05:00
That didn't take long. HBO already has renewed its vampire-themed series True Blood for a second season. ...Earlier this week, TNT picked up a second season of the legal drama Raising the Bar after just three episodes had aired.

Another one to grow on: unclebarky.com now must start behaving like a two-year-old

Ed Bark — 2008-09-16T18:27:14-05:00
Birthed on Sept. 17, 2006 in a log cabin just west of Waxahachie, unclebarky.com has an anniversary to report. ...Thanks for your always welcome support and patronage of D-FW's only homegrown destination for both local and national television news and views.

Uncle Barky Show with Mark Cuban re-set for Oct. 4th at 4 p.m.

Ed Bark — 2008-09-12T12:23:07-05:00
AS PROMISED, WE HAVE A NEW DATE FOR THE STORM-POSTPONED UNCLE BARKY SHOW, WITH GUEST MARK CUBAN. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OCT. 4TH AT 4 P.M. AT THE SAME SITE, STRATOS GREEK TAVERNA, 2907 W.

Due to circumstances beyond our control . . . The Uncle Barky show cries uncle

Ed Bark — 2008-09-11T18:07:07-05:00
THE LIKELIHOOD OF VERY SEVERE WEATHER IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH SATURDAY AFTERNOON HAS LED US TO POSTPONE THE SEPT. 13TH UNCLE BARKY SHOW WITH GUEST MARK CUBAN. ...P.S. OUR ABOVE BANNER AD WILL BE CHANGED AS SOON AS MY YOUNG TECH WIZARD IN AUSTIN CAN GET TO IT.

Hello merry Lou: Cretinous NY Post critic loudly thwacks Roger Ebert on head with binder

Ed Bark — 2008-09-11T16:40:14-05:00
Movie critics Lou Lumenick and Roger Ebert By ED BARK Maybe MSNBC's Keith Olbermann would like to declare at least a one-day moratorium on Bill O'Reilly and instead give his "Worst Person in the World" award to Lou Lumenick. ...It seems that Ebert, who's been battling throat and thyroid cancer and can't talk, was tapping Lumenick on the shoulder because he was blocking his view of the movie Slumdog Millionaire.

Macie Jepson -- Part 2

Ed Bark — 2008-09-10T17:29:25-05:00
Former WFAA8 anchor Macie Jepson has some further and more pointed comments, sent via email, about her Aug. 21st dismissal from the station. But I would have preferred to tell this story another way.

Rating the all-time SNLers

Ed Bark — 2008-09-09T18:52:41-05:00
Saturday Night Live returns for its 34th season on Sept. 13th.... A new "Making a List" entry dares to rank a Top 10.

TIME CHANGE: Saturday's Uncle Barky Show with Mark Cuban moved up one hour to 3 p.m.

Ed Bark — 2008-09-09T06:01:03-05:00
Please note that this Saturday's seventh Uncle Barky Show, with guest Mark Cuban, will begin promptly at 3 p.m. instead of the usual 4 p.m. start time at Stratos Greek Taverna, 2907 W. ...We'll have the very first selection of unclebarky.com t-shirts, all of them being hand-screened in Austin by my son, Sam, as he navigates his way through his final semester at nearby Texas State University.

O briefing, where art thou?

Ed Bark — 2008-09-08T07:14:37-05:00
A Garland street is littered with lonely briefings. Photo: Ed Bark Hey, where's our briefing? It's yet to be delivered as promised at unclebarky.com central, but the next block down finds The Dallas Morning News' newest product creating a budding litter problem.

Re-convening convention coverage

Ed Bark — 2008-09-04T12:23:40-05:00
Also, the Repubs railed against the so-called eastern media elite Wednesday night before the so-called eastern media elite mostly fawned over Palin's address. And on Back Channels, we revisit Bill O'Reilly's 2004 convention conversation with Bono as the Fox News Channel brow-beater prepares to interview Barack Obama on the final night of the GOP gathering.

Former WFAA8 anchor Macie Jepson finds some words

Ed Bark — 2008-09-03T06:31:48-05:00
Dropped on August 21st as part of a WFAA8 budget slash, former 5 p.m. co-anchor Macie Jepson comments for the first time to unclebarky.com. Also, big, brash Keith Olbermann chickens out.

Just two weeks to go before Mark Cuban on The Uncle Barky Show

Ed Bark — 2008-08-29T17:22:06-05:00
Your friendly content provider and upcoming big-name guest As you prepare to enjoy not working on Labor Day, make a resolution to attend the seventh in a series of live Uncle Barky Shows, this one featuring guest Mark Cuban. ...So support your local unclebarky.com and another very worthy charity by making this scene and spreading the word.

Hmmmmmmm . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-08-29T11:55:35-05:00
Tina Fey/Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin/Tina Fey.

Shock therapy (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-08-29T09:49:45-05:00
By ED BARK The afterglow had barely settled on Barack Obama's Thursday night spectacular from Invesco Field when presumed Republican nominee John McCain dropped a big bombshell Friday morning. McCain's out-of-nowhere pick of 44-year-old Alaska governor Sarah Palin as his running mate ranked as the best-kept political secret of modern times until NBC's Kelly O'Donnell was credited with breaking the story seconds or minutes before rival networks chimed in.

Former CBS11 news director Regent Ducas back in North Texas to teach

Ed Bark — 2008-08-28T13:47:34-05:00
By ED BARK A year after parting ways with CBS11, controversial former news director Regent Ducas has returned to North Texas in a teaching capacity. ...It went better for Ducas at Kansas City's KCTV-5, where his fast-paced crime and tragedy strategy helped take the station to the top of the Nielsen ratings during his five-year reign.

Mapping out new territories for CBS11 weathercasters

Ed Bark — 2008-08-26T20:06:38-05:00
CBS11 weathercasters Larry Mowry and Jeff Jamison By ED BARK Larry Mowry will be taking more temperatures at CBS11 as part of a new alignment that also makes Jeff Jamison the full-time early morning weathercaster while Kristine Kahanek downshifts to 4 p.m. and becomes Mowry's main backup. ... Kristine Kahanek has a new children's book coming out Sept. 1st. Kahanek joined CBS11 in 2002 as the station's chief meteorologist after four years at WFAA8.

Your right to know or their right to shut you out?

Ed Bark — 2008-08-24T17:07:09-05:00
Veteran WFAA8 anchor Macie Jepson is the latest in a long line of recent departures from the D-FW television news scene.... A new "Picky Picky" tries to be fair to both sides, even if that's increasingly a no-no in the snark-infested blogosphere.

WFAA8 layoffs hit anchor Macie Jepson hardest

Ed Bark — 2008-08-21T15:38:27-05:00
Another three were part-time, off-camera positions, leaving Jepson as the lone full-time employee dismissed at a station that dominated the May "sweeps" ratings with first place finishes for its four principal local newscasts at 6 a.m. and at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. ...The WFAA8 layoffs, announced in a staff meeting, came the day after D-day for employees of The Dallas Morning News, who had to decide Wednesday whether to accept the paper's latest buyout offer or risk being laid off if there aren't enough takers to suit management.

Fox4's "Chopper Chip" clipped, but still winging it in studio

Ed Bark — 2008-08-20T09:43:07-05:00
Chip Waggoner, last of D-FW television's featured airborne traffic reporters, has been grounded by the high costs of sky patrolling.... And a new Uncle Barky Webcast is up and running, this one taking a trip through the bizarre world of early morning kiddie TV.

Back in play

Ed Bark — 2008-08-19T15:16:01-05:00
The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that NBC5's early evening newscasts are still getting a big goose from the Peacock's following Olympic-casts. Meanwhile, we've got a big helping of TV odds and ends on the Bulletin Board page and video of Ernest Borgnine's hands-on secret to staying young during his recent appearance on Fox & Friends.

Time out

Ed Bark — 2008-08-12T10:09:20-05:00
Your friendly content provider will be taking a recuperative road trip for the rest of this week before a planned return next Tuesday. ...He's hand-designing his own line and then screen-printing them in Austin as a way to help work his way through a final semester at Texas State University.

ABC's World News back in Dallas for one-night stand

Ed Bark — 2008-08-11T10:30:23-05:00
ABC's World News will originate from Dallas on Wed., Aug. 13th after a two-night stay in early March that was tied to the Texas presidential primary. ...The Tillerson one-on-one is part of a three-day "Oil Crunch" series running on World News from Monday through Wednesday of this week.

At stake: a boarding pass for Air Farce One -- ba da bum ba

Ed Bark — 2008-08-06T15:09:16-05:00
Fresh from deadly appearances last spring on WWE's Monday Night Raw, presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain have taped "funny campaign ads" (in NBC's view) for Thursday's season finale of Last Comic Standing (7 to 8:30 p.m. central). ...

Hammarley's out at Fox4 (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-08-04T15:38:00-05:00
Hammarley spent 12 years at Fox4 before abruptly being put on suspension just over one month ago. In a brief telephone interview on June 30th, Hammarley said, "All I can say is that I'm still at the station. ...In a one-liner written for his now inoperative station bio, Hammarley had quipped, "If I don't do something stupid, like ending my report with 'slam-alam-a-ding-dong,' I think my bosses want me to stick around a little while longer."

DMN commemorates impending work force reduction with celebratory story on city's super rich

Ed Bark — 2008-08-04T07:02:27-05:00
The economy remains deeply wounded and another round of job cuts will further decimate The Dallas Morning News this fall. So what better time for the paper to coo over the hot summer escape haunts of North Texans with money to burn?

The Uncle Barky Webcast makes it two to grow on

Ed Bark — 2008-08-04T04:49:08-05:00
The webcasts are produced by Texas radio Hall of Famer John Rody (of KZEW-FM's "The Morning Zoo" fame), whose webcastingnetworks.com operates out of Irving, TX. This latest Uncle Barky Webcast runs a bit under nine minutes, which will be more typical of the length.

Snee now will be heard, not seen (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-07-31T10:09:23-05:00
Victoria Snee with her husband, former Fox4 reporter Jeff Crilley, and with Mix 102.9 morning radio partner Tony Zazza. By ED BARK Victoria Snee, longtime entertainment/lifestyles reporter at KDAF-TV (Channel 33), resigned Wednesday to devote her full energies to an ongoing morning radio show at KDMX radio (Mix 102.9 FM). ...Chicago billionaire Sam Zell, new owner of Tribune's television stations, including Ch. 33, has said that The CW's target audience of 12-to-34-year-olds is not a good fit for stations making heavier investments in local news.

NBC5 names new VP/GM from even bigger market

Ed Bark — 2008-07-29T15:47:03-05:00
By ED BARK KXAS-TV (NBC5) has tapped Chicago-based cable "superstation" WGN-TV for its new vice-president and general manager. ...Ehlmann has work to do, particularly at 10 p.m., where NBC5 ran third in the May "sweeps" ratings period in the total homes Nielsens and barely nipped second-place CBS11 among 25-to-54-year-olds, the main advertiser target audience for news programming.

R.I.P. DMN? Another big reduction of "full-time equivalents" puts The Reaper nearer the door

Ed Bark — 2008-07-28T11:26:50-05:00
This time the corporation wants a stunning 500 "full-time equivalents" (or FTEs as Decherd subsequently referred to them) to be sliced from The Dallas Morning News and Belo's two other, much smaller newspapers, The Providence Journal and The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, CA. ...While the newspaper struggles and its attendant Web site is widely panned, Belo's other prime Dallas holding, WFAA8, came off a May "sweeps" rating period in which it increased its year-to-date audience in the two most important TV news battlegrounds -- 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The station ran first in each of those time periods.

The Uncle Barky Webcast premieres on a computer near you

Ed Bark — 2008-07-25T08:39:47-05:00
The first Uncle Barky effort takes us to the Colleyville kitchen of former NBC5 meteorologist Rebecca Miller, whose whereabouts and future plans have generated more emails and comments on unclebarky.com than any other North Texas media personality. ...Miller introduces viewers to her two dogs, talks about her future plans and then assembles an impressive German chocolate cake while your host tries to gamely play along.

NBC5's Castillo leaving a bit later than planned (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-07-24T08:32:42-05:00
By ED BARK After re-upping for an extra month, NBC5 sports reporter/anchor Derek Castillo will say goodbye to D-FW viewers on this Sunday's 10:30 p.m. Sports Extra. Otherwise his official last day at the station will be Aug. 1st, and "I will continue anchoring" until that time, Castillo said in an email.

CBS11's Brooke Richie is latest to leave D-FW

Ed Bark — 2008-07-23T08:34:56-05:00
The reporter's last day at the station will be on Aug. 4th, assistant news director Sarah Garza says in a memo sent to staffers and obtained by unclebarky.com. Richie, who joined CBS11 in early 2005 from KENS-TV in San Antonio, is moving to Colorado to join her husband as he starts a new career in Denver, Garza says.

A weathercaster named Katrina

Ed Bark — 2008-07-22T00:58:30-05:00
Fox4 interviewed a possible replacement for weathercaster Maria Sotolongo Monday. Her name is Katrina Voss, and you might say she's a little different.

Big caseload: Deal Or No Deal will have new daytime episodes (on KXAS in D-FW)

Ed Bark — 2008-07-21T11:02:55-05:00
By ED BARK NBC's Deal Or No Deal, already served up in mass quantities on the network's prime-time schedule, will invade daytime in early September with new half-hour episodes hosted by Howie Mandel. In D-FW, NBC-owned KXAS-TV (Channel 5) will air back-to-back Deals from 2 to 3 p.m. weekdays, beginning on Sept. 8, vice president of programming Brian Hocker said in an email.

Another Uncle Barky Show in the books and another big guest booked for September

Ed Bark — 2008-07-21T07:02:40-05:00
Many thanks to TXA21/CBS11 anchor Tracy Kornet and fellow Eleven21 band members Tommy Hiett, Richard Frish and True Tidwell for guesting and performing at Saturday's sixth "episode" of the Uncle Barky Show. ...We'll take the rest of the summer off and be back at Stratos on Sept. 13th with guest Mark Cuban, outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks, would-be owner of the Chicago Cubs and very much in the cable TV and film business with HDNet, HDNet Movies and Magnolia Pictures.

Early morning meteorologist Julie Bologna leaving CBS11 for later shift in her hometown Pittsburgh

Ed Bark — 2008-07-18T17:18:34-05:00
"There have been talks with all of the stations since I left to see if I was interested in coming back," Bologna said in a telephone interview early Friday evening. ..."While we hate to lose someone of Julie's talent, knowledge and wonderful personality, I am happy because she gets to return to her hometown in a very prominent role," he said.

Last call for Saturday's Uncle Barky Show

Ed Bark — 2008-07-18T15:15:08-05:00
The sixth "episode" of The Uncle Barky Show will feature a live performance by TXA21/CBS11 anchor Tracy Kornet and the Eleven21 band. ...The banner ad above provides the basic details, and this previous post gives you more information on lead singer Kornet and the band.

Will you be drawing a blank?

Ed Bark — 2008-07-16T10:28:09-05:00
Sometime between 7 and 9 p.m., engineers will disable the station's analog transmitter in a test to see if you're ready for the transition to digital TV on Feb. 17 of next year. ...You'll draw a blank if your TV isn't hooked to a cable or satellite service or if you don't have one of those supposedly discounted digital converter boxes that TV stations across the country have been flogging.

My PR's firmer than your PR

Ed Bark — 2008-07-15T15:37:42-05:00
Your friendly content provider's latest bi-monthly "Media Matters" article for Dallas CEO is on the growing number of reporters and anchors who are leaving local TV news for other pursuits. ...Anyway, it's "sparked a real dog fight" in the on-line comments section, says a post on FrontBurner.com by esteemed Dallas CEO editor Glenn Hunter.

Dance do-over (plus stuff to read inside)

Ed Bark — 2008-07-14T11:10:04-05:00
Comfort Fedoke of Dallas, voted off Fox's So You Think You Can Dance last week, has been reinstated as a top 10 finalist after a rival dancer's injury. ...Also, Fox4 is among just four stations test-driving The Wendy Williams Show, which premiered Monday with an eye toward going national.

Exceptional, riveting, revealing, tragic

Ed Bark — 2008-07-11T10:43:02-05:00
A post-"Ticket" Greg Williams. Dallas Observer photos Meant to get to this earlier, but that pesky Tracy Rowlett/Shale.TV story kept getting in the way. ...Also in Observer-land, the always entertaining Robert Wilonsky got Rowlett to say "vajayjay," and I didn't during my earlier phone interview with him.

They Shale return: Rowlett-headed "news team" will have much to prove

Ed Bark — 2008-07-11T05:17:55-05:00
Simply put, perception rules right now, with benefit of the doubt a distant second in the case of D-FW anchor dean Tracy Rowlett throwing in with Chesapeake Energy Corporation on a "unique online video channel" that will be dubbed Shale.TV. ...Shale.TV supposedly will be an objective online forum for news about the continued development of the North Texas Barnett Shale and "other natural gas plays in the United States," as Chesapeake puts it.

Rowlett drops anchor -- at Shale.TV (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-07-10T09:38:28-05:00
He's flanked by anchor Doug Dunbar and wife, Jill. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK In a stunning and abrupt move, CBS11 anchor Tracy Rowlett has decided to opt out of an existing contract and become anchor and managing editor of the new Shale.TV, an online video channel scheduled to be launched this fall by Chesapeake Energy Corporation. ...After Chesapeake's announcement, CBS11 said it will air a Rowlett "retrospective" Friday during his final appearance at the station as co-anchor of the 5 p.m. newscast.

Enjoy a getaway "staycation" at the next Uncle Barky Show on July 19th

Ed Bark — 2008-07-09T08:14:35-05:00
Then stay close to home and motor over to the first "American Bandstand" edition of the Uncle Barky Show, with TXA21/CBS11 anchor Tracy Kornet (above) leading the vocal charge with members of the Eleven21 band. ...Our guests for the first five Uncle Barky Shows, which began in December, have been "Ticket" radio personality Gordon Keith; CBS11 anchor Tracy Rowlett; Fox4 Good Day anchors Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson; Dallas documentary filmmakers Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza; and WFAA8's Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus, respectively the stations' sports and weather anchors.

CBS11/TXA21 mum on rumored departure, eviction (2nd update)

Ed Bark — 2008-07-08T10:15:23-05:00
Item 1 -- As recently posted by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette TV critic Rob Owen, CBS11 early morning meteorologist Julie Bologna is rumored to be returning to Pittsburgh after her contract expires this month. ...Item 3 -- NBC Universal's weekend purchase of The Weather Channel has prompted CBS11/TXA21 management to order the removal of all on-air and online references to its now former "content partner."

WFAA/ABC News anchor Murphy Martin: July 4, 1925 to July 3, 2008

Ed Bark — 2008-07-04T12:10:37-05:00
Murphy Martin at 2006 Texas Radio Hall of Fame induction and as a network and local TV anchor who had three stints at WFAA-TV. By ED BARK Television-radio news stalwart Murphy Martin, also known to many as the longtime stadium voice of the Dallas Cowboys, died late Thursday night just shy of what would have been his 83rd birthday. ...Jennings immediately recognized the voice, and told King, "I remember coming to ABC when I was very young, and Murphy Martin had a voice that practically ran you off the block."

Parade rest

Ed Bark — 2008-07-03T10:15:08-05:00
A safe and happy Fourth of July to the growing unclebarky.com nation! Refreshments are served inside, including chapter and verse on a new Lost book club, a holiday celebrity birthday straight from the vaults and the latest D-FW Nielsens.

Anchor Tracy Kornet bands with co-workers to make their own kind of music

Ed Bark — 2008-07-01T13:23:15-05:00
TXA21/CBS11 news anchor Tracy Kornet gives voice to her first calling by singing with the Eleven21 band. Photo: Ed Bark Tracy Kornet gets out from behind her TXA21 news desk to again sing with a passion. Read behind the lyrics here.

Fox4's Hammarley suspended

Ed Bark — 2008-06-30T10:02:34-05:00
"If I don't do something stupid, like ending my report with 'slam-alam-a-ding-dong,' I think my bosses want me to stick around a little while longer," Hammarley says on a bio page that was last edited on May 6, 2008. ...Also of note: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that former Fox4 early morning anchor/reporter Natasha Curry, dropped by the station in late 2006, has likewise been dismissed by KOMO-TV in Seattle.

Off-air, on line: John McCaa

Ed Bark — 2008-06-26T16:50:13-05:00
Our first in a periodic series of Internet Confidential commentaries checks out the Web skills of WFAA8 anchor John McCaa.

Resident "McDreamy" of ABC's Hopkins will be operating out of Dallas

Ed Bark — 2008-06-25T15:48:20-05:00
ABC News' six-part, non-fiction Hopkins, premiering Thursday, has the look, feel and constant music of Grey's Anatomy.... Elsewhere, NBC5's 10 p.m. newscast and ABC's pair of fall-down-go-boom reality competitions have big nights in Tuesday's D-FW ratings.

NBC to reprise first Saturday Night Live, with host George Carlin

Ed Bark — 2008-06-24T17:19:14-05:00
The first-ever Saturday Night Live, hosted by the late George Carlin, will be repeated on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30 p.m. (central) on NBC. ..."You never forget the people who were there at the beginning," SNL creator Lorne Michaels says in an NBC release.

Wagner back at CBS11 after brief stop in Badgerland

Ed Bark — 2008-06-23T16:36:55-05:00
By ED BARK Peripatetic anchor/reporter Beth Wagner has bounced back to CBS11 after a very short stint at WKOW-TV, the ABC affiliate in Madison, WI. ...But she departed for undisclosed reasons in early spring and now is freelancing for CBS11, the station confirmed Monday.

Fox4 reporter Scott Sayres is latest to leave the station (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-06-21T10:27:25-05:00
In a subsequent voice mail message from Chicago, Sayres said he had a "phenomenal run at Fox4" during his 21 years as a reporter before opting to act on a "once in a lifetime opportunity" with Weber Shandwick. ...As previously reported on unclebarky.com, Fox4 has been rocked in recent months by the departures of on-air news staffers Jeff Crilley, Jason Overstreet, Maria Sotolongo and Paul Adrian, who is leaving at the end of June after announcing his resignation in May.

Making nice

Ed Bark — 2008-06-20T11:20:51-05:00
A recent "Comments" section debate over the niceness of former NBC5 meteorologist Rebecca Miller spurs this further look at who deserves gold stars in the human being department. Also, another day's D-FW Nielsens are in, Comedy Central weaves a new series, Atom TV, out of Web shorts.

Claw your way to the top of new cat-themed game show

Ed Bark — 2008-06-19T10:48:23-05:00
Noted Garland Catwoman Madeline Bark, friendly Snickers (left) and dour Cookie tentatively will join the Dallas auditions for GSN's The Meow Mix Game Show, set to premiere in November. Photo: Ed Bark ...***Also on the audition front, the 18th edition of CBS' Survivor will bring a search party to Dallas on Friday, June 27th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Al Lamb's Dallas Honda Powerhouse Dealership, 9250 LBJ Freeway (between Greenville and Abrams).

Hawksworth now in Beantown and no longer covering jocks

Ed Bark — 2008-06-18T06:06:49-05:00
Erin Hawksworth in new pic at Fox's Boston station and with WFAA8. By ED BARK Erin Hawksworth, formerly with WFAA8's sports department, is now at Fox25 in Boston (WFXT-TV), where she's a general assignment reporter. ...Here's one of her recent stories for WFXT, on an Iraq war veteran who lost both legs in combat and recently awoke from a six-week coma.

Uncle Barky -- in character as a caricature

Ed Bark — 2008-06-17T10:07:23-05:00
Looking like Bob Hope, your friendly content provider is at far left. An esteemed panel of TV critics -- OK, a bunch of losers -- recently participated in a Hollywood Reporter telephone survey on who should be nominated for TV's Emmy Awards. ...Also pictured from left to right: Rick Kushman of the Sacramento Bee; Diane Werts, Newsday contributor and formerly of The Dallas Morning News; Television Critics Association president Dave Walker of the New Orleans Times-Picayune and David Kronke of The Los Angeles Daily News and formerly of The Dallas Times-Herald.

Brokaw should step up to the Meet the Press plate -- as a pinchhitter or more

Ed Bark — 2008-06-15T11:31:33-05:00
By ED BARK Sunday's first post-Tim Russert edition of NBC's Meet the Press fittingly began and ended with a shot of the now-empty chair and desk from which he so ably presided since Dec. 8, 1991. ...Tom Brokaw, in semi-retirement but every bit the political junkie that Russert was, is the only successor who could stem any flow of Meet the Press's audience to ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, CBS' Face the Nation (with Bob Schieffer still in the saddle) or Fox News Sunday, moderated by Chris Wallace.

Tim Russert: May 7, 1950 to June 13, 2008

Ed Bark — 2008-06-13T14:58:10-05:00
Tim Russert, moderator of NBC's Meet the Press and one of the country's foremost political junkies, died Friday afternoon of a heart attack. ...That describes Russert as well, whether affectionately writing about his father in the 2004 bestseller Big Russ and Me or grilling a who's who of political notables on Meet the Press and elsewhere.

Blue Collar Bill Engvall revisits Dallas, touts new season of TBS sitcom

Ed Bark — 2008-06-12T05:53:03-05:00
Comedian/sitcom star Bill Engvall got started in Dallas. Photo: Ed Bark Blue collar comic Bill Engvall, whose TBS sitcom returns Thursday (June 12th) for a second season, talks about his Dallas years and his yearning to be on the cover of . .

TV intrudes on wine country escape

Ed Bark — 2008-06-11T09:14:22-05:00
Raymond Burr and Emmys; good ol' Charlie Brown. Photos: Madeline Bark By ED BARK Every out-of-town sojurn has some TV angles. ...It's smallish compared to many, but the rustic tasting room does include a picture of the late Burr bordered by his real-life pair of best actor Emmys for Perry Mason.

Henderson still at Fox4 -- for now

Ed Bark — 2008-06-10T12:22:28-05:00
Megan Henderson: on Fox4 and in April stint on Fox & Friends By ED BARK Good Day co-anchor Megan Henderson has another weekend Fox & Friends stint behind her, but is still non-commital about any possible future with Fox News Channel. ...There's otherwise "nothing new to report," said Henderson, who reportedly is being wooed by the network and met with FNC executives during her second trip to Fox & Friends in two months.

Pardon this brief interruption

Ed Bark — 2008-06-05T18:06:17-05:00
Check out a salute to Mark Cuban's HDNet Movies channel, which is out TCM-ing Turner Classic Movies but falling short on the promotional front. There's also a review of a new Fox Sports Southwest special on "Mr. Ranger," Tom Grieve, and a look at all the Texans in play on NBC's Nashville Star singing competition.

The Gordon Keith Show hijacks a half-hour of prime-time

Ed Bark — 2008-06-02T17:21:59-05:00
Gordo composes his thoughts, comes up empty. Photo: Ed Bark Inaugural Uncle Barky Show guest Gordon Keith gets his first prime-time TV outing Tuesday (June 3rd) with high wattage guests Adam Sandler and Mark Cuban. ...

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Found: Valeri Williams

Ed Bark — 2008-06-02T04:34:12-05:00
Readers of this site regularly ask about the former WFAA8 reporter and investigator, whose memorable frigid weather dispatch from near Amarillo has provided a lasting youtube memory.... And if you're still catching up on "Dallas-Fort Worth TV" page stories, the most recent entries are now in the May archives.

D-FW's onetime "Lizard Man" burns some more bridges

Ed Bark — 2008-05-29T09:05:27-05:00
Former NBC5 weekend anchor Michael Scott, whose youtube moment arrived when a little lizard jumped on him during a live broadcast, has been fired by his latest station after reportedly insulting a news producer last week. ...He joined the station in September 2007 after a well-traveled career that had taken him through TV news departments in D-FW, Los Angeles, Denver, Omaha, Kansas City and Charlotte.

Color chart: Looking at the racial makeups of D-FW's television newsrooms

Ed Bark — 2008-05-28T16:36:38-05:00
How diverse is the North Texas TV news universe?... Also, the 2007-08 TV season officially is over, even though Lost's big finale is still coming Thursday (May 29th).

Art&Seek hopes to be found

Ed Bark — 2008-05-28T11:41:35-05:00
KERA's new Art&Seek Web site launched Wednesday, May 28th, and it's in good hands with two former Dallas Morning News colleagues shepherding it. ...And the very best of luck to two fellow expatriates who have landed firmly on their feet while Uncle Barky continues to walk a high wire of his own making.

Local angles

Ed Bark — 2008-05-27T16:51:02-05:00
Rockwall's Jason Castro, American Idol's fourth place finisher, will appear live on Fox4's Good Day Wednesday (May 28th), likely during the show's 8 a.m. hour. The 21-year-old will relive his Idol experiences and also talk about Thursday's homecoming celebration in Rockwall.

Yo, Adrian: Fox4 investigative reporter leaving station, heading to Harvard

Ed Bark — 2008-05-22T13:42:57-05:00
Paul Adrian hopes to rekindle state govt. coverage. Photo: Ed Bark His ambitions are lofty, and so is his new venue.... Upon returning to his native Texas, he aims to set up his own company with an eye toward reinvigorating lax broadcast coverage of the Texas state legislature.

Up-close and objective: It's a wrap for the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-22T12:05:27-05:00
The May sweeps ratings race crossed the finish line Wednesday, with WFAA8's newscasts easily standing tallest.... Meanwhile CBS11 at least can throw a sweetened iced tea palooza after making significant year-to-year gains at 10 p.m. and slow progress in the other major time periods.

Up-close and objective: Night 19 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-21T16:59:17-05:00
Vehicles crashed through residential homes in two separate mishaps in Arlington Tuesday night.... Launch those choppers and let the "Breaking News" begin on a night when crime and tragedy played even bigger roles than usual on late night D-FW newscasts.

Up-close and objective: Night 18 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-20T17:45:14-05:00
CBS already is cruising to a second place sweeps win over NBC5 in the 10 p.m. total homes Nielsens. Still, the station can't keep its hands off the February sweeps playbook of the Peacock's Brian Curtis.

WFAA8's Greene makes a go for it (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-05-19T20:52:19-05:00
This time it's WFAA8's Bob Greene, who joined the station in June 2006 from New Orleans' WWL-TV, where he was part of the team reporting on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. ..."It's a decision that I feel will be best for me, my family and my future," Green said Monday in an email reply to unclebarky.com.

Up-close and objective: Night 17 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-19T11:06:39-05:00
Also, former "Ticket" standout Greg "The Hammer" Williams took his opinions and rehab program to Fox4's Sports Sunday program. And after a brief stay at WFAA8, weekend early morning meteorologist Meghan Danahey opts for more visibility at Belo's Austin station.

WFAA8's Hansen, Delkus power their way through fifth Uncle Barky Show

Ed Bark — 2008-05-18T19:06:34-05:00
Saturday's Uncle Barky Show appearance by WFAA8's Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus netted a $1,000 donation from Stratos restaurant to the guests' designated charities. ...Delkus, previously a pitching prospect in the Minnesota Twins minor league system, also recounted how he blew out his elbow while foolishly trying to match the speed of Nolan Ryan, who at the time still had a blazing fastball despite being as old as Delkus' father.

Up-close and objective: Night 16 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-16T15:59:19-05:00
WFAA8 investigator Brett Shipp walks into another buzzsaw while stations greatly differ in their interpretations of the Cowboys' new ticket prices. Also, deposed "Ticket" personality Greg "The Hammer" Williams returns with a one-night stand Sunday.

Last pitch: WFAA8's Dale Hansen, Pete Delkus get their games on at fifth Uncle Barky Show this Saturday

Ed Bark — 2008-05-16T09:54:06-05:00
Admission is free, show time is 4 p.m. and our guests are WFAA8's high-powered duo of Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus, respectively the sports and weather anchors on D-FW's No.1-rated nightly newscasts. ...Representatives of their designated charities -- the Bobby Bragan Foundation for underprivileged kids (Hansen) and the American Cancer Society (Delkus) -- also will be on hand to accept generous donations from Stratos at show's end.

Up-close and objective: Night 15 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-15T17:55:20-05:00
What's gotten into unclebarky.com? For the second straight day, there's ample reason to praise rather than pan the late night efforts of D-FW's major TV news providers.

Traffic reporter Todd Carruth calls it a Good Day

Ed Bark — 2008-05-15T16:10:00-05:00
Before posting, it was best to make sure that playful FrontBurner wasn't spoofing its readers or getting punk'd, which happened yesterday when it bit on a fake story about a Newark, Texas teen's alleged prostitute-juiced spending spree with his dad's stolen credit card. ...Carruth, as he notes in his official Fox4 Web site biography, has been rising before 4 a.m. weekdays to be in position for Good Day, which airs from 5 to 9 a.m. He's also had a full-time day job to make ends meet.

Up-close and objective: Night 14 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-14T17:27:33-05:00
Some solid, non-flashy reporter grunt work characterized Tuesday's late night local newscasts. Those marauding killer snakes must still be biding their time.

Picky Picky (Vol. 14)

Ed Bark — 2008-05-14T05:28:48-05:00

Up-close and objective: Night 13 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-13T16:25:59-05:00
At least one D-FW station is shocked to find a dinky little nude picture in a German textbook.... And if NBC5 traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck's "hourglass" figure is fodder for a "sweeps" story, then how about some equal time for the station's rotund male anchors?

Fox News Channel reportedly trying to entice Fox4's Henderson -- but not to her knowledge

Ed Bark — 2008-05-12T15:44:38-05:00
By ED BARK Fox4's Good Day co-anchor, Megan Henderson, reportedly will be meeting soon with Fox News Channel chieftain Roger Ailes after impressing him with a recent guest stint on the network's Fox & Friends Weekend. ...Good Day, the defending early morning champ after narrowly winning the February "sweeps" competition, currently is in a tight three-way battle for first place with WFAA8 and NBC5.

Up-close and objective: Night 12 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-11T23:08:16-05:00
Also, Back Channels revisits the day -- 25 years ago -- that lippy sports anchor Dale Hansen got a new lease on life via his firing from Channel 4. And a new TV Bulletin Board shamelessly drops Britney Spears' name a few times to test her alleged ability to still drive Web site traffic.

Another ex-local TV reporter takes a new career path

Ed Bark — 2008-05-11T16:42:12-05:00
Dan Ronan with a Lone Star Emmy last fall. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK Former WFAA8 reporter Dan Ronan has decided to leave television news behind to become corporate communications manager for the Irving-based American Automobile Association of Texas. ...Ronan said he'll also try to work with Fox4 reporter Jeff Crilley and his impending new Real News PR firm, but only on a temporary basis at best.

Up-close and objective: Night 11 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-09T16:11:11-05:00
What are D-FW's late night newscasts up to lately?... And boy, those Dallas Stars ratings on Versus were nothing to shake a hockey stick at in these parts.

Coming soon: Episode 5 of The Uncle Barky Show with guests Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus

Ed Bark — 2008-05-09T15:41:51-05:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen and weatherman Pete Delkus, who regularly jab at each other on the air, will be the featured guests at the fifth Uncle Barky Show. ...Stratos already has donated $2,500 to the charities chosen by previous Uncle Barky Show guests Gordon Keith, Tracy Rowlett, Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson, and filmmakers Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza.

Fans and players survive The Ticket's first "Great Game"

Ed Bark — 2008-05-09T07:48:53-05:00
Happy warrior: Team Hardline potentate Mike Rhyner before Thursday's big game at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. Sports radio 1310 ("The Ticket") staged its first-ever "Great Game" Thursday night, pitting Team Hardline against Team Musers. In pictures and prose, unclebarky.com highlights the errors of their ways and the players who made a difference during this up-and-down charity event.

Up-close and objective: Night 10 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-08T16:05:24-05:00
Gunfire broke out behind a CBS11 reporter as she did her live standup from a Fort Worth neighborhood.... Also, the May sweeps have hit the halfway point.

Son of station's top gun to report for planned CBS11/TXA21 entertainment series

Ed Bark — 2008-05-08T08:21:17-05:00
Steve Mauldin, son Michael Mauldin and Teresa Frosini By ED BARK A new locally produced entertainment series projected to premiere in June on CBS11 and TXA21 will have at least one unique twist. ...Hot Tickets is scheduled to run twice weekly on TXA21 on Thursdays at 11 p.m. and Saturdays at 6 p.m. It also would bump the last half-hour, from 8:30 to 9 a.m., of CBS11's Saturday morning news program.

Up-close and objective: Night 9 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-07T17:57:05-05:00
Just what was "Lurking in the Sewers" on WFAA8's Tuesday, 10 p.m. newscast? It's time to pan reporter Brad Watson's story -- literally -- while also looking at how WFAA8 sports reporter Ted Madden turned into a hockey puck.

Pocket pool with NBC5's Grant Stinchfield

Ed Bark — 2008-05-07T09:55:27-05:00
NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield, in response to unclebarky.com's "Night 8" late night newscast analysis, has blogged a nice 'n' cheeky, in-depth story on jock itch. It's thoughtfully dedicated to this Web site and its friendly content provider.

Up-close and objective: Night 8 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-06T17:51:40-05:00
CBS11's latest cellulite-reduction story prompts unclebarky.com's suggestions on how news directors also could pander to those hard-to-reach male viewers with stories of equal dubious import. New rule: male reporters would be required to assume the position and do every last one of 'em. It's only fair.

Soon-to-be-ex-Fox4 reporter enlists four former D-FW TV vets to launch envisioned new breed of PR firm

Ed Bark — 2008-05-06T13:37:00-05:00
TV news vets Clif Caldwell, Dan Ronan, Susan Risdon, Robert Riggs By ED BARK A quartet of veteran D-FW television reporters, three of them dropped in the past year by their stations, will form the nucleus of a new public relations firm being helmed by Fox4 reporter Jeff Crilley. ...***Former CBS11 and previously WFAA8 investigator Robert Riggs, axed in March by CBS11 as part of mandated budget cuts by the network's owned-and-operated stations.

Up-close and objective: Night 7 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-05T12:01:45-05:00
Fox4 excelled on Friday, a night when it's also been content on occasion to mail in its 9 p.m. newscast. Also, what a night -- ratings-wise and otherwise -- for the Dallas Stars in their dogged pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

CBS11 reporter "honored" by Keith Olbermann

Ed Bark — 2008-05-04T16:57:21-05:00
Another colleague -- or at least someone who identified him/herself as a "CBS11 Insider" -- said in this Web site's comments section that two separate unclebarky.com postings on the Wright mistake and the station's on-air correction amounted to piling on. ...It was sold long ago. And an earlier pension accrued during my almost 27 years at The Dallas Morning News is fixed at a set amount per month no matter what's written in these spaces.

Up-close and objective: Night 6 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-02T18:18:12-05:00
This time we look at the respective merits of four decidedly different, late-night lead stories on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. Your latest D-FW ratings snapshot also is readily available.

Lane change: Fox4 reporter Jason Overstreet to become bowling kingpin

Ed Bark — 2008-05-02T14:36:20-05:00
By ED BARK Fox4 reporter Jason Overstreet, a frequent and valuable contributor to the station's 9 p.m. newscasts, will be taking a unique career path after six years of chasing stories. ...The imminent departures of Overstreet and Crilley, and the station's recent termination of reporter Rebecca Aguilar, will leave Fox4 short-handed and in need of rebuilding its 9 p.m. news reporting staff.

Amazing grace: James Woodard on 60 Minutes

Ed Bark — 2008-05-02T13:40:33-05:00
James Woodard of Dallas, freed from prison this week after serving 27 years on a wrongful conviction of murdering his girlfriend, tells his story to the nation on this Sunday's 60 Minutes. Woodard is interviewed by Scott Pelley, who worked for KXAS-TV (Channel 5) and then WFAA-TV (Channel 8) before joining CBS news in 1989.

Up-close and objective: Night 5 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-05-01T16:21:03-05:00
How did D-FW's late night newscasts cover Avery Johnson's firing Wednesday night?... Also, it's amazing what you can do with a little old attempt to cash a $360 billion check.

Up-close and objective: Night 4 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-04-30T20:02:53-05:00
Looking for and still finding some plusses on D-FW's late night newscasts after CBS11's "reporting" on the Rev. Jeremiah Wright dug such a big ditch.

Up-close and objective: Night 3 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-04-29T09:59:41-05:00
You're damned right they did, and that's a very serious reporting error that was magnified during the station's Monday, 10 p.m. newscast. Meanwhile, NBC5 continues to surprise in the early morning ratings while CBS11's 10 p.m. newscast signs in with its first May "sweeps" win.

Up-close and objective: Night 2 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-04-28T12:59:46-05:00
CBS11's 10 p.m. newscast got off to a nightmarish start Friday while Fox4 anchor Heather Hays messed around with a viewer who wanted to know when she intended to "drop that baby."... And NBC5 continues to cook in the early going of the early morning May "sweeps" ratings competition.

Up-close and objective: Night 1 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-04-25T13:13:47-05:00
WFAA8's Dale Hansen hauled out his heavy artillery while CBS11 peeped into the lives of cheating husbands on Thursday's launch of late night May "sweeps" warfare.... Meanwhile, the first ratings returns from the early morning are eggs-citing for a station that lately hasn't been used to being on top.

NBC5 sports anchor Newy Scruggs: healthier, wealthier and happier after life-changing bouts with bosses and D-FW's underside

Ed Bark — 2008-04-24T19:18:41-05:00
Newy Scruggs is enjoying the spring of his content. Photo: Ed Bark NBC5's Newy Scruggs says he's making the most of less time for his nightly sports segments. He also talks to unclebarky.com about surviving racist death threats, and his gratitude to station management for standing sturdily by his side.

Going to the mat: Aguilar vs. Barrs

Ed Bark — 2008-04-24T12:29:35-05:00
Former Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar's "Charge of Discrimination" against the station in effect boils down to a battle between her and the station's veteran news director, Maria Barrs. That's made pretty clear in the specifics of her two-page complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Aguilar files federal complaint against Fox4 (latest update)

Ed Bark — 2008-04-23T16:41:58-05:00
A brief news release from Aguilar's attorney also alleges that his client was fired "in a calculated move," and that she "did nothing wrong in October 2007 when KDFW (Channel 4) management suspended her over an alleged controversial interview." ...The 49-year-old news veteran was suspended with pay on Oct. 16th of last year following her interview outside a sporting goods store with an elderly West Dallas salvage business owner who had shot and killed two alleged burglars within three weeks time.

Picky Picky (Vol. 12)

Ed Bark — 2008-04-22T16:10:05-05:00
Anderson Cooper, Chris Wallace, Harry Smith and Scott Pelley By ED BARK Now widely perceived as a lame duck, Katie Couric and her CBS Evening News recorded their lowest viewership ever -- 5.39 million -- last week. ...Chris Wallace, 60, and current host of Fox News Sunday, has also had tours with NBC and ABC, which he left to join Fox in 2003.

It's just not in the cards

Ed Bark — 2008-04-19T21:30:22-05:00
Young man, vs. old man: Which is why the Mavs will lose. By ED BARK Damn, that was painful. ...How many of you watched the meltdown on ESPN instead of TXA21 for the simple reason that the all-sports cable network had it in HD and the locals did not?

Fox4's Doocy wonders if he's being run off 9 p.m. news playing field

Ed Bark — 2008-04-17T17:38:22-05:00
Veteran Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy uses his station's Web site to vent about what could be the imperiled future of his 9 p.m. newscast sports segment. Get his take -- and ours.

It's official: NBC5 head man Tom O'Brien to run New York's WNBC-TV (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-04-17T10:50:37-05:00
As reported Wednesday night on unclebarky.com (scroll down), KXAS-TV (Channel 5) president and general manger Tom O'Brien has been named to run NBC's owned-and-operated WNBC-TV, the network's New York flagship station. ...In a memo to NBC5 staffers Thursday, O'Brien said he's leaving "with mixed emotions" and had hoped to be at the station "so that you could hear the news from me -- in person -- and not from an email, an industry blog or a press release.

It looks like a plum job in the Big Apple for NBC5 head man Tom O'Brien

Ed Bark — 2008-04-16T22:13:47-05:00
Now the network's flagship owned-and-operated station, Manhattan's WNBC-TV, apparently will be getting a second in Tom O'Brien, currently president and general manager of Dallas-Fort Worth's KXAS-TV (Channel 5). Several sources at NBC5 and an earlier item Wednesday on the Web site FTVLive say that O'Brien will be named to replace WNBC president and general manager Frank Comerford, who has run the station since July 2002.

NBC5 tabs a less famous J. Lo as early morning meteorologist (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-04-16T10:52:43-05:00
This one (left), not that one (right) coming soon to NBC5. By ED BARK NBC5 has hired Jennifer Lopez -- no, not that Jennifer Lopez -- to succeed Rebecca Miller as the station's early morning meteorologist. ...Her husband is a pilot for Southwest Airlines who's currently on military leave and in charge of relocating a Navy DC-9 squadron from Atlanta to Fort Worth, where NBC5 is based.

Daughter of former Cowboys QB switches TV venues, nicknames

Ed Bark — 2008-04-16T09:47:02-05:00
Gina Carano as Gladiator and mixed martial arts artiste By ED BARK Gina Carano, daughter of former Dallas Cowboys backup QB Glenn Carano, has segued from NBC's American Gladiators to the premiere of the CBS Elitexc Saturday Night Fights. ...She'll battle Kaitlin Young in a 140-pound mixed martial arts matchup on Saturday, May 31st.

Laura, durn: First Lady to guest-host Today show for an hour

Ed Bark — 2008-04-15T15:26:43-05:00
Laura Bush, no stranger to Jay Leno's Tonight Show couch, will co-host Today on April 22nd with "America's First Family," as NBC so modestly puts it. ...Bush also will take incumbent co-host Ann Curry on a tour of the family ranch in Crawford and plug the children's book, Read All About It!, she co-wrote with Jenna.

The Uncle Barky Show wraps its fourth episode, announces high voltage guests for May

Ed Bark — 2008-04-14T06:24:31-05:00
Another episode of The Uncle Barky Show is in the books, and Legal Aid of Northwest Texas is the latest recipient of a $500 contribution from our host restaurant, Stratos Greek Taverna. ...Our final show of the spring, on May 17th, 4 p.m. at Stratos, will find your host trying to get a word in opposite WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen and weatherman Pete Delkus, also known for their back-and-forth banter on D-FW's No.

Insert advertisement for self below

Ed Bark — 2008-04-10T21:10:45-05:00
Don't forget to support your local unclebarky.com by attending this Saturday's (April 12) fourth episode of The Uncle Barky Show at Stratos Greek Taverna, 2907 W. ...Our guests, as noted in the can't-miss banner ad above, are Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza, makers of the just-completed and locally produced Stop the Presses: The American Newspaper in Peril.

Maria Sotolongo saying so long to Fox4 (2nd update)

Ed Bark — 2008-04-10T17:14:10-05:00
Her last day will be Friday, where she's scheduled to sit in for regular forecaster Evan Andrews on the early morning Good Day program. Fox4 news director Maria Barrs did not respond to email inquiries sent earlier Thursday, but Sotolongo replied early Friday afternoon after her final shift at the station.

Help stamp out poverty, disease

Ed Bark — 2008-04-09T23:06:36-05:00
Limited edition postage stamps picturing first-year American Idol champ Kelly Clarkson of Burleson are being sold in connection with Fox's Idol Gives Back charity event. ...By the way, viewers with high-definition TV sets might have been a bit put off by Fox4's repeated picture shrinkage Wednesday night.

Couric rumored to be seeking early exit from CBS News, but both are sorta saying otherwise

Ed Bark — 2008-04-09T22:04:07-05:00
By ED BARK The Wall Street Journal reports that CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric "is likely" to leave that post well before her contract expires in 2011 and possibly soon after the next presidential inauguration in January. ...As has been exhaustively reported, Couric's $15 million a year salary has not paid off in higher ratings for the Evening News, which badly trails both the NBC Nightly News and ABC's World News.

Good Day's Henderson goes national for a weekend -- and maybe more (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-04-04T09:45:14-05:00
But sources at Fox4 and a representative of FNC confirmed that Henderson will co-anchor Fox & Friends on both Saturday and Sunday (April 5-6 from 6 to 9 a.m.). ...So if Henderson is offered and wants the Fox & Friends position, there's seemingly little that Fox4 management can do about it.

Sports anchor/reporter Derek Castillo leaving NBC5's playing field

Ed Bark — 2008-04-03T16:25:21-05:00
By ED BARK NBC5's sports department at least temporarily could shrink to Newy Scruggs alone after Derek Castillo's scheduled departure at the end of June. ...Castillo said he's leaving NBC5 on good terms and hopes to remain in broadcasting because "my heart's still in this business."

Stop the Presses: Looks good on paper but better on the big-screen

Ed Bark — 2008-04-03T00:29:33-05:00
Birnbaum, a veteran filmmaker, and Mendoza, formerly an entertainment reporter/critic for the DMN, did more than 100 interviews for their doc. Paying the freight was Streitfeld's Dallas-based AMS Productions, which invested between $75,000 and $100,000 in the film besides post-production costs, he said. Besides Bradlee, prominent interview subjects include humorist Dave Barry, actor Ed Asner of Lou Grant fame, media writer Ken Auletta and former Dallas mayor Laura Miller, who says that rebels such as herself were seldom tolerated for long at the DMN, where she used to be a reporter.

"Live from HD Studio 1"

Ed Bark — 2008-04-02T01:16:53-05:00
But as you can see, the same cheesy lead stories are still entrenched, as are anchor Mike Snyder's seedy voice intonations. Check it out and also see our pictures and impressions of Eddie Izzard during this week's sold-out performance at The Majestic: Ed Bark

Positively Texas subtracted from TXA21

Ed Bark — 2008-03-31T15:00:37-05:00
But TXA21's Positively Texas, hosted by Iola Johnson, is being dropped as part of a wave of layoffs and budget cuts. Johnson, who in the 1970s made D-FW television history at WFAA8 as the market's first black woman anchor, had teamed from 2000-'02 with Tracy Rowlett on CBS11's 4 p.m. newcasts.

Without A Trace: Subtract two more

Ed Bark — 2008-03-28T20:52:47-05:00
In CBS11's case, as with other stations in the chain of command, edicts come down from on high to cut personnel in order to pay for the sins of the people who supposedly know what they're doing. ...CBS chairman Leslie Moonves, who increasingly talks out of his ass, reacts by ordering further cuts into what used to be the marrow of the network's overall news operation.

CBS11 lays off three newsroom staffers as part of latest downsizing (updated)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-28T16:05:15-05:00
Reporters Robert Riggs and Kaushal Patel are out at CBS11. By ED BARK Another round of CBS corporate-mandated layoffs has claimed three CBS11 news room staffers. ...Sparks' work with WFAA8's Dale Hansen on the 1987 SMU football recruiting scandal, which resulted in the school receiving an NCAA-imposed "death penalty," won both a George Foster Peabody Award and an Alfred I.

Picky Picky (Vol.8)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-28T14:09:24-05:00
Mickey Mouth Club: Dobbs, Matthews, O'Reilly and Olbermann By ED BARK There's a heard mentality on the cable news networks, many of whose top personalities love nothing more than the sounds of their own yappers. It's tough boiling it down to the four largest loudmouths, but here's my best effort.

And the bandwidth wouldn't play on (for a night at least)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-28T09:37:32-05:00
It has to do with an ad that's eating up lots of our monthly allotted "space." ...-- sometimes stretches us to the max. But no worries, we'll find ways to better serve you, so to speak.

Picky Picky (Vol. 7)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-26T14:07:50-05:00
Central characters from Law & Order, Boston Legal, The Unit. By ED BARK Reckoning time is nearing for three veteran network dramas that find themselves "on the bubble" in the closing two months of the 2007-08 TV season. NBC's Law & Order, ABC's Boston Legal and CBS' The Unit haven't officially been asked back yet for next fall.

No longer a Young gun, but still KERA-TV's best shot

Ed Bark — 2008-03-26T00:22:03-05:00
KERA-TV programming head Bill Young plays ball, too. Photo: Ed Bark Dallas native Bill Young is nearing 30 years at KERA-TV (Channel 13), the last 20 as the station's programming chief. Man, that's a lot of pledge drives.

Owen's sausage making

Ed Bark — 2008-03-25T11:47:21-05:00
Those with a continued interest in the ups and downs of Dallas-born actor Owen Wilson can go here to read all about his new role as a dog-loving newspaper columnist. The Drillbit Taylor star is fronting Marley & Me, drawn from the 2005 bestseller by former South Florida Sun-Sentinel columnist John Grogan.

Clean Break to L.A.

Ed Bark — 2008-03-25T09:37:47-05:00
But as previously reported first on unclebarky.com, the show will be filmed in Los Angeles after two seasons on location in North Texas. ...It currently ranks 74th among total viewers in the season-to-date national Nielsens, but a stronger 41st among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds.

Garland kitty to weatherman Pete Delkus: You're not the cat's meow

Ed Bark — 2008-03-24T23:53:30-05:00
Furry, purry Snickers Bark has learned to fear the sight of a coatless Pete Delkus. This is her story.

Picky Picky (Vol. 6)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-24T21:18:23-05:00
Hosts Jeff Probst, Tom Bergeron, Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel By ED BARK Each of the Big Four broadcast networks has a franchise, money-raking reality series and a host who's been there from the start. ...Deal Or No Deal maestro Howie Mandel won't shake hands but always states his case.

Happy Easter to all of unclebarky.com's peeps

Ed Bark — 2008-03-21T16:26:24-05:00
Thanks for reading D-FW's only homegrown site for local and national TV news and reviews. Have an eggs-ellent holiday!

No mo' Jericho

Ed Bark — 2008-03-21T15:47:24-05:00
By ED BARK CBS again has canceled Jericho, and this time the network apparently means it. The March 25th episode, which ends a seven-part arc, also will be the series finale, CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler announced on Good Friday.

Mavs lose to another real team, and Gramps just ain't cuttin' it

Ed Bark — 2008-03-20T23:13:58-05:00
And by the way, Harris scored 26 points and had nine assists Wednesday night in New Jersey's win over Atlanta despite playing on a sore ankle he re-injured the night before. ...Even a mere TV critic -- who used to be a sportswriter way back when -- can see that Kidd's just not going to be the answer this year.

Giving journalism a black eye

Ed Bark — 2008-03-20T16:09:43-05:00
Former KXAS-TV talk show host Charlie Rose didn't look quite himself earlier this week on PBS' Charlie Rose show. Salon.com has the intriguing behind-the-scenes story of how this happened and why Rose chose to break a fall with his face rather than with a new techno-toy he recently bought.

What a drag: dueling El Paso news vans get their motors running

Ed Bark — 2008-03-14T16:41:19-05:00
Anderson Cooper's "What Were They Thinking" segment on CNN recently got all huffy about two drag-racing news vans in El Paso. ...And actually, it'd be pretty cool to see NBC5's Mike Snyder gunning it in a race with CBS11's Scott Sams during a Texas Motor Speedway showdown between D-FW's resident Ted Baxters.

Episode 4 of The Uncle Barky Show will soon go to print

Ed Bark — 2008-03-13T09:24:31-05:00
Birnbaum and Mendoza ranged through Dallas and beyond to do more than 100 interviews for Stop the Presses, which went into production immediately after 110 DMN staffers, including yours truly, left the paper in fall 2006 after accepting buyout offers. The documentary has its AFI world premiere on April 2nd, 7 p.m. at the Magnolia Theatre, 3699 McKinney Ave. Screenings also are scheduled on April 3rd, 4 p.m. and April 5th, 1 p.m. at the Angelika Theatre, 5321 E.

Picky picky (Vol. 2)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-12T10:06:28-05:00
Celebrity head cases Gary Busey, Jeff Conaway, Danny Bonaduce By ED BARK Their non-stop cares and woes just keep coming on TMZ and celebrity rag mags Entertainment Tonight, Extra and Access Hollywood. Gary Busey, Jeff Conaway and Danny Bonaduce also have been star attractions on various low-end reality shows, where their self-destructive bents are milked for today's brand of entertainment value.

Lights, cameras and two possibilities

Ed Bark — 2008-03-12T10:05:53-05:00
AMS founder Andy Streitfeld hopes to play his cards right with a proposed new reality series on the lives and times of The Lodge. By ED BARK Preliminary work is completed and a title's been chosen for a proposed new network reality series on The Lodge gentleman's club. ...Its previous original productions include Rising From the Rails; Race Car Driver; Bodacious Boots; Flying For Freedom: Untold Stories of the Tuskogee Airmen; and the just-completed Stop the Presses: The American Newspaper in Peril, which will be screened on April 2nd at the AFI-Dallas film festival.

Coverups you can count on: D-FW's television news operations don't like talking about their exes

Ed Bark — 2008-03-10T10:28:39-05:00
Your friendly local TV news providers invariably clam up when it comes to their own "personnel matters."... The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in, with boffo numbers for the 6 a.m. news shows on a snow-blanketed Friday.

I've got blisters on my bandwidth

Ed Bark — 2008-03-07T13:09:06-06:00
Thursday brought a record 18,730 visitors to the site, most of them no doubt lured by stories on Wednesday's twin terminations of two prominent TV Rebeccas -- reporter Aguilar of Fox4 and meteorologist Miller of NBC5. ...So it's time to towel off a bit while also alerting you to a review of Fox's new Canterbury's Law series, starring Julianna Margulies.

Lights back on?

Ed Bark — 2008-03-06T11:44:32-06:00
NBC reportedly is very close to sealing a deal that would mean a third season for Austin-made Friday Night Lights. The critically acclaimed series continued to struggle in the Nielsen ratings last season, but did rack up a George Foster Peabody Award.

The Uncle Barky Show -- Episode 3 (The Sequel)

Ed Bark — 2008-03-05T18:44:52-06:00
The third Uncle Barky Show, with guests Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson of Fox4's Good Day, is newly available in convenient clip form on pegasusnews.com. Thanks to all who attended -- it was our biggest crowd to date -- and an even bigger thanks to Stratos Greek Taverna for doubling up and contributing $1,000 to our guests' favorite charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ain't over 'til it's over

Ed Bark — 2008-03-05T05:50:30-06:00
WFAA8's one-hour election special and Fox4's regularly scheduled newscast picked up the batons at 9 p.m. It was just in time to catch the last two minutes of John McCain's victorious nomination speech at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Dallas. ...A final problem cropped up after WFAA8 yielded to Nightline from 10:35 to 11:05 p.m. Obama began his speech from San Antonio shortly after Nightline started, but the program carried just a brief live excerpt before bailing out.

Charlie Gibson by the numbers -- child of the '40s hitting 65 while still going strong in the ratings

Ed Bark — 2008-03-04T14:59:56-06:00
Gibson and company on Tuesday's Good Morning Texas. Photo: Ed Bark ABC World News anchor Charles Gibson talked openly to unclebarky.com Tuesday about life in and out of "The Chair" on the cusp of a milestone birthday.

Obama and Clinton: the racial divide

Ed Bark — 2008-02-28T13:47:52-06:00
CBS11's interview with a bluntly outspoken, longtime Hispanic activist raises the pertinent question of race-based voting in the Texas Democratic presidential primary. But will this touchy issue be considered too hot to handle any further by D-FW's television news operations?

And baby makes four

Ed Bark — 2008-02-28T12:16:02-06:00
CBS11 early morning meteorologist Julie Bologna and her husband, Phillip, welcomed their second son on Tuesday (Feb. 26). The newborn's name is Phillip Rocco, and he weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces, CBS11 says.

Up-close and objective: Night 19 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-27T15:21:54-06:00
Is Hillary Clinton sinking fast or still holding her own as the Texas primary nears? Two local TV station polls provide different impressions, even though both say her race against time and Barack Obama is a statistical dead heat.

Small world: ABC's World News to originate from Dallas next week

Ed Bark — 2008-02-27T09:41:38-06:00
ABC's World News and anchor Charles Gibson will be in Dallas on Monday and Tuesday to underscore the importance of the Texas presidential primary. ...World News dominates the 5:30 p.m. network news ratings in D-FW, and is in a close battle nationally with Brian Williams' NBC Nightly News.

Six thumbs down: Idol judges find little to like with both North Texas Jasons

Ed Bark — 2008-02-27T00:04:18-06:00
Grand Prairie's Jason Yeager and Rockwall's Jason Castro By ED BARK Likable Jason Yeager of Grand Prairie perhaps can pin his hopes on a full-blown Simon Cowell backlash. ...Rockwall's Jason Castro, who pleased the judges last week, fell short in their view with his guitar-strumming version of The Bee Gees' "I Just Want To Be Your Everything."

Up-close and objective: Night 18 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-26T14:31:57-06:00
Also under our microscope: CBS11's unseemly sleight of hand during those nightly health and medical segments. And how sweet it is to see big ratings for ABC's exemplary production of A Raisin In the Sun.

Up-close and objective: Night 17 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-24T16:45:00-06:00
The tragic death of police officer Victor Lozada during a Friday morning Hillary Clinton campaign stop remained a big story on late night D-FW newscasts. All four major TV news providers covered it sensitively, but some still stood out.

Up-close and objective: Night 16 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-22T16:31:26-06:00
Two popular targets, the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium and UT Southwestern Medical Center, again were in the sights of their principal antagonists -- WFAA8's Brett Shipp and CBS11's Robert Riggs.... See how it all played out on late night D-FW newscasts.

Fox4's Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson hope to see you at the third Uncle Barky Show

Ed Bark — 2008-02-22T10:30:49-06:00
Dynamite yourselves out of the house Saturday afternoon (Feb. 23rd) and get on over to the third episode of The Uncle Barky Show. ...And a representative from our guests' designated charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, is scheduled to be present to accept a $500 donation in their names.

Campos will keep host engagement at Planned Parenthood's celebration of "Pro-Choice Dallas"

Ed Bark — 2008-02-21T18:12:32-06:00
WFAA8 news anchor Gloria Campos plans to honor a commitment Friday to be "Mistress of Ceremonies" at a Planned Parenthood of North Texas awards luncheon even though the organization is characterizing it as something of a partisan political rally. ..."She has served as emcee for the past several years and agreed to participate because of Planned Parenthood's involvement in medial care for indigent women that involves prenatal care and breast cancer.

Up-close and objective: Night 15 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-21T17:30:26-06:00
Presidential candidates and a prominent surrogate descended on North Tex Wednesday, drawing ample TV coverage.... Our latest sweeps digest sorts it all out.

Up-close and objective: Night 14 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-20T16:38:57-06:00
Police-authorized "Dash Cam" video is always a popular tack on TV newscasts.... Also, ABC has announced its post-strike spring plans for a group of popular series, including Lost.

Testing, testing . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-02-20T13:09:33-06:00
By ED BARK All four of D-FW's major TV news providers touted their live Webcasts of Barack Obama's campaign rally at Reunion Arena Wednesday afternoon. ...Its web cam initially had the backs of rally-goers -- and sometimes the backs of their heads, too -- before finally capturing the candidate in closeup at 1:06 p.m. That was my first sighting of him after multiple tries on all four Web sites.

Captain Kurtz: Still steering blindly ahead

Ed Bark — 2008-02-20T09:59:55-06:00
He goes more than a bit over the top down the stretch, but Charles Kaiser of radaronline.com otherwise makes some strong and salient points about the longest-running conflict of interest in American journalism. ...And wouldn't Kurtz work up a good deal of outrage if, say, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams moonlighted as a paid Democratic party consultant on weekends but said it didn't affect the content of the Peacock's flagship newscast?

Up-close and objective: Night 13 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-19T17:03:05-06:00
Here we go again with another look at late night newscast ups and downs. The latest D-FW ratings could be a conversation-starter, too.

Business as usual or buying the news?

Ed Bark — 2008-02-18T22:08:24-06:00
Does NBC5 news have a healthy relationship with Children's Medical Center?... Also, the new field for Dancing With the Stars includes Graceland's Queen B, two goofballs and a pair of very accomplished former sports princesses.

Up-close and objective: Night 12 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-17T21:45:15-06:00
D-FW's TV news reporters can be pretty territorial when it comes to who reported what -- and when.... The made-in-North Texas series at best is a longshot to go beyond that.

Just a week away now: Uncle Barky Show No. 3 with Tim Ryan, Megan Henderson

Ed Bark — 2008-02-15T16:46:16-06:00
Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson studiously prepare for The Uncle Barky Show while anchoring that other show they do. Photo: Ed Bark Lest you forget, Fox4 Good Day anchors Tim Ryan and Megan Henderson are coming to the third episode of The Uncle Barky Show on Saturday, Feb. 23rd at 4 p.m. ...Previous guests have been "The Ticket's" Gordon Keith and CBS11 anchor/reporter Tracy Rowlett, both of whom had a fabulous time, of course.

Will you do a heckuva job, Brownie?

Ed Bark — 2008-02-15T16:14:30-06:00
Jorge Ramos, Campbell Brown and John King are CNN's debate team. Campbell Brown has been tabbed to moderate CNN's high-stakes, 90-minute debate in Austin Thursday (Feb. 21) between Democratic presidential finalists Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Brown will be joined by the all-news network's John King and Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, who will ask questions as panelists.

Up-close and objective: Night 11 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-15T14:42:30-06:00
Another one's in the books, with unclebarky.com getting unaccountably wistful about the days when news of actual importance topped the late night newscasts. The latest D-FW ratings are in the house, too.

Picky picky

Ed Bark — 2008-02-14T21:45:59-06:00
Sayid Jarrah, Hugo "Hurley" Reyes and Jack Shephard of Lost By ED BARK OK, we're going to try a new periodic feature here on unclebarky.com. ...ABC's Lost so far has revealed four of the series' so-called "Oceanic 6" island expatriates, with Sayid Jarrah (Naveen Andrews) getting his flash-forward on Valentine's night.

Up-close and objective: Night 10 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-14T14:40:54-06:00
Here we go again, with compliments for some solid enterprise reporting, a lament by Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy and riffs on WFAA8's Cynthia Izaguirre's promotional spots and Fox4 anchor Steve Eagar's snappy comebacks. Also, check out where your favorite newscast stands in the ratings at mid-point of the February sweeps.

Up-close and objective: Night 9 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-13T15:51:47-06:00
The candidates are coming, but some of their commercials got here first. Check out our latest deep-delve into D-FW's late night newscasts.

The Glo. Camp. cackle was still sedated

Ed Bark — 2008-02-12T17:20:48-06:00
Wow, have they really been together that long? Gloria Campos had more hair, but also was more restrained in this stately 1992 close to WFAA8's 6 p.m. newscast.

Up-close and objective: Night 8 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-12T15:52:12-06:00
Fox4's "The Cop and the Call Girl" story lasted longer than most men Monday night. Get the particulars, and then check out some interesting D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Up-close and objective: Night 7 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-10T20:51:15-06:00
WFAA8's ever-opinionated Dale Hansen did it again, and this time he shouldn't be pleased with himself.

Up-close and objective: Night 6 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-08T17:00:28-06:00
Two veteran D-FW gumshoes had some favorite targets in their sights again Thursday night.... Also, tonight lamentably could be the last night for NBC's Friday Night Lights.

New Big Brother field includes eyecatching Joshuah Welch of Dallas

Ed Bark — 2008-02-07T17:41:10-06:00
By ED BARK Openly gay Joshuah Welch, 25, of Dallas, will be among the new batch of 16 Houseguests conniving their way through CBS' Big Brother 9 ..."Things changed when he slept with his sister's cheerleading coach -- ruining her cheering career -- and (he) claims that his family has never forgiven him.

Up-close and objective: Night 5 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-07T11:39:21-06:00
Fox4 consumer gumshoe Steve Noviello took on Mighty Putty in a featured bout with no undercard.... And the latest Nielsen ratings brought more unusual orders of finish in the 10 p.m. news derby.

Up-close and objective: Night 4 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-06T16:06:57-06:00
CBS11's Tracy Rowlett still has the touch while WFAA8's David Schechter also scored with a juicy investigation during Tuesday's "Super Tuesday"-juiced late night local newscasts.... And the latest local ratings are right here.

Up-close and objective: Night 3 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-05T12:03:10-06:00
Another one is in the books, with coverage of Bob Knight's sudden resignation at center stage in our latest telescoping of late night D-FW newscasts. See how they handled him, and how NBC5's Newy Scruggs then left anchor Jane McGarry as a woman scorned.

"Heard you spent some time in the foxhole with Charlene last night"

Ed Bark — 2008-02-04T14:48:03-06:00
Raquel Welch will be striking another pose in new CBS comedy. Welcome to the Captain, joining CBS' comedy lineup Monday, features Raquel Welch as a woman who still pretty much gets what she wants.... In One Million Years B.C., she was the less emotive Loana.

Up-close and objective: Night 2 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-04T13:21:31-06:00
Belo8 and CBS11 both are taking credit for prompting the FDA's official warning that the anti-smoking drug Chantix could have extremely dangerous side effects.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens are in, including some super duper numbers for a certain Sunday sports attraction.

The. Best. Damn. Super Bowl. Ever. Period.

Ed Bark — 2008-02-03T22:11:02-06:00
They're bound to be gargantuan for a game brimming with drama, guts and finally the sight of defeated coach Bill Belichick in classic class-less form during a terse post-game interview in which he couldn't bring himself to congratulate the victor. ...My personal favorite commercial, with Shaquille O'Neal as a jockey, can be seen here along with another funny celebrity-driven spot starring Will Ferrell of the Flint Tropics as a pitchman for both Bud Light and his new basketball movie.

Up-close and objective: Night 1 of the Feb. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2008-02-01T13:44:11-06:00
So check out our first of a 20-night tour of late night D-FW newscasts. Also, ratings for Night 1 of the February sweeps are in. And if you'd like to get in touch with your girlyman gene -- and win brownie points with your loved one -- then sit through the Hallmark Channel's Bridal Fever.

New blood -- but for now no bloodletting at CBS11 news

Ed Bark — 2008-01-30T15:50:49-06:00
CBS11 news head Scott Diener tries to change course. Photo: Ed Bark The previous regime traumatized CBS11's newsroom. News director Scott Diener hopes to make ratings gains that aren't at the expense of the station's image.

So far here's what we've got for you

Ed Bark — 2008-01-29T12:45:11-06:00
Two new episodes of Lost arrived this week.... Also inside: a fun-lovin' new TV Bulletin Board and the latest D-FW ratings.

Miami Heat -- Laurie vs. Hori

Ed Bark — 2008-01-28T22:15:21-06:00
An imaginative -- or deranged -- fan of South Florida TV news has anchors Laurie Jennings and Shannon Hori throwing down for 6 and 11 p.m. newscast supremacy in the upcoming February "sweeps." Hori formerly worked the early morning shift at CBS11 before leaving last summer to join WFOR-TV in Miami.

"And I'll tell you when it's time to bring in the pets. C'mon in, Tracy"

Ed Bark — 2008-01-24T16:48:53-06:00
Here's our last in a series of old-timey 1979 promos from WFAA's "You Can Count On Us" campaign. This one spotlights a warm and toasty Troy Dungan.

Ooh, these are just too retro cool to be missed

Ed Bark — 2008-01-22T16:17:51-06:00
Here's WFAA-TV's very melodious "Iola" promo from 1979. That would be trailblazing anchor Iola Johnson, at the height of her powers here.

New face on CBS11 late night weather

Ed Bark — 2008-01-22T13:00:42-06:00
Florida import Larry Mowry signed on as CBS11's 10 p.m. weatherman Monday.... Also, check out the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.

From the vault

Ed Bark — 2008-01-21T16:58:23-06:00
Here's a classic "You Can Count On Us" WFAA-TV promo from 1979, starring Tracy Rowlett, Iola Johnson, Verne Lundquist and Troy Dungan....

Say cheese: Last smile/laugh goes to the Giants

Ed Bark — 2008-01-21T08:47:40-06:00
And all gloriously captured by Fox, whose crew also had to battle the elements to bring you a tense gut fight between two storied teams who hadn't met in the post-season since 1962. ..."Ice Bowl II," in which only analyst Terry Bradshaw picked New York, ended as an amazingly offensive game with more total points scored than in New York's equally stunning upset of the Cowboys.

Lest you forget . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-01-18T15:10:43-06:00
And remember, it's free and for a very good cause. A $500 donation will be made in guest Tracy Rowlett's name to his designated charity -- the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.

Rose keeps blooming

Ed Bark — 2008-01-17T16:35:59-06:00
Charlie Rose, who prepped at KXAS-TV (Channel 5) with a locally produced talk show, has been named a 60 Minutes contributor. Rose, 66, hosted The Charlie Rose Show at the station's Fort Worth studios from 1979-81 before taking the program to Washington, D.C. for a short-lived run in national syndication.

Idol from Dallas flattens competition but still down for the count

Ed Bark — 2008-01-17T14:12:41-06:00
Wednesday's two-hour American Idol audition show from Dallas drew 30.4 million viewers nationally, a substantial dip from the 36.9 million who witnessed last year's second episode. Still, Idol again outdrew the combined competing audience (27.3 million) for programming on ABC, CBS, NBC and The CW.

Idol does Dallas, "cattle call" and all

Ed Bark — 2008-01-17T07:43:15-06:00
Wednesday night's two-hour American Idol audition show from Dallas again let America know that we're a buncha big galoots sharing space with longhorn cattle. Snore, what about Victory Park, the performing arts and other signs of character development?

Here a kook, there a kook . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-01-16T15:58:14-06:00
Fox has just released this photo of Tim Rogers, er, Renaldo Lapuz, performing at last year's Dallas tryouts for American Idol. They'll unfold for all to see on Wednesday night's two-hour episode (7 p.m. locally on Fox4).

Support your local unclebarky.com

Ed Bark — 2008-01-16T08:29:01-06:00
Your attendance will show your support for unclebarky.com, the D-FW market's only source for both local and national TV reporting and criticism. ...And if you'd like more background and perspective on Rowlett, go to our Back Channels page for a 1999 story on his transition from Belo8 to CBS11 after a quarter-century at the ABC station.

Katie raw: Giggles, sniffles and umpteen asides

Ed Bark — 2008-01-15T17:27:29-06:00
Comedian Harry Shearer's Web site, My Damn Channel, has an elongated, behind-the-scenes video of Katie Couric prepping for various news sniglets from the New Hampshire presidential primary.... And it says a lot in its own way about the care and feeding of a modern-day news anchor, not that Couric comes off as a monster or anything.

Death valley daze: Cowboys no longer hot shots, and some anchors blast away

Ed Bark — 2008-01-14T05:19:36-06:00
Late night D-FW newscasts and sports specials were all over the Cowboys, of course, with Fox4 reporter James Rose the first to say, "I felt like I was at a funeral" as grieving fans filed out of Texas Stadium. ...ADDENDUM -- Faithful readers of unclebarky.com know that its proprietor is a Wisconsin-born true believer in the Green Bay Packers, who now will get to face the Giants at frigid Lambeau Field rather than the Cowboys at Texas Stadium, where QB Brett Favre has never won.

Howard Stern vs. Mean Green: Round 1

Ed Bark — 2008-01-11T06:55:24-06:00
He did so again Thursday on CBS' Late Show with David Letterman, but also added a blast at McGraw's alma mater, the University of North Texas in Denton. ...For the record, McGraw has a B.A. from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, and an M.A. in experimental psychology and doctorate in clinical psychology from UNT.

GE-owned NBC electrifies the Internet with a bright new news site

Ed Bark — 2008-01-10T12:36:58-06:00
By ED BARK The spanking new NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams website is ahead of its time --for a few days at least -- in an our constantly changing techno-sphere. ...In another clip, Williams speaks candidly about the media's fouled-up reporting from New Hampshire, where Barack Obama was anointed the winner in polls and by pundits before Hillary Clinton weighed in with a big primary day "upset."

Oh shaddup: But Chris Matthews' credibility yap keeps growing

Ed Bark — 2008-01-08T22:28:18-06:00
But he then quickly wondered whether Hillary's teary-eyed response at a New Hampshire Q&A on Monday prompted an eleventh hour, gender-influenced pity vote for the lone woman candidate in either party's field. ...The guy's getting easier to loathe than Bill O'Reilly, who had his own self-publicized dustup in New Hampshire with a tallish Obama aide who seemed to go out of his way to block a Fox News Channel cameraman from videoing the candidate.

Another TV news vet hits the bricks

Ed Bark — 2008-01-07T23:34:59-06:00
Caldwell joined CBS11 in September 2001 from NBC5, where he had been a featured member of that station's three-man nightbeat team, along with Jay Gray and Scott Gordon, who remains with the Peacock. CBS11 staffers were informed of Caldwell's departure in a brief memo from news director Scott Diener, who did not elaborate.

The earth is flat: Golden Globes dinner-drink fest canceled

Ed Bark — 2008-01-07T23:18:08-06:00
Facing massive no-shows by nominees, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has canceled its 65th annual Golden Globes awards ceremony, which NBC had planned to televise on Sunday, Jan. 13th. ...The striking Writers Guild of America had strongly urged a boycott by the TV and movie stars whose attendance, on-stage participation and red carpet struts make the Globes tick.

Justin Farmer speaks, Troy Dungan pitches, etc.

Ed Bark — 2008-01-07T09:31:19-06:00
Begin the week by snacking on the latest "talking points" in local TV news.... Also, the latest local Nielsens are in, with surprisingly robust numbers for NBC's two-hour premiere of a remodeled American Gladiators.

Just when you think everything's in place . . . Justin Farmer leaving Daybreak

Ed Bark — 2008-01-04T10:36:47-06:00
Station management got the unexpected news Friday that co-anchor Justin Farmer will be joining WSB-TV in Atlanta after his contract expires in July. ...She's replacing Jackie Hyland, who left Belo8 at the end of the November "sweeps" and now is reporting for WCBS-TV in New York.

That didn't take long

Ed Bark — 2008-01-03T10:41:26-06:00
Reporting for WCBS-TV: former Daybreak co-anchor Jackie Hyland. By ED BARK Jackie Hyland, who left Belo8's Daybreak at the end of the November "sweeps," already has a reporting job at WCBS-TV in New York. ...She joined Belo8 in August 2005 and co-anchored the ABC station's Daybreak with Justin Farmer before signing off tearfully on Nov.

Izaguirre is still coming soon

Ed Bark — 2008-01-02T13:44:04-06:00
By ED BARK Initially set for Wednesday, Jan. 2nd, Cynthia Izaguirre's debut as Daybreak's new co-anchor likely will be on Friday instead. ...Later Wednesday, via telephone, Devlin said that Izaguirre possibly won't make her first Daybreak appearance until Monday (Jan. 7th) if she needs more time to get comfortable in her new surroundings.

Writers' strike -- what you can see anyway

Ed Bark — 2007-12-31T15:30:40-06:00
And a reminder that the next Uncle Barky Show, with guest anchor icon Tracy Rowlett, will be on Saturday, Jan. 19th, 4 p.m. at Stratos. Much more on this later, but please mark your calendars to help both unclebarky.com and Tracy's favorite charity, which will receive a $500 donation in his name.

D'oh ho ho: it's break time

Ed Bark — 2007-12-21T15:29:20-06:00
Merry Christmas to all from unclebarky.com central and Homer. We'll be taking a few days off before returning on Dec. 27th with more end-of-the-year wrapups. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays and thanks so much for your continued support of both unclebarky.com and our advertisers.

Jessica Simpson's special Tony Romo-inspired Christmas countdown to Saturday's Cowboys game (finale)

Ed Bark — 2007-12-20T23:43:30-06:00
Here you can hear Jessica sing "Let It Snow" while protecting herself from fake falling flakes with a red umbrella. ...By the way, the game's on MY27 in the D-FW viewing area for the many fans without cable's NFL Network.

HD around the corner at Fox4?

Ed Bark — 2007-12-20T22:36:26-06:00
Mum's the word, literally, as Fox4 experiments with soundless widescreen telecasts on its local HD channel (804 on Verizon Fios). ...Asked in early October about her station's HD plans Fox4 vice president and general manager Kathy Saunders told unclebarky.com, "When we do it, we'll do it right."

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio -- or for that matter, Natasha Curry?

Ed Bark — 2007-12-20T13:58:38-06:00
It's been a busy year of departures at D-FW television stations. Check out unclebarky.com's first annual list of where they were -- and what they're doing now.

Jessica Simpson's special Tony Romo-inspired Christmas countdown to Saturday's Cowboys game: Video 2

Ed Bark — 2007-12-19T18:44:49-06:00
Here you can hear Jessica and sister Ashlee sing "The Little Drummer Boy." A barrage of ba rum bum bum bums is sugared with cute kid pictures from the Simpson family vault.

2007 -- a storied year in North Texas TV

Ed Bark — 2007-12-19T13:41:02-06:00
We've made a list -- and checked it more than twice. Presenting a top 10, illustrated countdown of the year in D-FW television.

Jessica Simpson's special Tony Romo-inspired Christmas countdown to Saturday's Cowboys game: Video 1

Ed Bark — 2007-12-18T21:10:57-06:00
Here you'll hear Jessica and Ozzy Osbourne duet on a thrilling version of "Winter Wonderland." It's not quite as odd a pairing as Bing Crosby and David Bowie, but definitely in the neighborhood.

Full of life

Ed Bark — 2007-12-17T15:39:49-06:00
Fox4 anchor Heather Hays is happy to report that .... Read all about it here.

Performance anxiety? Rom(e)o goes limp with Jess in house

Ed Bark — 2007-12-16T20:43:16-06:00
"Proving it's never easy to play in front of your girlfriend," announcer Joe Buck noted moments after Romo completed his second pass to the Eagles near the end of the first half. ...Already the network of The Simpsons, it also treated viewers to a second-half excerpt from Jessica's single "B.O.Y."

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-14T09:20:25-06:00
All he had to do was sit down to generate the most enthusiastic ovation in the history of Late Show with David Letterman. The late Johnny Carson's last TV appearance, a surprise May 13, 1994 walk-on, remains an event unlike any other.

Another Carano wears the pads

Ed Bark — 2007-12-13T18:28:15-06:00
Gina Carano, as gladiator and civilian, flanks her dad, Glenn Carano. By ED BARK Dallas native Gina Carano, daughter of former Dallas Cowboys backup QB Glenn Carano, is among the 12 stars of NBC's new version of American Gladiators. ...Despite her girl-next-door looks, she's a powerful, fierce opponent who has no problem handling the women competitors, and then going back to breaking men's hearts."

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-13T12:05:56-06:00
Seven stories in 50 seconds, courtesy of the late Tom Snyder in a 1976 break from NBC programming. Watch how Snyder slides papers with his left hand while pumping out the crisp verbiage.

I want to thank . . .

Ed Bark — 2007-12-13T09:09:45-06:00
The latest Golden Globe nominations for television and movies are in, and you can see the complete list here. Cable did exceedingly well overall -- excluding the final season of The Sopranos -- while ABC led the broadcast networks.

Do the hulu. You'll be glad you did

Ed Bark — 2007-12-12T14:32:05-06:00
Hulu.com seems like kind of a crazy name for a state-of-the-art trove of old and new TV series episodes.... Check out what hulu's all about and also have a look at the latest Ask Uncle Barky inquisition.

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-12T11:06:08-06:00
Long since that time, in a place far, far removed from reality, a certified -- or certifiable -- genius has edited this two-hour spectacle into a five-minute highlight reel. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and various Wookies are all willing participants, along with "special guest stars" Art Carney, Bea Arthur, Diahann Carroll, Harvey Korman and The Jefferson Starship.

New vistas in homegrown entertainment: The Uncle Barky Show arrives on pegasusnews.com

Ed Bark — 2007-12-11T14:41:42-06:00
The premiere episode of The Uncle Barky Show is up and running in six convenient, extended clips on pegasusnews.com.... They and the audience also had to endure my show-stopping singing, which is available in the climactic clip for anyone with a strong stomach and tin ear.

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-11T10:19:48-06:00
Here's a little somethin' from the second season of NBC's Hill Street Blues. Surly Mick Belker (Bruce Weitz) is trying to book crazed Captain Freedom (Dennis Dugan) when his mom calls.

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-10T11:15:12-06:00
It now looks as though the writers' strike will be a reality well into the new year.... Check out "Meet the Press for Idiots," courtesy of Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-07T10:37:44-06:00
Hate to say it, but this latest "Speechless" video, starring Woody Allen, is pretty funny without any written words to support it.. The Writers Guild of America is using the videos, now 20 in number, to help rally support to its ongoing strike.

Plug in to this Charger

Ed Bark — 2007-12-06T15:12:24-06:00
But it seems as though you can take it to the bank when former TCU running back LaDainlian Tomlinson says he'd rather be remembered for what he does off the field. Tomlinson, now a record-breaking running back with the San Diego Chargers, will be profiled by correspondent Bob Simon on this Sunday's 60 Minutes.

Sing loud enough so Grammy can hear

Ed Bark — 2007-12-06T13:49:24-06:00
Nominees for the 50th annual Grammy Awards are in, and quite a few of the artists are over 50. There also are four American Idol alums this time, but Kelly Clarkson had to sneak in via a duet with Reba McEntire.

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-06T12:58:36-06:00
Jimmy Kimmel generously continues to pay the salaries of his laid-off staff as the writers' strike endures.... It's the gift that keeps on giving, and the lyrics long ago were grandfathered in. Ed Bark

Strike-proof video of the day

Ed Bark — 2007-12-05T13:59:41-06:00
The ongoing writers' strike still has America bereft of new late night entertainment, save for Carson Daly's Last Call, watched by no one with or without writers. We'll try to alleviate some of the pain with this classic David Letterman clip.

Adding, subtracting TCU grads at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2007-12-04T10:49:35-06:00
Reporter Omar Villafranca joins NBC5; David Quinlan heads west. By ED BARK NBC5 has hired San Antonio native and Texas Christian University grad Omar Villafranca as the station's newest reporter. He'll begin work in January after just over three years at CBS affiliate KOTV-TV in Tulsa as an anchor/reporter.

No further comment necessary

Ed Bark — 2007-12-04T09:04:18-06:00
Here's what it's come to at the alleged News 10 morning show in Sacramento. Ed Bark

Hire all of them! Immediately!

Ed Bark — 2007-12-03T14:50:06-06:00
SMU students of unclebarky.com act happy about it. Photo: Ed Bark SMU school of journalism teacher Lucy Scott gave her students a daunting if not dispiriting task this semester. As part of her "Current Issues in the News" class, she required them to study the independent coverage of local TV news on unclebarky.com.

The Uncle Barky Show has one to grow on

Ed Bark — 2007-12-02T20:11:27-06:00
We plan to do the show monthly, with CBS11 anchor Tracy Rowlett our next scheduled guest on a date to be announced in January. And yes, the banner ad above is dated at this point, but we'll put up a new one as soon as it's sent our way.

One last plug

Ed Bark — 2007-11-30T14:27:55-06:00
But let me again say I'm greatly looking forward to meeting many of the faithful unclebarky.com readers at Saturday's event with guest Gordon Keith. Best of all, we'll announce a generous contribution to Gordon's favorite charity at the end of the show.

Rowlett will stay in the game

Ed Bark — 2007-11-30T11:09:44-06:00
By ED BARK D-FW's Walter Cronkite, a k a CBS11's Tracy Rowlett, is forestalling his planned July retirement and re-upping for two more years. ...2 in total homes in the key 10 p.m. ratings race and also at 6 p.m. But it ran last among four stations at 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. CBS11 has even further to go among advertiser-preferred 25-to-54-year-olds, where it ranks no better than third in any of those four news slots.

Cowboys survive Packers, Gumbel

Ed Bark — 2007-11-29T22:52:20-06:00
Bryant Gumbel and his much, much better half, Cris Collinsworth By ED BARK What a beating -- not so much by the Cowboys but by the NFL Network's Bryant ("It would appear") Gumbel. ..."The crowd doesn't like it, but the Packers will go for the tie," Gumbel later informed viewers as Cowboys kicker Nick Folk kicked a 26-yard field goal to knot the score at 3-3.

It's not easy being green-and-gold in Dallas

Ed Bark — 2007-11-29T16:32:55-06:00
In honor of my lunch bet with CBS11 anchor Tracy Rowlett -- he's still bitter about that 1967 Ice Bowl loss -- I've assembled some of my old Green Bay Packer trinkets as good luck charms. ...Ratings prediction: Tonight's high-stakes matchup on lil' MY27 will average more than 900,000 homes to become this season's most-watched game -- ahead of the 884,123 that watched the Oct. 14th Cowboys-Patriots game.

Taking the field: unclebarky.com's second annual D-FW news all-star team

Ed Bark — 2007-11-29T15:49:30-06:00
One of the easier ways to make new friends -- and enemies -- in the TV biz is to pick a new all-star team of D-FW anchors and reporters. See what you think of this one.

Nov. sweeps almost a clean sweep for Belo8

Ed Bark — 2007-11-29T10:56:28-06:00
Belo8 became a towering redwood at 10 p.m. again while NBC5 went timbe-r-r-r-r. Only Fox4's early morning Good Day held the ABC station at bay, but not by that much.

Up-close and objective: Night 19 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-28T15:22:32-06:00
Just about anything can kill or harm you.... See what we mean.

Blowing in from Orlando: CBS11 hires new 10 p.m. weathercaster

Ed Bark — 2007-11-27T17:32:01-06:00
The station has hired Orlando, FL weatherman Larry Mowry as its new 10 p.m. forecaster, with incumbent Kristine Kahanek shifting to the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, president and general manager Steve Mauldin announced early Tuesday evening. ...Rowlett, who had planned to retire in July, will continue to co-anchor CBS11's 5 p.m. newscasts as well as contribute his weekly Sunday night "Perspectives" feature.

P.S. -- Cynthia Izaguirre

Ed Bark — 2007-11-27T16:44:06-06:00
That brings us to FrontBurner's addendum to this Web site's previous report that Cynthia Izaguirre of Albuquerque's KOAT-TV will join incumbent Justin Farmer as the new co-anchor on Belo8's Daybreak. ...It took Izaguirre FOREVER to do just the first part of her goodbye to KOAT and New Mexico.

Up-close and objective: Night 18 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-27T16:26:18-06:00
Whew, Monday night proved very eventful on late night D-FW newscasts.... The latest local ratings also await your inspection.

Belo8 tabs New Mexico for new Daybreak co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2007-11-27T09:53:01-06:00
Cynthia Izaguirre, a University of North Texas graduate who has spent the last eight years at KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, N.M., has been named to replace Jackie Hyland as co-anchor of Belo8's early morning Daybreak program. ...He's jokingly referring to sports anchor Dale Hansen and weathercaster Pete Delkus, whose jabs at each other have become a staple of Belo8's 10 p.m. newscasts.

A Green and Gold parable

Ed Bark — 2007-11-26T21:10:49-06:00
Had breakfast with my son, brothers and other relatives at Max McGee's pancake restaurant near Minneapolis on the crisp, crystal-clear morning of Oct. 20th, 2007. Enjoyed the house specialty, Eggs Maxwell, in honor of the colorful Green Bay Packers receiver, who should have been the MVP of Super Bowl I.

Up-close and objective: Nights 15-17 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-26T12:16:26-06:00
Which D-FW news provider had a penetrating report on a cellulite-fighting product called Butt-u-Tiful?... Also, check out the latest D-FW ratings, including down-the-stretch news numbers and the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day romp over the Jets.

Shop talk

Ed Bark — 2007-11-23T10:00:31-06:00
Triple-threat Gordon Keith, our first attraction, is the longtime jester-in-residence on morning drive time's Dunham and Miller Show (5:30-10 a.m. on 1310 KTCK-AM, "The Ticket"). ...It's also a great way to show your support for unclebarky.com, your homegrown window into the oft-puzzling but ever-changing worlds of local and national TV.

Up-close and objective: Night 14 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-21T15:10:22-06:00
Belo8 investigator Brett Shipp went hard after South Oak Cliff and its possibly tainted 2006 state basketball championship.... Also, your latest D-FW ratings are in the house.

Daybreak rising: a new name in the mix

Ed Bark — 2007-11-20T16:05:09-06:00
By ED BARK Belo8 may end up having it both ways on Daybreak, hiring from both without and within to replace co-anchor Jackie Hyland. Well-informed sources say that Austin news anchor Christine Haas, of corporate cousin KVUE-TV, has auditioned for the chance to join incumbent Justin Farmer on the currently No.

Up-close and objective: Night 13 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-20T15:41:29-06:00
Dale spurned Pete's man-love on the latest episode of Belo8's 10 p.m. newscasts. Read all about the slap-happier-than-usual goings-on in our latest sweeps sum-up.

Making an o'fool of O'Reilly?

Ed Bark — 2007-11-19T18:12:51-06:00
You can find Cuban's pointed account on his blog, where he also accuses O'Reilly of at least indirectly instigating bomb threats against his businesses and of causing his Fallen Patriot Fund's Web site to crash for the first time ever last Thursday (Nov. ...The O'Reilly offensive coincided with Dan Rather telling The New York Daily News that the Dallas Mavericks owner had been "sensationally good to me" during his first year as anchor of Dan Rather Reports on Cuban's HDNet.

Up-close and objective: Night 12 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-19T12:23:11-06:00
Meanwhile, see what NBC5 reporter/"rock star" Nigel Wheeler is up to, and check out the latest Cowboys game ratings, too. Also, amuse yourself with the roster of so-called stars on Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice.

Coming soon: The Uncle Barky Show (Episode one)

Ed Bark — 2007-11-18T14:10:28-06:00
Triple-threat Gordon Keith, our first attraction, is the longtime jester-in-residence on morning drive time's Dunham and Miller Show (5:30-10 a.m. on 1310 KTCK-AM, "The Ticket"). ...It's also a great way to show your support for unclebarky.com, your homegrown window into the oft-puzzling but ever-changing worlds of local and national TV.

Up-close and objective: Night 11 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-16T13:18:19-06:00
Thursday's traffic-stopping oil tanker explosion near Lake Dallas and a toy truck investigation figured prominently in late night news coverage.... Take our toll-free expressway to the latest daily digest of newscast highs and lows.

Up-close and objective: Night 10 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-15T15:25:57-06:00
NBC5 offered some classic grackle cackles while everyone ganged up on Wednesday night's Hannah Montana concert. We're halfway through the sweeps, and Uncle Barky is teetering on the brink of insanity.

Nov. sweeps ratings lowdown

Ed Bark — 2007-11-15T10:49:50-06:00
We're at the midpoint of the November sweeps ratings wars, with NBC5 taking a serious licking in the 10 p.m. showcase showdown. Anchors Mike Snyder and Jane McGarry probably wish they could turn black the clock to happier times, so we'll do it for them.

Up-close and objective: Night 9 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-14T16:47:30-06:00
Riding high in the 10 p.m. newscast Nielsens, Belo8's Tuesday edition had a warmed-over feel. On three stories it followed rival stations' leads.

O'Reilly and Cuban take offense at each other

Ed Bark — 2007-11-13T17:37:20-06:00
Bill O'Reilly continues to war with Mark Cuban over Redacted, the anti-war film directed by Brian DePalma and distributed by Cuban's and partner Todd Wagner's Magnolia Pictures. Now Cuban's warring back on his blog while encouraging people to see a sneak preview of the movie on his HDNet Movies channel.

Up-close and objective: Night 8 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-13T16:16:31-06:00
Pant-puff, another daily "sweeps" report card has been graded. And Fox4 gets high marks for its lengthy "Red Light Camera Red Alert" investigation.

Incoming at Belo8

Ed Bark — 2007-11-12T13:42:23-06:00
By ED BARK Monika Diaz from ABC affiliate KXTV-TV in Sacramento is the latest addition to Belo8's reporting team. ...That station's bio says she began her broadcast career in 1996 as a "feedbay operator" at Miami-Fort Lauderdale's WSVN-TV, a Fox affiliate.

Up-close and objective: Night 7 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-11T23:34:22-06:00
CBS11 investigator Robert Riggs ran afoul of Belo Corp.'s ability to strike fast when its big shots are anywhere near the crosshairs.... Also, I'm still thinking that the Reba McEntire-LeAnn Rimes duet on last week's CMA awards was one of the greatest live TV performances in recent memory.

Up-close and objective: Night 6 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-09T15:53:24-06:00
CBS11 stooped to a ballyhooed "Sex Diet" feature on Thursday's 10 p.m. newscast. So we in turn tell you about anchor Doug Dunbar's sexy turn in the late 1980s.

Up-close and objective: Night 5 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-08T15:37:04-06:00
As Ringo Starr exclaims on The Beatles' White Album, "I've got blisters on me fingers!" Still, another look at the different drumming on 10 p.m. newscasts is ready for your inspection.

Up-close and objective: Night 4 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-07T16:39:35-06:00
NBC5 and Wal-Mart: They've got a thing goin' on. Our latest 10 p.m. news roundup is ready to ride, and boy, are my brain cells tired.... Maybe it's going to be an early morning news battle after all.

Reporter Dan Ronan dismissed from Belo8. Says, "I think things will be fine"

Ed Bark — 2007-11-07T13:01:37-06:00
Times change: Reporter Dan Ronan won a Lone Star Emmy Award at an Oct. 27th ceremony in Dallas while still with Belo8. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK Belo8 reporter Dan Ronan has been dropped by the station and left the newsroom early Wednesday morning. ...It was about marathon runners no longer being allowed to wear iPods and other listening devices while racing in either the Dallas White Rock or Fort Worth Cowtown events.

Up-close and objective: Night 3 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-06T19:08:21-06:00
Technical difficulties at unclebarky.com central have delayed this report, but now it's in the bank. So let's look at the comportment of hard-edged Fox4 investigator Becky Oliver on Monday's 9 p.m. news.

What's the frequency, Kenneth?

Ed Bark — 2007-11-06T09:56:39-06:00
TXA21 prime-time news anchors Kenneth Taylor and Tracy Kornet By ED BARK Maybe an in-studio Peanut Gallery's coming next? TXA21's First in Prime newscasts have launched what the station describes as "an aggressive on-air and online campaign" that will include viewer chats with anchors Kenneth Taylor and Tracy Kornet during the 7 to 9 p.m. program.

Up-close and objective: Night 2 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-05T11:31:19-06:00
CBS11's 10 p.m. newscast looks more and more like a bright spot from this view. Also, see how Sunday's mega-sports menu played in the D-FW ratings.

A short film by Jay Gormley

Ed Bark — 2007-11-04T16:57:00-06:00
The recent Lone Star Emmy Awards in Dallas featured a choice spoof written and directed by CBS11 reporter Jay Gormley. Look for the comedy stylings of Fox4's Steve Eagar, Heather Hays and Shaun Rabb, NBC5's Scott Gordon, CBS11/TXA21's Rance Adams and Belo8's Jeff Brady and Brett Shipp, who disdainfully drops his Katy Award in the trash in favor of the newly bigger and better-endowed Lonestar.

Up-close and objective: Night 1 of the Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2007-11-02T13:52:16-05:00
Take a look at what we found as D-FW's late night newscasts opened fire Thursday night on Night 1 of the hotly competitive November sweeps. For the next 19 weeknights as well, we'll hold a magnifying glass to the 10 p.m. news programs on NBC, Belo8 and CBS11, and the featured 9 p.m. show on Fox4.

Ducas delivers again, at least for a month

Ed Bark — 2007-10-31T10:40:22-05:00
NewsBlues reports that former CBS11 news director Regent Ducas, ousted in early September after a stormy five-month tenure, will be pitching in at WLNE-TV in Providence, R.I. ...He was hired by former Meredith exec Kevin O'Brien, who previously had put Ducas in charge of the newsroom at KCTV-TV in Kansas City.

"Good gosh almighty, Joe Friday" -- the sequel

Ed Bark — 2007-10-29T15:38:37-05:00
The San Antonio-based Trinity Tigers used all means necessary to defeat the Millsaps Majors of Jackson, Miss. on the final play of their Division III college football game.

Lone Star Emmys: 113 reasons to say thanks in a big hurry

Ed Bark — 2007-10-29T05:38:53-05:00
Photo: Ed Bark NBC5 anchor Kevin Cokely, president of the Lone Star Emmy Chapter, prepares to present the final award for "Overall Station Excellence" at Saturday night's marathon ceremony in Dallas. And the winner is .

Fox4 reportedly suspends three more

Ed Bark — 2007-10-26T16:26:58-05:00
Reliable sources say that Fox4 has suspended three off-camera staffers in connection with the exhaustively debated Rebecca Aguilar interview that still has the veteran reporter on indefinite suspension. ...Aguilar was suspended on Oct. 16th in connected with her controversial parking lot interview of 70-year-old property defender James Walton, who had just bought a new shotgun after killing two would-be burglars in three weeks time at his West Dallas salvage business.

Rebecca Aguilar: venturing an opinion

Ed Bark — 2007-10-25T14:59:36-05:00
A commentary on the Rebecca Aguilar situation is awaiting your comments. Why am I reflexively ducking already?

That's my girl

Ed Bark — 2007-10-25T10:57:34-05:00
Liz Ladach-Bark as herself and beside herself as the "Snack Witch." Ain't too proud to brag. My darling daughter Liz, back from China and now in Chicago, is taking the city by storm -- or something like that -- in the stage production of Ghost Stories: Crucible the Musible.

Clearing the air: Rebecca Aguilar gives her side

Ed Bark — 2007-10-24T01:22:42-05:00
Rebecca Aguilar still wants Fox4 in her future. Photo: Ed Bark Embattled Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar talks for the first time about the interview that led to her suspension.... Also, read about Mark Cuban's last tango -- actually it was a samba -- on Dancing with the Stars.

You're darn tootin', still better than Wayne Newton

Ed Bark — 2007-10-09T06:45:19-05:00
No, it's the jive on Monday's Dancing. By ED BARK So which big-time Dallas sports dude had the worst first half Monday night? ...And with Dancing's oddball rules, viewers can vote at any time during the show without having to see anyone hit the floor first.

Look out, Belo

Ed Bark — 2007-10-05T15:24:48-05:00
Newly named news director Scott Diener, who previously had that post with Belo's Phoenix TV station, is being joined by Sarah Garza, an executive newscast producer at Belo8 for the past five years. ...She's a University of Texas at San Antonio graduate who's won two Lone Star Emmy awards and will be up for another one at the Oct. 27th ceremony in Dallas.

Cuban to judges: You don't count anymore

Ed Bark — 2007-10-03T09:52:00-05:00
By ED BARK Too tired to even blog about his exploits, Mark Cuban sent this wee hours email after viewer voting kept him on his feet during Tuesday's Dancing with the Stars on ABC. ..."I'm tired, and need to get my sleep before getting up at 3:30 a.m. to get my work done so we can rehearse again," Cuban said in the email, sent at 11:44 p.m. Los Angeles time.

Cuban remains on his feet

Ed Bark — 2007-10-02T22:43:24-05:00
Mark Cuban's still vertical on Dancing with the Stars after an anticipated knockout punch instead hit pretty boy model Albert Reed in the schnozz Tuesday night. Read all about his great escape.

Eliminator? Cuban's mambo leaves him staggered

Ed Bark — 2007-10-01T22:15:54-05:00
Bottom two-ing it last week, a grimacing Mark Cuban likely will be assuming that same position on Tuesday night's vote-off. By ED BARK Stripping his face bare in hopes of shaving off a few of those 49 years, Mark Cuban drove himself hard through Monday night's mambo. ...He merited at least another "Blackjack, Baby" 21, which would have put him in a six-way tie for fifth place rather than second to last after a Bottom Two dance with death the previous week.

Measuring Uncle Barky's "net" worth

Ed Bark — 2007-10-01T11:10:30-05:00
Little unclebarky.com, which recently marked its first anniversary, has been named "Best Blog" by Dallas Observer editors in the alternative newspaper's annual "Best of Dallas" compendium. ...Other Observer honorees in local TV land include CBS11's Tracy Rowlett as best news anchor (readers chose Fox4's Heather Hays); Belo8's Dale Hansen as best sports anchor (readers agreed) and Belo8's 10 p.m. program as best newscast (readers chose Fox4's Good Day).

"The Ticket" gets big-time recognition

Ed Bark — 2007-09-28T16:58:43-05:00
Congratulations to Dallas' own "The Ticket" (1310 AM) for winning a prestigious national Marconi Award as Sports Radio Station of the Year.... Special nod to the BaD radio show's Bob Sturm, Dan McDowell and Donovan Lewis, and to the peripatetic Gordon Keith for regularly acknowledging unclebarky.com's existence.

Tiani Jones leaves CBS11, heads to Nashville

Ed Bark — 2007-09-28T11:14:52-05:00
Jones, who had joined CBS11 in 2005, was one of several reporters to heatedly clash with former news director Regent Ducas, whose "run 'n' gun" approach led to his ouster on Aug. 31st after five contentious months. ..."There's no way I would have turned this down," she said of the WKRN job, where she'll be a reporter and substitute anchor for the ABC station.

Belo8's Shipp sunk(?) by a not so jolly Rogers

Ed Bark — 2007-09-27T12:46:40-05:00
Two-time Peabody and duPont-Columbia Award winner Brett Shipp of Belo8 is coming under fierce and unrelenting automatic weapons fire from Tim "His Timness" Rogers on D Magazine's FrontBurner blog. ...And he ended with, "Now, if you could look beyond your venom for News Eight and give us a little credit from time to time for being the station that most consistently covers the big story and tackles issues of major importance."

Survivor: Cuban's fox trot nearly fed to wolves

Ed Bark — 2007-09-26T22:18:01-05:00
Cuban's fox trot to "King of the Road" received a middle-of-the-pack score of 21 from the judges during Tuesday's dance-off among the show's six male contestants. ...It left Cuban dangling as the overall lowest male achiever, with the little-known Maran's score of 16 from the judges finally punching her dance card instead of his.

"Blackjack, baby." Cuban's 21-score should keep his hand in

Ed Bark — 2007-09-25T21:50:55-05:00
Probably model Josie Maran (top, 2nd from left). By ED BARK Tonight's ensemble is salmon-colored satin jammies, a velour cranberry robe and pointy-toed taupe slippers with sprinkes on top. ..."I don't like it when you hold your rod like that," partner Kym worried after he seemed to be in pain during a Dallas practice session.

CBS11 news in HD: smooth segue

Ed Bark — 2007-09-24T16:58:16-05:00
CBS11's Maria Arita and Doug Dunbar birthed HD at 4 p.m. Monday. By ED BARK Look sharp. ...TXA21, sister station of CBS11, also went to high-def newscasts Monday, leaving Fox4 as the only remaining chuck wagon among D-FW's major TV news providers.

Give us that old time promotion: Finale

Ed Bark — 2007-09-24T05:23:10-05:00
The 2007-08 fall TV season kicks into full gear this week with loads of exciting new series, all guaranteed to be monster hits.... This is the 2000 "Oh What a Night" campaign from The WB, with Jamie Foxx, Katie Holmes, Shannen Doherty and the network's other young stars gathering at a party to get smashed and act crazed.

Give us that old time promotion: Act 4

Ed Bark — 2007-09-21T11:45:12-05:00
The 2007-08 fall TV season kicks into full gear next week with loads of exciting new series, all guaranteed to be monster hits. While warming up in the bullpen, we're giving you a daily dose of the way networks used to sell their souls, er, seasons.

Give us that old time promotion: Act 3

Ed Bark — 2007-09-20T11:19:55-05:00
The 2007-08 fall TV season kicks into full gear next week with loads of exciting new series, all guaranteed to be monster hits. While warming up in the bullpen, we're going to give you a daily dose of the way networks used to sell their souls, er, seasons.

Give us that old time promotion: Act 2

Ed Bark — 2007-09-19T14:00:10-05:00
The 2007-08 fall TV season kicks into full gear next week with loads of exciting new series, all guaranteed to be monster hits. While warming up in the bullpen, we're going to give you a daily dose of the way networks used to sell their souls, er, seasons.

Oswald acted alone. Period. End of story

Ed Bark — 2007-09-18T13:20:03-05:00
Kennedy and Vincent Bugliosi By ED BARK HBO intends to put a huge reverse spin on Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories with a 10-part miniseries adapted from Vincent Bugliosi's very weighty debunker. Big Love star and Fort Worth native Bill Paxton launched the project by bringing Bugliosi's 1,612-page book to the attention of Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, who co-produce HBO's life and times of a Utah polygamist.

Give us that old time promotion: Act 1

Ed Bark — 2007-09-18T11:30:37-05:00
The 2007-08 fall TV season kicks into full gear next week with loads of exciting new series, all guaranteed to be monster hits. While warming up in the bullpen, we're going to give you a daily dose of the way networks used to sell their souls, er, seasons.

Field ranges far afield

Ed Bark — 2007-09-17T11:34:53-05:00
See for yourself. Here's that partially censored Sally Field acceptance speech from Sunday night's Emmy telecast.

One to grow on: unclebarky.com marks 1st anniversary

Ed Bark — 2007-09-16T10:45:36-05:00
It's been invigorating, enlightening, draining but most of all a privilege to continue writing about local and national TV in the country's fifth-largest market. ...Those of us who left Dallas' only daily a year ago were told it was OK if we didn't feel up to the "dynamic changes" awaiting those who chose to remain.

Step by step: Cuban sweats out the oldies for Dancing with the Stars

Ed Bark — 2007-09-13T11:47:36-05:00
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and his Dancing with the Stars partner, Kym Johnson, are polishing their act in Dallas via elongated weekday workouts. Get an up-close look at how they're doing and what they're working on in preparation for the hit ABC show's Sept. 24 premiere.

NBC5: the pre-HD years

Ed Bark — 2007-09-12T22:31:32-05:00
Here's a classic gaffe from weatherman James Aydelott, who can be heard derisively saying "old goat" during a piece on a feisty senior.... Wallace, who recently left NBC5 for a higher-visibility job at the ABC station in Indianapolis.

John Miller on the mend

Ed Bark — 2007-09-11T22:45:06-05:00
Ace TV newsman John Miller, now teaching at TCU's Schieffer School of Journalism, is recovering from a stroke suffered last week. ...He got his start in TV news in 1967 at then WBAP-TV (Channel 5), where he spent 13 years as chief photographer and newscast producer.

More fast footwork for Cuban

Ed Bark — 2007-09-11T11:49:29-05:00
Cuban, also entering the ring on ABC's Dancing with the Stars this fall, will join former mixed martial arts champ Guy Mezger Wednesday morning to announce the high-def network's HDNet Fights. The bouts will originate from American Airlines Center in Dallas, with details and future combatants being disclosed at the AAC's South Plaza during a 10 a.m. press conference.

Lemme tell ya, folks, this is gonna be a battle of the titans. Yowsa

Ed Bark — 2007-09-10T18:08:04-05:00
Here are your first official ABC looks at Mark Cuban (with pro partner Kym Johnson) and Wayne Newton (with Cheryl Burke). First off, relax a bit, Mark. As you've already noted on your blog, your decision to compete on Dancing with the Stars is "about doing something that makes me smile every minute I'm doing it or even thinking about it."

Low profile: NBC5 quietly goes to high-def

Ed Bark — 2007-09-10T06:45:33-05:00
Unlike Belo8, in HD since Feb. 2, and CBS11, which will switch over at 4 p.m. on Sept. 24, NBC5 spared its viewers any fanfare. ...Kinks were still evident on Sunday's 5 p.m. local newscast, which served as a warmup for NBC5's locally produced buildup to the Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants game at Texas Stadium.

Big honor for local TV newsie

Ed Bark — 2007-09-07T10:22:10-05:00
By ED BARK Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar has been named Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Aguilar, a 13-year veteran at the station, is praised by NAHJ executive director Ivan Roman as "the kind of journalist who contributes every day to fulfilling our mission of fair coverage of our community and journalism excellence."

Stormy tenure over: News director Regent Ducas out at CBS11

Ed Bark — 2007-08-31T18:10:58-05:00
He was ousted Friday evening. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK CBS11 news director Regent Ducas' "run 'n' gun" approach is out of ammunition after five contentious months. ...Ducas, who arrived from Kansas City's CBS' affiliate in late March, emphasized a quick-hit, "urgent" crime-ridden approach to the news epitomized by a "First Five Minutes" segment that Mauldin ordered stopped earlier this week.

Why you should hate Tim Rogers (or D Magazine if you prefer)

Ed Bark — 2007-08-31T08:44:38-05:00
Tim Rogers at the office (he'll hate that the pic's so small) and a now notorious D Magazine cover story that's generated lotsa TV pub. ...Later, on Gordon Keith, Tim noted that most of the magazine's readers are women who weren't about to throw down coin for a story about football.

Clocking out: "First Five Minutes" no longer in play on CBS11's 10 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2007-08-29T17:03:30-05:00
Mauldin met with news director Regent Ducas on Monday to express his displeasure with both the content and the ratings of the 10 p.m. newscast. ...Tuesday's 10 p.m. CBS11 newscast, shorn of the "First Five Minutes" gambit, improved slightly on its 9:45 to 10 p.m. lead-in from an NCIS repeat to finish second in the total homes Nielsens behind Belo8.

Cuban gets a leg up with prime choice partner

Ed Bark — 2007-08-29T10:15:16-05:00
Mark Cuban, pictured with right hand man Todd Wagner, soon will have a much cuter business partner in lush, leggy Kym Johnson (shown with reigning Dancing with the Stars runnerup Joey Fatone). By ED BARK Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, now officially in the Dancing with the Stars field, will be getting one of the show's dream partners in Kym Johnson. ...At my age -- since I can't go down to the gym and play basketball for a while because of my hip -- this is going to be a great way to get the competitive juices going.

Cuban's participation in Dancing tied to doctor's orders

Ed Bark — 2007-08-28T13:56:15-05:00
Ideal partners: Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke or Julianne Hough By ED BARK Mark Cuban remains in some pain after June 29th hip replacement surgery, but is ready to rhumba on Dancing with the Stars pending medical clearance. ...But Cuban's name was leaked Monday via several online sources, with TMZ.com reporting that his competitors also will include the likes of Tori Spelling, Wayne Newton, Jane Seymour, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Jennie Garth, Giselle Bundchen, Lou Ferrigno and Nia Peeples.

And Cuban thinks NBA refs are incompetent? Wait'll Bruno Tonioli judges his paso doble

Ed Bark — 2007-08-27T11:35:10-05:00
Snitchy/sleuthing TMZ.com claims to know the latest Dancing with the Stars field, with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reportedly among the slip-sliders on this fall's fifth edition of the hit ABC show. Fresh off hip replacement surgery, Cuban reportedly will compete with the likes of Tori Spelling (daughter of late Dallasite Aaron Spelling), Wayne Newton, Jane Seymour, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Lou Ferrigno, Jennie Garth, Nia Peeples and Giselle Bundchen.

An ode to David Finfrock's cough

Ed Bark — 2007-08-27T06:34:10-05:00
By ED BARK King David of Finfrock, You're nobody's hack. ...But seriously folks, King David's our focus A cure must be found And no hocus pocus.

Bonnie Behrend's back in play (she looks a bit different now)

Ed Bark — 2007-08-24T14:46:07-05:00
And it usually helps to keep me employed, and my dance card full (except when I'm blacklisted for a righteous lawsuit against a major, disintegrating broadcast network and the lying punks, perverts, liars and cheats who were signing my contracts and sitting next to me on the set). "While looks may bring people to the table and the TV show I'm working on, I also have a Master's Degree in journalism and am a Kiplinger Fellow, having earned the higher degree from The Ohio State University in the Kiplinger Public Affairs Reporting program.

This just in: Anchorwoman is out

Ed Bark — 2007-08-23T16:21:56-05:00
Set at KYTX-TV in Tyler, Texas, the reality series starred model and former wrestling vixen Lauren Jones, who was brought in to anchor the CBS station's 5 p.m. newscast after a crash course and no previous experience in journalism. ...gala. "I'm gonna guess this is gonna devastate her," Hurley said of Jones, who has said she wants to make a career change and become a long-term news anchor.

Breaking down a Bill O'Reilly broadside

Ed Bark — 2007-08-23T12:01:28-05:00
Bill O'Reilly, Gail Heitz, Tracy Rowlett and the late Marty Haag By ED BARK Bill O'Reilly lobbed another grenade earlier this week on his prime-time Fox News Channel show. ...Hired by Haag, she briefly co-anchored WFAA's 5 p.m. newscasts in the late 1970s before moving to WPIX-TV in New York City, where her husband had a business.

Finding his own voice: veteran ventriloquist wins America's Got Talent in final face-off of two North Texans

Ed Bark — 2007-08-21T22:20:07-05:00
Tuesday's other two finalists, "musician/beatboxer" Antoinette "Butterscotch" Clinton of California and 14-year-old vocalist Julienne Irwin of Maryland, were eliminated by phone and Internet votes before Fator and Haley stood side by side to sweat it out on live TV. ...Contestants, viewers and sensitive dogs also had to endure judge David Hasselhoff's painfully overwrought rendition of "This is the Moment" near the end of a nearly interminable two hour, two minute Season 2 finale.

Anchorwoman series gets Fox-y with Tyler's TV news

Ed Bark — 2007-08-21T18:35:06-05:00
Lauren Jones perhaps has just nailed the word "shocking." Can a swimsuit model and former wrestling bad girl just walk right in and conquer a local TV newscast?... And you might be surprised at who comes out looking worse on Fox's Anchorwoman.

HD picture getting clearer

Ed Bark — 2007-08-21T12:53:41-05:00
It's Sept. 24th, with the station currently giving viewers a taste of a new studio under construction with brief "Excuse Our Dust!" ...Belo8 became the first D-FW station to go to HD, and has been showing off its sharper images since Feb. 2nd.

Still hilarious after all these years

Ed Bark — 2007-08-17T13:33:14-05:00
Perry Como, "Mr. Relaxation," never met a song he couldn't downshift. So get your weekend off to a nice 'n' easy start by watching Eugene Levy's timeless sendup of Como in concert.

No more balls and strikes, but Pete Delkus still calls it fair or foul

Ed Bark — 2007-08-15T15:12:03-05:00
Belo8's new guy already seems entrenched, whether jabbing at sports anchor Dale Hansen or setting his jaw for serious weather. Meet the former major league pitching prospect who's now on the receiving end of a big-league "Delkus Delivers" campaign.

Man bites dog? No, but local TV reporter crawls through "doggie door"

Ed Bark — 2007-08-15T10:20:42-05:00
By ED BARK This just in: An oversized "doggie door" prompted a burglar to enter a Dallas home through it and heist more than $5,000 in electronics and jewelry. ...But viewers still got a clear picture of the 6 foot, 170 pound Miles crawling through the dog door to show it could be done.

Going two for four (not counting the dummy)

Ed Bark — 2007-08-14T20:47:16-05:00
Tex messaging: Arlington's Cas Haley and Terry Fator of Dallas are half the Final Four on summer's biggest hit, America's Got Talent. By ED BARK North Texans are no strangers to the reality TV arena, but they seldom come up this big. ...Ventriloquist Terry Fator of Dallas and singer/guitarist Cas Haley of Arlington will vie for the show's $1 million grand prize along with kid vocalist Julienne Irwin of Maryland and "musician/beatboxer" Antoinette "Butterscotch" Clinton of California.

Incoming at CBS11

Ed Bark — 2007-08-14T15:59:02-05:00
Before that she had a three-year stay in Los Angeles at the KCBS and KCAL television stations. She has a graduate degree from California State University-Fullerton and began her journalism career as a reporter for the Orange County Register.

NBC5 readying to be D-FW's 2nd HD player

Ed Bark — 2007-08-09T14:23:47-05:00
Sharper images: NBC5's news team soon will be in HD. By ED BARK NBC5's high-definition makeover, combined with a new news set, are on track for a September start. ...Several sources say the changes also will bring a new wave of automation to NBC5, with double-digit layoffs in the works when the station's newsroom converts to a significantly heavier use of computers and robotically-controlled cameras.

Ex-CBS11 reporter quickly is ex-Mobile, Ala. TV anchor

Ed Bark — 2007-08-09T10:41:07-05:00
Raquel Eatmon in respective poses at CBS11 and WPMI-TV in Mobile. By ED BARK Former CBS11 reporter Raquel Eatmon, who left the station earlier this year, is now out of a job at Mobile, Alabama's NBC affiliate, WPMI-TV. The city's Press-Register reports that the ex-Miss Ohio World resigned from the station after just four months of co-anchoring the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.

Rose red: Austin's Brad Womack to be ABC's latest Bachelor

Ed Bark — 2007-08-08T13:10:45-05:00
Texan Brad Womack stands ready to break hearts. ABC photos By ED BARK Austin-based bar owner Brad Womack, 34, will have a rosy future as the latest centerpiece of ABC's The Bachelor. ...His family moved to Livingston, TX when Brad was 12, and he spent a year at Southwest Texas State (now Texas State University) before dropping out as a 19-year-old to work in various oil fields.

And baby makes three

Ed Bark — 2007-08-07T09:34:16-05:00
Belo8 traffic reporter/anchor Alexa Conomos and her attorney husband Bradley became first-time parents Tuesday with the birth of Alexandros Luka Anderson. ...Conomos joined Belo8 in October 2002 and began her TV career at an NBC station in Palm Springs.

Supporting player: Dallas Morning News downsizing no longer the prime focus of Stop the Presses doc

Ed Bark — 2007-08-06T11:40:31-05:00
Dallas Morning News expatriate Manny Mendoza (left) and veteran filmmaker Mark Birnbaum showed part of their Stop the Presses doc on closing night of the Dallas Video Festival. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK Filmmaker Mark Birnbaum initially felt inclined to tell a smaller story about large-scale downsizing at The Dallas Morning News. ...They're all challenges," Birnbaum said Sunday night before Stop the Presses had its first public showing in the form of a 15-minute sampler at the Dallas Video Festival.

Off-air: Former CBS 11 reporter/anchor Sarah Dodd takes a breather and tells why she left

Ed Bark — 2007-08-01T15:51:54-05:00
Sarah Dodd dresses up a Dallas bookstore. Photo: Ed Bark Former high-profile CBS11 journalist Sarah Dodd talks about her recent past and future prospects in her first face-to-face interview since leaving the station in mid-July. Also, see a picture of her new pride-and-joy.

On the road again: D-FW stations rev their motors for another live police pursuit

Ed Bark — 2007-07-30T15:53:46-05:00
That's a very sobering backdrop for the events of mid-Monday afternoon, when Fox4 and CBS11 knocked out regularly scheduled entertainment programming from 2:30 to 3 p.m. before NBC5 and Belo8 likewise went live at around 3 p.m. ...It all finally ended at 3:23 p.m., when the motorist pulled over after his left front tire went flat courtesy of spike strips thrown in his path by police officers.

Allen in for good on CBS11's waker-upper

Ed Bark — 2007-07-27T15:20:33-05:00
Ginger Allen and Scott Sams will try to lift CBS11 in the mornings. By ED BARK CBS11 has gone in-house to name Ginger Allen co-anchor of CBS11's News This Morning ...She had been filling in on occasion for Shannon Hori, who left Dallas last month to anchor at Miami's CBS-owned WFOR-TV.

Summer TV "press tour" -- It's a wrap

Ed Bark — 2007-07-27T13:11:54-05:00
Ali Larter of Heroes strikes a pose at NBC party. Photo: Ed Bark BEVERLY HILLS -- It's all over but the packing. TV's annual summer "press tour" finally wrote an end to itself Thursday night.

This just in: Sarah Dodd departs CBS11

Ed Bark — 2007-07-26T14:46:37-05:00
His "urgent" approach to the news, most notably at 10 p.m., generally calls for a volley of quick-hit crime and tragedy stories at the top of newscasts. ..."She has been around the world covering important news for the station, including spending a month in Iraq covering the beginning of the war," Mauldin said in part.

Summer TV "press tour" -- Day 12

Ed Bark — 2007-07-22T18:39:47-05:00
Sopranos creator David Chase returns home. The End. Photo: Ed Bark The Television Critics Association had its 23rd annual awards ceremony Saturday night, with Sopranos mystery man David Chase the prize attendee.

Summer TV "press tour" -- Day 11

Ed Bark — 2007-07-21T19:12:35-05:00
Here's Charlie Sheen on the day he got an Emmy nod. Photo: Ed Bark Jericho fans sure knew what to do with their nut sacks. Read all about it and check out another batch of unclebarky.com pictures, too!

Summer TV "press tour" -- Day 10

Ed Bark — 2007-07-20T20:17:59-05:00
Lookin' good in the neighborhood: Jennifer Love Hewitt. Photo: Ed Bark Come along for a rare look at the innards of CBS' Big Brother, complete with more one-of-a-kind unclebarky.com camera shots. (Note: Some of the comments from my daughter Liz's previous China pages are showing up with these dispatches.

Summer TV "press tour" -- Day Nine

Ed Bark — 2007-07-18T19:40:19-05:00
Down, dirty and often drunk as Calamity Jane on HBO's Deadwood, Robin Weigert will have a new look as a police lieutenant on the NBC fall series Life. Photo: Ed Bark Keith Olbermann takes on Bill O'Reilly again, and winds up pictured on the business end of a horse. See the story and the unclebarky.com pictures in our latest dispatch from the all-too-real land of make-believe.

Summer TV "press tour" -- Day Eight

Ed Bark — 2007-07-18T13:27:35-05:00
Friday Night Lights star Kyle Chandler beams becomingly. Photo: Ed Bark Positioning itself as anything but a "football show," NBC's Friday Night Lights will play on this fall. Get all the latest info on the Austin-made series and also feast your peepers on a new batch of unclebarky.com star shots.

And so it begins . . . Summer TV "press tour" 2007

Ed Bark — 2007-07-10T16:04:27-05:00
Network TV's 2007 summer "press tour" began Monday night with a lengthy bus jaunt from the Beverly Hilton to the almighty Griffith Observatory. ...Uncle Barky, paying his own way to see such splendors, cut costs with all-day connecting flights from Dallas to Denver to Palm Springs to L.A.

Leaving on a jet plane

Ed Bark — 2007-07-08T15:34:29-05:00
The semi-annual network TV "press tour" starts Monday night (July 9) in L.A., and unclebarky.com again will be there to provide unique eyewitness accounts. To help defray costs just a smidgen, be sure to patronize our advertisers whenever possible by ordering through the website if you're buying on amazon.com, overstock.com, etc. Meanwhile, check out our review of a superb new baseball miniseries beginning Monday night on ESPN.

Hail, hail D-FW's underappreciated TV news-getters

Ed Bark — 2007-07-06T14:49:37-05:00
You see them all the time, but seldom if ever behind an anchor desk.... Unclebarky.com's latest Top 10 list recognizes them for what they are -- mostly unheralded pros who deserve a big ol' back-pat.

A holiday ode to Belo8 rainmaker Pete Delkus

Ed Bark — 2007-07-04T11:44:06-05:00
By ED BARK We loathe you, Pete Delkus Though it's not your doing. ...Pretend it's all clear You're carefree and loose.

Kwik-E Monster

Ed Bark — 2007-07-03T12:37:58-05:00
Feeling his oats: Former Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Precker strongarms limited edition Krusty O's at the bustling 7-Eleven turned Kwik-E-Mart on 6833 Northwest Highway at Hillcrest. ...Dallas' newest tourist attraction has been constantly crowded since re-opening for business as a Kwik-E-Mart tied to the July 27th opening of The Simpsons Movie.

Audition alert: Survivor

Ed Bark — 2007-07-02T11:06:59-05:00
The July 13th locale is Bankston Dodge Superstore in Grand Prairie (2615 Interstate 20 at Great Southwest Pkwy.), where you can line up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You've got to be at least 21 and consider yourself strong-willed, outgoing, adventurous and adaptable. ...Bring along a photocopy of your driver's license or U.S. Passport, a passport-sized photo and a completed official application, which you can download here.

A sticky matter with Belo8 gumshoe

Ed Bark — 2007-06-28T16:20:22-05:00
Belo8 investigative reporter Byron Harris continues to go hard and fast after Dateline NBC in a series of reports about last fall's controversial sex sting operation in Murphy, TX.... Also, get a look at the "math rock" band Battles on Li'l Barky's Music Box.

On top of the news: Lauren Jones still has her desk job at Tyler's KYTX-TV

Ed Bark — 2007-06-26T21:38:26-05:00
Thought you'd like to see the first and so far only official Fox publicity shot for its new reality series Anchorwoman. Premiering on Aug. 21, it stars model and former wrestling villain Lauren Jones as the eyecatching new news reader for KYTX-TV, the CBS station in Tyler, TX.

Comin' soon to these spaces: American Idol auditions

Ed Bark — 2007-06-25T09:29:15-05:00
American Idol will be holding auditions in Dallas when the hit Fox show begins searching for fodder for Season 7. ...These will be the first North Texas auditions since the show's inaugural 2002 season, when Burleson's Kelly Clarkson prevailed.

The windup and the pitch . . . three winners in the unclebarky.com newscast slogan contest

Ed Bark — 2007-06-25T06:50:44-05:00
And now for the three winning entries in our local newscast slogan contest, all of whom will be individually contacted via email to pick their prizes. ...Belo8 -- "Pete & Dale's Playhouse" CBS11 -- "Lead-in Squandering You Can Count On" TXA21 -- "The DriverSelect TXA21 News -- First in Prime Thanks to Middlekauf Ford.

Hori will be quick to the anchor desk at Miami's WFOR-TV

Ed Bark — 2007-06-22T13:33:59-05:00
Former CBS11 anchor Shannon Hori (right) replaces Maggie Rodriguez and will team with Eliott Rodriguez at Miami's WFOR-TV. By ED BARK Just 10 days after leaving CBS11's early morning show, Shannon Hori will be staying up late as the 6 and 11 p.m. co-anchor of CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami. Hori, whose first day is Monday (June 25), takes the chair vacated by Maggie Rodriguez, who on June 2nd became the new co-anchor of CBS' Saturday Early Show.

Yee ha ha: Texas Gov. Rick Perry actually comes off funny -- and intentionally, too

Ed Bark — 2007-06-22T09:59:01-05:00
Craig Ferguson is in position to become honorary Texas yahoo. By ED BARK Not known for a riotous sense of humor, Texas Gov. Rick Perry parried with Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson on Thursday's edition of the CBS talker. ...Texas is by far his biggest conquest, though, even if Perry forgot to mention that you also have to wear a string tie for formal occasions and drink a shot of jalapeno juice daily to stay regular.

Veteran reporter Mary Stewart putting CBS11 behind her

Ed Bark — 2007-06-21T12:03:43-05:00
During the May "sweeps," the first with Ducas fully in charge, CBS11 ran third in the total homes Nielsens and fifth at 10 p.m. among advertiser-coveted 25-to-54-year-olds. ...She began her journalism career researching documentaries for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and worked at TV stations in Des Moines, Iowa, Jacksonville, Florida and Boston before joining Dallas-based WFAA-TV (Channel 8) in 1986.

The windup and the pitch . . . but we know you can do better in unclebarky.com's first grand prize contest

Ed Bark — 2007-06-20T09:47:43-05:00
First Prize Winner Pick any three from among the following, all of which are brand new and unopened: Complete Season One of The Rockford Files Reno 911! -- The Complete Fourth Season Uncensored! Complete Season One of Battlestar Galactica Official Kitchen Timer tied to the Bravo series Top Chef Complete Season One of Miami Vice Complete Season One of Hogan's Heroes Complete Season One of One Tree Hill Complete Season One of My Name Is Earl

Anchorwoman update: GMA sniffs at Tyler's Fox trot

Ed Bark — 2007-06-19T15:45:00-05:00
Unclebarky.com has already given you a full report on her roll up to the CBS station. Now it's time for Good Morning America to dig in. They don't seem to think much of the model and former wrestling villain's future starring role on Fox's Anchorwoman reality series, which premieres on Aug. 21.

Early to rise: Fox4's top-rated Good Day puts on a new face

Ed Bark — 2007-06-12T11:56:15-05:00
By ED BARK Fox4 has hired young gun Adrian Arambulo to report for Good Day, filling the spot left when Casey Stegall left to become a Los Angeles-based correspondent for Fox News Channel. ...His KLAS station bio says that in his free time, he enjoys "overeating, exercising randomly, golfing sporadically, dancing poorly and watching his favorite Chicago sports teams religiously."

A few more thoughts on fantastic finishes . . . and why The Sopranos wasn't one

Ed Bark — 2007-06-11T13:27:54-05:00
We pretty much know them when we see them, whether it's TV, the movies, sporting events, concerts, novels or a superb cup of coffee at the end of a sumptuous meal. Sunday night's finale of The Sopranos, detailed and dissed earlier on this page, came just a day after a truly fantastic finish involving two horses who weren't Pie-O-My.

Shock to the system: Little electricity as The Sopranos pulls the plug

Ed Bark — 2007-06-10T21:42:06-05:00
But then Chase abruptly cut the cord, with the lyrics recycling to "Don't Stop" while Tony looked up to see Meadow hurrying in. Click -- just like that -- to a last silent rolling of the closing credits as the raging debate began over whether this was one of TV's all-time letdowns. ...also made a false run at joining the Army before Tony all too easily bought him off with a job as a gofer on a film written for Cleaver star Daniel Baldwin.

Are you ready for this? Sunday puts an end to The Sopranos

Ed Bark — 2007-06-08T16:23:29-05:00
We say goodbye to TV's best-ever drama with an appreciation, three intertwined Top 10 Lists and a look back to when The Sopranos' cast first met with TV critics. Also within: a review of the new David Milch series, John From Cincinnati (scroll down on the Network News & Reviews page) and the latest D-FW ratings highlights.

The TV biz used to be easy as ABC. But now . . .

Ed Bark — 2007-06-07T18:50:28-05:00
By ED BARK Two recent releases sent to unclebarky.com illustrate the increasingly obvious: Your basic living room TV set is making the slow but steady conveyor trip from living room centerpiece to oversized knickknack. ...Here's a bigger one: "In May, CBS announced phase II of the Audience Network, which included partnering with leading community-building websites and social application providers to allow users to incorporate CBS-provided clips on their blogs, wikis, widgets and community pages."

Ideally played in Paris, TX

Ed Bark — 2007-06-07T11:12:03-05:00
The Game Show Network's new Paris Hilton jailbird game is lots o' mindless fun, especially at the workplace. During lunch or dinner hours, of course, unless you have a benevolent boss who knows how very important it is to stay on top of this stuff.

Ball's in your court, Pete Delkus

Ed Bark — 2007-06-05T18:55:04-05:00
NBC5 weatherman David Finfrock does the Baseball-Size Hail Boogie in this exciting excerpt from a recent NBC5 newscast. And here you thought he could only cough.

The Sopranos: Happiness ain't a warm gun

Ed Bark — 2007-06-04T11:46:55-05:00
Cut off by his shrink and from his family, Tony Soprano went to bed Sunday night with an automatic weapon the size of a King Cobra. ...We begin our countdown to Sunday's grand finale with a Back Channels rewind to The Sopranos' first big national media event in July 1999.

Unrest accelerates at CBS11

Ed Bark — 2007-05-31T10:52:16-05:00
By ED BARK It's getting ever more turbulent in the CBS11 newsroom, where "huge staff changes and subtractions" are anticipated within the next two months according to information relayed to unclebarky.com. ...Or as the headline for Barnhart's story reads: "Lawsuits reveal a time of turbulence at KCTV: A gain in ratings came at a high human cost in the newsroom, court filings indicate."

Mistress of the Dark calls it a night

Ed Bark — 2007-05-25T12:10:55-05:00
By ED BARK Veteran NBC5 reporter Susan Risdon, a fixture on the station's 10 p.m. newscasts, will be charting a new course after June 29th. ...Risdon, whose contract with NBC5 expires at the end of June, invariably reports from scenes of crime or tragedy as one of the station's most prominent 10 p.m. correspondents.

True story: Tyler's KYTX-TV newscasts getting a big dose of babe watch on new Fox reality series

Ed Bark — 2007-05-22T10:34:43-05:00
Happy man: KYTX-TV president and general manager Philip Hurley soon will be welcoming anchor/reporter Lauren Jones to the fold. By ED BARK Fox already has put several billboards up in Tyler, TX heralding the June 11th on-air arrival of seductive Anchorwoman star Lauren Jones. ..."I just hope our pin-up lady turned nouveau news anchor is ready to fight for truth, justice and the American way, and willing to throw off any excessive pizzazz, which doesn't have much of a track record in journalism.

Presenting the new face, etc. of KYTX-TV news in Tyler, TX

Ed Bark — 2007-05-17T13:39:07-05:00
By ED BARK Anchorwoman, a new Fox reality series scheduled to premiere sometime this summer, will drop model and ex-WWE "uber vixen" Lauren Jones (pictured above) into the midst of the KYTX-TV newsroom in Tyler, TX. ...And yes, this is for real, with "reigning" real-life KYTX anchor Annalisa Petraglia "not about to lose her Queen Bee status to some L.A.

This just in: "Emotion" runs high at CBS11 news

Ed Bark — 2007-05-17T09:41:36-05:00
By ED BARK Regent Ducas, the new vice president of news for CBS11 and TXA21, seems to know exactly what he wants from his reporters. His Wednesday memo to staffers, obtained by unclebarky.com, tells them to reach out and touch viewers by selling their stories more vigorously.

John Pronk: Highways, byways and goodbye

Ed Bark — 2007-05-15T21:10:48-05:00
He joined Belo8 under legendary news director Marty Haag in 1981 and began shooting and reporting his own stories about 15 years ago "because it made it easier on staffing and I sort of liked the flexibility of it," Pronk said. ...Pronk said he still cherishes a compliment from former Belo8 reporter Bill Brown, who once told him, "John, I just don't see your stories anywhere before I see you do them.

Tony bags Christopher -- and then beds a onetime Dallas Cowboys cheerleader

Ed Bark — 2007-05-13T21:35:19-05:00
Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Sarah Shahi loomed large after a stunning Sopranos episode snuffed out Christopher Moltisanti. By ED BARK Many Sopranos prognosticators measured Christopher Moltisanti for a coffin this season, with some also envisioning his death at the hands of uncle Tony. ...Tony gave him the ol' "Every day's a gift" dodge before lost-cause Christopher swerved to avoid an oncoming car. They careened off the road and tumbled in tandem, leaving Christopher gravely injured and Tony pretty banged up.

Addendum: Fox4's Chris Yates

Ed Bark — 2007-05-11T16:11:29-05:00
Scroll down a bit on this page and you can read the story on Chris Yates leaving Fox4 after 12 years as a sports anchor/reporter. ...He's taking a position with Continental Adjustors in Highland Park, which expedites insurance settlements and endeavors to get top dollar for its clients.

Fox4's Chris Yates leaves it all behind

Ed Bark — 2007-05-09T15:49:47-05:00
By ED BARK Veteran Fox4 sports personality Chris Yates is quitting the station after a 12-year run. ...Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy praised him as "a valuable member of our sports team" who had a "great eye for video and was a top-notch editor.

Hello, Goodbye

Ed Bark — 2007-05-09T15:16:45-05:00
NBC added The Real Wedding Crashers to the list Wednesday after Fox put Drive in park last week. ...The Peacock will sub episodes of the likely to be canceled Law & Order: Criminal Intent for the last two Mondays of the 2006-07 season.

Sosa sort of attends Rangers annual charity event

Ed Bark — 2007-05-07T15:40:34-05:00
Texas Rangers beat writer Evan Grant and boxing kingpin Don King helped judge an "Iron Chef America" cookoff between 3rd baseman Hank Blalock and catcher Gerald Laird Sunday night. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation held its annual fundraiser Sunday night in Dallas, with most of the players, coaches and celebrity attendees gamely dressing up and going to bat for charity. ...Legendary fight promoter Don King, assisted by Rangers coach Art Howe and Dallas Morning News baseball writer Evan Grant, agreeably judged an "Iron Chef America" cooking competition between 3rd baseman Hank Blalock and catcher Gerald Laird.

Jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge

Ed Bark — 2007-05-04T01:06:17-05:00
Happy together: Don Nelson and Golden State Warriors GM Chris Mullin stick it to the old ball coach's former employer. By ED BARK Teammate Maurice Ager outscored Dirk Nowitzki in Thursday night's do-or-die playoff game against the Golden State Warriors. ..."Dirk Nowitzki, I don't know what the hell he's doin', man," said "Sir Charles," who had predicted the Mavs would beat Golden State four games in a row after losing the opener.

Idol: A dark and stormy night for two lesser dudes

Ed Bark — 2007-05-02T22:11:46-05:00
Bon voyage on Bon Jovi night for Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey. By ED BARK Well, you didn't think they were going to preempt Wednesday's two-pronged American Idol results show, did you? ...Fox4 punched out a new episode of Bones from 7 to 8 p.m. NBC5 sacked the improvisational Thank God You're Here and ABC bailed on According to Jim and Notes from the Underbelly.

Heart-healthy at last

Ed Bark — 2007-05-02T00:18:49-05:00
Latenight drama, real or fictional, doesn't get any more compelling than the Dallas Mavericks' Invisible Man pulling himself and his team out of a crypt with a pair of three-pointers and 12 of his team's last 15 points.... In the game's final three-and-a-half minutes, Nowitzki almost singlehandedly turned a 112-103 deficit into a 118-112 Mavericks victory over Golden State in Tuesday's Game 5 of the NBA playoffs.

"Stack" attack: Mavs 6th man robs Tony Soprano but fades against bigger Don

Ed Bark — 2007-04-30T05:42:29-05:00
On HBO's preceding episode of The Sopranos, Tony's run of big-time gambling bad luck had been punctuated by Stackhouse's buzzer-beating three-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs. ..."I'm gonna agree with Dirk that it's over," he said, echoing Nowitzki's earlier quote that Dallas' season was shot if they didn't win Game 4.

Nellie does Dallas

Ed Bark — 2007-04-28T00:23:52-05:00
By ED BARK Sometimes you just have to vent. ...The Dirk's-not-the-MVP-even-if-he-wins-it Mavs.

Sams' Club: Wanna join? The membership's slowly growing. So is the unrest elsewhere at CBS11

Ed Bark — 2007-04-27T17:30:48-05:00
"They don't want us talking to you or anyone else," said one CBS11 news staffer, whose identity is being kept secret to protect his or her job. ...In the very animated "Comments" section tied to the Ducas interview, a "former CBS11 employee" praised the reporters, photographers and anchors who have survived "the whims of multiple news directors, each with ideas more stupid than the previous .

A class act goes to the head of his class

Ed Bark — 2007-04-26T16:55:21-05:00
Former Belo8 sports anchor Verne Lundquist, who also was the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys for 12 years, will be inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame on Monday, April 30. ...Many D-FW viewers also remember him as the host of local television's version of Bowling for Dollars, where he called the pin action from 1975-76 at the Forum Lanes in Grand Prairie.

Rosie outlook: 10 who could fill her bill

Ed Bark — 2007-04-25T14:51:43-05:00
So who should replace Rosie O'Donnell on The View? Here are Uncle Barky's nominations. ...Nia Vardalos (Big Fat Greek Wedding star badly needs career picker-upper)

Another prime-time washout

Ed Bark — 2007-04-24T23:15:44-05:00
Weathering storm coverage: Fox4's Dan Henry, Belo8's Pete Delkus. By ED BARK D-FW stations yielded to another night of heavy-duty storm coverage Tuesday, throwing off network entertainment schedules for the third time this month. ..."I know if you live in Dallas County or any of the other counties, you're probably upset right now," Delkus said in that sometimes painfully earnest way he has of commiserating with me and you and a boy named Sue.

Bring him the heads of the 10 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2007-04-23T22:43:51-05:00
Mark Cuban's Mavs: X-factor in the May sweeps news ratings race. By ED BARK Perhaps we're assuming a lot -- that the Dallas Mavericks will go very deep in the NBA playoffs. ...Those gaps likely will only grow as the games march on. So in an expected close matchup at 10 p.m. between Belo8 and NBC5, Mark Cuban's Mavs could hold the balance of power.

Cause for alarms: Scott Sams again is early to rise. But will the ratings?

Ed Bark — 2007-04-23T12:22:34-05:00
Returning to D-FW's big leagues Monday after a year in the minors, CBS11's latest Mr. Coffee signaled a new dawn by pledging to remain at his post "as long as the numbers are there." ...Dapper and a bit chunkier in a double-breasted navy blue suit, Sams has returned Lazarus-like from little KTEN-TV in Sherman-Denison, where he spent the last year anchoring after Belo8 cut him loose in September 2004 after an almost 20-year ride.

Can't quite place the name? Well, you used to know her as . . .

Ed Bark — 2007-04-20T11:48:52-05:00
By ED BARK Over the past few months, several emailers have asked whatever happened to former Fox4 morning personality Julia Jackson a k a Julia Somers. ..."As a morning anchor at her previous station she also discovered the possibilities of outrageous fun on live TV: an accidental wheelie in a riding lawnmower obstacle course, a hallway armadillo race gone bad, a tumble off a scooter, injuries from a laser jousting contest and hitting a high note with singing sensation Patti LaBelle."

A tough news call gets a going-over

Ed Bark — 2007-04-18T23:26:22-05:00
Brian Williams and his NBC Nightly News are taking a hammering on the network's own blog for airing portions of what the anchor called a "multimedia manifesto" from Virginia Tech mass murderer Cho Seung-Hui. ..."We are still going over our own copy -- it's a lot of material -- we are talking with law enforcement, our own standards people -- and Pete Williams, our Justice Correspondent, will join me live on the broadcast to go through the material."

Rivers' edge: Mom-daughter dumped by TV Guide Channel

Ed Bark — 2007-04-18T17:47:11-05:00
Red carpet smackdown: Joan & Melissa dethroned by Lisa Rinna. By ED BARK The world briefly spun off its axis Wednesday when TV Guide Channel announced that it's sweeping Joan and Melissa Rivers under the rug. ...The flappy/sappy mother-daughter duo is being replaced by Lisa Rinna, who showed up on Dancing with the Stars Tuesday to promote her other activity -- a starring role with husband Harry Hamlin in Broadway's latest re-do of Chicago.

Just one station blows it off

Ed Bark — 2007-04-13T23:39:17-05:00
A viewer pic on WFAA.com. Let the record show that three of D-FW television's four major news providers preempted their networks' prime time entertainment programming Friday night to cover the severe storms that ravaged parts of North Texas. The lone exception: NBC5, which instead brought viewers a first-run episode of its parent network's little-watched Raines series and a Law & Order repeat.

Imus: the other shoe falls

Ed Bark — 2007-04-12T16:11:08-05:00
CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves said in part: "From the outset, I believe all of us have been deeply upset and revulsed by the statements that were made on our air about the young women who represented Rutgers University in the NCAA basketball championship with such class, energy and talent . ...Imus, 66, and CBS finally may have met their Waterloo via a Thursday morning New York Times Op-Ed piece in which the author, Bob Herbert, reacquainted readers with a damning July 1998 60 Minutes profile by Mike Wallace.

Imus cooked -- at least on MSNBC

Ed Bark — 2007-04-11T17:46:27-05:00
MSNBC announced early Wednesday evening that it is dropping its weekday simulcasts of Imus in the Morning after the radio personality's much-publicized racial slurs against the Rutger's University women's basketball team. ...One NBC employee, Today weatherman Al Roker, was especially angered and went public on his blog Tuesday with a call for Imus' resignation after he characterized the Rutgers team as "nappy-headed hos" during his April 4 program.

Two aging white guys stink it up again

Ed Bark — 2007-04-09T23:13:13-05:00
Packer, 67, tosses out a shorthand vulgarism for gay people and then laughs it up along with Charlie Rose, who's almost equally culpable for essentially playing along during their interview on the latter's show. They were talking about the NCAA basketball tournament's Final Four, with Packer in Atlanta for yet another go-around as CBS's increasingly inept game analyst.

Two local developments of note

Ed Bark — 2007-04-05T10:59:21-05:00
Hugh Laurie of Fox's House and Shannon Hori of CBS11. By ED BARK Fox4 has found a onetime home for House after Tuesday's episode was mostly preempted by tornado warning coverage. ...Much earlier in the broadcast day, CBS11 morning anchor Shannon Hori has decided to remain at the station until her three-year contract expires in July.

Big bright spot for Friday Night Lights

Ed Bark — 2007-04-04T11:16:28-05:00
The late Ed Bradley's 60 Minutes story on allegations of rape against the Duke University lacrosse team and ABC newsman Brian Ross' investigation into the Mark Foley sex scandal are also among the 35 honorees. "No dramatic series, broadcast or cable, is more grounded in contemporary American reality than this clear-eyed serial about the hopes, dreams, livelihoods and egos intertwined with the fate of high school football in a Texas town," the Peabody board said of Friday Night Lights.

Dale Hansen: locked in and loaded (with "unplugged" opinions) at Belo8

Ed Bark — 2007-04-03T16:42:06-05:00
Dale Hansen: Standing the test of time in a big-time sports market. Dale Hansen, dean of D-FW sports anchors, is set to sign a new longterm deal at Belo8 that will keep him at the ABC station through 2013. ...Now he'll be good to go for another six years at a station that's found a way to exploit his considerable strengths and tolerate some of his storied excesses.

Imprisoned Brake

Ed Bark — 2007-04-03T00:16:07-05:00
By ED BARK Fox's Prison Break wrapped its second season Monday night with pretty boy brother Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) re-jailed in what looks to be a very stinkin' Panama City hellhole. ...That doesn't mean they're great in the country at large, but a 38th place ranking with advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds proved to be just good enough to make the cut.

Sams back in the D-FW morning mix

Ed Bark — 2007-04-02T15:26:48-05:00
The former Belo8 anchor will be back in D-FW on April 23rd to co-anchor the CBS-owned station's ratings-starved 5 to 7 a.m. show, joining holdovers Shannon Hori, Julie Bologna and Teresa Frosini. ...As first reported on unclebarky.com, Sams had a March 1 audition at CBS11, which had been seeking a replacement for Doug Dunbar after he stepped in for Tracy Rowlett as co-anchor of the station's 10 p.m. newscasts.

Just a blister or a third degree burn?

Ed Bark — 2007-04-01T22:43:07-05:00
By ED BARK "The season series means absolutely nothing," ABC's play by play guy, Mike Breen, said near the close of Sunday's nationally televised demolition of the Dallas Mavericks by the Phoenix Suns. ...So it doesn't really matter that Phoenix followed its earlier overtime win at Dallas with two lopsided losses to the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets.

Clarice Tinsley: Now and way back then

Ed Bark — 2007-03-22T21:20:45-05:00
Fox4's Clarice Tinsley has been anchoring at one station longer than any other D-FW news personality.... Check out this 1979 Tinsley promo, complete with a vintage, pre-cable era TV set and a bearded Brad Sham sitting next to her at spot's end.

Goodbye, "Larry"

Ed Bark — 2007-03-21T22:38:09-05:00
By ED BARK Calvert DeForest, whose Larry "Bud" Melman regularly and often hilariously popped in on David Letterman's vintage late night shows, has died at the age of 85. ...

Good to go: Prison Break gets a third season

Ed Bark — 2007-03-21T09:36:43-05:00
In January on the TV Critics Association's midseason "press tour," Fox entertainment president Peter Liguori told unclebarky.com that a third season of PB is "very unlikely to be in Dallas, but we might shoot some stuff in Dallas." Fox later clarified Liguori's statement, with Dallas-based producer Garry Brown saying, "We don't have any immediate plans to go to a different area for most of Season 3."

American Idol: The double agony of defeat

Ed Bark — 2007-03-14T23:26:28-05:00
Brandon and Sanjaya: I can't believe I'm losin' to this guy. By ED BARK Life comes at you fast, never more so than when you're standing next to American Idol's biggest loser as one-half of the show's Bottom 2. ...Voters punched Brandon out, sending the former University of North Texas student on spring break as the first evictee from Idol's Final 12.

American Idol: Back in a grinding gay gear

Ed Bark — 2007-03-13T21:13:15-05:00
The two of them have sharply parried before, and it's not the first time that Cowell has twitted Seacrest's sexuality on a live Idol telecast. ...Still, I'll pick Phil Stacey to take the gas on Wednesday night's elimination show, even though Rogers, Malakar, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh and Gina Glocksen all prompted harsher criticisms from the judges.

Weathering the "Strom"

Ed Bark — 2007-03-13T18:06:11-05:00
On a related front, CBS11 is presenting a special "Weather School Day" on Monday morning, May 14 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington, where the Texas Rangers will play that day at 1:05 p.m. Area school children with game tickets will be admitted free to the event, which begins at 10:15 a.m. with the arrival of the station's Storm Team in the official CBS11 Storm Chaser Vehicle.

Scott Gordon's greatest hits, volume 2: NBC5 reporter has another national scoop

Ed Bark — 2007-03-05T10:43:15-06:00
Now Gordon's got another biggie -- video confiscated by Watauga police of two-and-five-year-old pot smokers being taught to inhale by their laughing 17-year-old uncle and an 18-year-old friend. ..."Today I hear from Child Protective Services that the kids are doing well in foster care and that doctors don't expect t hem to have any long-term health damage.

Sams in the running for vacant CBS11 morning anchor spot

Ed Bark — 2007-03-01T13:02:23-06:00
Sams fed the gossip mills during his last days at Belo8 by reportedly calling traffic reporter Alexa Conomos a "Greek bitch" off-camera He otherwise is a self-proclaimed devout Christian who before joining KTEN expressed interest in hosting a Christian radio talk show. CBS11 badly needs a boost in the early mornings after finishing a distant last in the February sweeps in both total homes and with 25-to-54-year-olds, the key advertiser target for news programming.

Ending an era: Tracy Rowlett retiring next year

Ed Bark — 2007-02-16T12:00:44-06:00
Outgoing and incoming: CBS11's Tracy Rowlett and Doug Dunbar By ED BARK Confirming rampant rumors and previously private communications, CBS11 anchor Tracy Rowlett announced Friday that he'll be retiring from TV news when his contract expires in July 2008. ...A partially enforced non-compete clause kept him off the air until February 2000, when he began anchoring the station's 10 p.m. newscasts with Karen Borta.

No longer just "The Ticket": Gordo flies solo with Belo

Ed Bark — 2007-02-16T05:07:04-06:00
Gordon Keith gets a big push; weatherman Pete Delkus plays along. By ED BARK At least Belo Corporation's trying to loosen its corset a bit. ...Now he's takin' it to TV after being duly crowned in a cover story by Belo-owned Quick, for which Keith writes a weekly column.

CBS11/TXA21 have a new news director

Ed Bark — 2007-02-12T11:20:26-06:00
By ED BARK CBS11 and sister station TXA21 have named Regent Ducas as their new vice president of news operations. ...CBS11 has improved its ratings in recent years, but is still running third at 10 p.m. and a distant fourth at 6 a.m., the two key battle zones in the D-FW news wars.

Two exits: CBS11 anchor Jody Dean and Belo8 reporter Bert Lozano are saying goodnight

Ed Bark — 2007-02-08T17:27:40-06:00
Leaving home screens: CBS11's Jody Dean and Belo8's Bert Lozano. By ED BARK Jody Dean is downsizing to one job. He'll keep his morning drive spot at KLUV radio (98.7 FM), but is leaving CBS11 after a decade as an anchor and former morning TV personality.

She's goin' to Hollywood: Baylie Brown of Krum ain't exactly no hick

Ed Bark — 2007-02-06T20:37:00-06:00
American Idol hopeful Baylie Brown,16, already has a glossy Web site. By ED BARK Packaged as a down home baby Britney on Tuesday's American Idol auditions from San Antonio, 16-year-old Baylie Brown of Krum isn't quite a Southern-fried neophyte. ... Dallasite William Green's sleepy time baritone didn't quite cut it. Green performed "Amazing Grace" in a very slowly unfolding bass voice that had the added disadvantage of being off-key.

Frozen asset

Ed Bark — 2007-02-02T18:54:32-06:00
But you did give us one of D-FW's all-time cold weather comedies on the night of Nov.... Her lips were gloriously numb, to the considerable amusement of toastily warm anchors Chip Moody and Tracy Rowlett.

Measuring him for a coughin'

Ed Bark — 2007-01-31T21:39:16-06:00
NBC5 temp taker David Finfrock at work and at ease with wife, Shari By ED BARK It's the start of another ratings "sweeps" month, which means a new onslaught of wild, wacky stuff from some D-FW stations. ...But his station likely will be locked in a tight fight for 10 p.m. ratings supremacy after beating Belo8 by just two-tenths of a rating point (4,760 homes) in the November "sweeps."

College try: Nielsen will measure dorm viewing

Ed Bark — 2007-01-29T10:28:30-06:00
A three-year "pilot program" measuring college student viewing had been sponsored by several Nielsen clients, including MTV, The WB, Fox, CBS and ESPN. ...Testing off the charts is ABC's Grey's Anatomy, which jumped its audience by 53 percent among 18-to-24-year-old women.

Pike's Peak

Ed Bark — 2007-01-28T15:37:01-06:00
Pike, longtime fixture on the Austin music scene, made it to the last seven on CBS' Rock Star, a made-for-TV competition to select a lead singer for aging heavy metalists/sexists Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke and Jason Newsted. ..."Someone who has an incredible amount of charisma and is over the top on a daily basis is going to get a lot of response from the television audience," Pike said during the heat of battle last July.

Dale's ding-dong gong of Big Bill

Ed Bark — 2007-01-25T15:42:12-06:00
So by popular demand, here's a much easier way to watch Dale Hansen's Monday night "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" commentary on ex-Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells. You can still find my commentary on it by scrolling down a bit on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Prison Break: Will they stay or will they go? Maybe both

Ed Bark — 2007-01-22T21:10:40-06:00
Brown also said he doesn't want to "contradict" Fox entertainment president Peter Liguori, who told unclebarky.com on Saturday in Pasadena that Prison Break is "very unlikely to be in Dallas" after production on Season 2 ends in mid-March. ..."Anything can happen in the film and television business, but right now we don't have any immediate plans to go to a different area for most of Season 3," Brown said in a telephone interview Monday evening from Prison Break's Dallas production offices.

Exclusive: Prison Break getting out of town after Season 2 ends

Ed Bark — 2007-01-20T13:12:45-06:00
"At this point we haven't made a definitive decision (on renewing Prison Break), but they have a very exciting third season planned," Liguori said. ...Dallas Film Commission head Janis Burklund couldn't immediately be reached for comment Saturday on Prison Break's all but certain decision to pull up stakes and head elsewhere.

Second verse, same as the first

Ed Bark — 2007-01-18T12:48:39-06:00
By ED BARK Wednesday's second two-hour audition edition of Fox's American Idol cruised to another overwhelming win in the "fast national" Nielsens. ...Wednesday's vaporees included two new ABC comedies, The Knights of Prosperity and In Case of Emergency, which already had been struggling in the ratings.

Higher & Higher: American Idol again outdoes itself

Ed Bark — 2007-01-17T14:19:45-06:00
By ED BARK Tuesday's two-hour, sixth season premiere of Fox's American Idol again soared to new heights, even if many of the night's auditioners didn't. ...After Idol subsided, NBC won the 9 to 10 p.m. time slot with a mere mortal 14.1 million viewers for Law & Order: SVU.

World view

Ed Bark — 2007-01-16T00:39:11-06:00
ABC came up big at Monday night's Golden Globes ceremony, winning for best comedy and drama series with Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. And Fox's American Idol, which returns for a sixth season Tuesday night (Jan. 16), got yet another PR boost from former contestant Jennifer Hudson's win.

Maybe Newy should try this

Ed Bark — 2007-01-03T23:29:13-06:00
As previously noted here, NBC5 anchor Newy Scruggs gets a sports short shrift on the station's 10 p.m. newscasts.... Now maybe there's a solution at hand, particularly if former Dallas Stars enforcer Darien Hatcher wants to pick up some extra coin.

The O.C.: Surf's up

Ed Bark — 2007-01-03T17:51:43-06:00
The O.C. premiered in August 2003 and for a relatively short while became one of Fox's big buzz series. ..."We have enjoyed our best season yet, and what better time to go out than creatively on top," he said in a statement.

Cuban on the Mark with 'GooTube'

Ed Bark — 2006-12-27T20:07:48-06:00
Mark Cuban has just posted a terrific commentary on the perils and pitfalls of YouTube, which he prefers to call GooTube in honor of Google's $1.65 billion purchase.... Cuban makes a lot of good points, and he's absolutely right about all the fake porn come-ons and network-originated "commercials" that increasingly are populating the site's front page.

Merry Christmas from our Homer to yours

Ed Bark — 2006-12-22T13:02:22-06:00
It's time to call it a wrap for a few days.... In the meantime, if you'd like to spread a little holiday jeer, there's video of the warm, fuzzy Rosie O'Donnell/Donald Trump feud on the Network News & Reviews page.

Katie Couric in Dallas: A woman's touch pays off

Ed Bark — 2006-12-21T18:03:54-06:00
Couric can play in their league, even if her playing field is still a cathedral compared to the likes of 20/20, Prime Time Live and Dateline, where confronting child predators is still a man's job. What Couric did with Karen James can't be done every night on the Evening News, or probably even every week.

Double their pleasure, double their fun

Ed Bark — 2006-12-19T12:12:17-06:00
On the right is not David Letterman. By ED BARK The Dallas Morning News got held up to ridicule twice late Monday night, which is nice work if you can get it. ...Dave thought it was dumb enough to include in Late Show's "Small Town News" segment, in which he named the DMN.

And this is the way it is: Amanda Congdon's new ABCNews.com video blog makes her an instant rising star

Ed Bark — 2006-12-13T22:12:34-06:00
Most of ABC News' old-line star journalists now are either deceased (Peter Jennings), have left the building (Ted Koppel, Brit Hume), are little-used (Sam Donaldson, Cokie Roberts) or keep blabbing away on entertainment specials and The View (Barbara Walters). ...The 5 minute, 38 second mini-cast, which premiered this week, then discoursed on Tori Spelling's made-for-TV garage sale for her new reality show; the continuing SPAM epidemic; Nintendo's new Wii as a potential in-home gym; and the popularity of designing "virtual snowflakes" online as part of a new, touchy-feely Red Cross campaign.

Dancing star Emmitt Smith steps up for charity

Ed Bark — 2006-12-12T22:19:05-06:00
Dancing with the Stars champ Emmitt Smith took a mike to the chops while wife Pat tried her hand at being an Extra correspondent during Tuesday night's well-heeled charity event in Dallas. Photos by Ed Bark ...For the story and more pictures, slide on over to the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you'll also see who Tony Romo once had the hots for.

Michaels, Madden make Cowboys listenable

Ed Bark — 2006-12-10T23:15:50-06:00
NBC then showed a clip of Parcells downplaying Romo's previously strong play: "We've got a ways to go here, so put the anointing oil away," he said. ...Viewers were told early in the game that Saints QB Drew Brees had won a high school football championship a decade ago in Texas Stadium with Austin's Westlake High School.

Woo-hoo: Unclebarky.com hits the century mark

Ed Bark — 2006-12-08T17:12:51-06:00
This is a mere pittance compared to the Goliaths of the etherworld, and might even qualify as a pimple on an elephant's behind when compared to other Dallas-based sites such as FrontBurner and Unfair Park. ...Except to say that, in the end, only you can help the site to live long and prosper as an objective TV watchdog in the country's 6th largest market.

Jump back Jack: 24's Season 5 DVD set includes exclusive "prequel" to Season 6

Ed Bark — 2006-12-06T20:11:30-06:00
By ED BARK Bearded, brutalized and ultimately duped, agent Jack Bauer has endured a dispiriting off-season in China while Fox's 24 gears up for another go. The show's fifth real-time adventure, newly available on a seven-disc set, has a seven minute, 10 second made-for-DVD prequel that begins seven months after Jack's abduction by Chinese government operatives.

ABC to Lost: Later, man

Ed Bark — 2006-12-05T21:13:35-06:00
By ED BARK ABC affiliates received an early Christmas present Tuesday, with the network announcing that Lost will move back an hour Wednesdays when it returns on Feb. 7. Late night local newscasts craving a big lead-in audience on that night at last will get one after enduring sizable ratings dropoffs from post-Lost attractions such as last season's Invasion and this fall's The Nine.

There's just something about the name Simpson

Ed Bark — 2006-12-04T23:29:40-06:00
If she's included, then her performance becomes the Center's center-ring attraction, re-detracting from what's supposed to be one of the performing arts' classiest nights. ...Putting her in close proximity with honorees Parton, Steven Spielberg, Zubin Mehta, Smokey Robinson and Andrew Lloyd Webber was a dumber idea than even she could muster.

Former NBC5 lizard man Michael Scott: over and out

Ed Bark — 2006-12-03T12:52:22-06:00
Colleague Aaron Barnhart of The Kansas City Star reports that former NBC5 anchor Michael Scott abruptly got bounced Friday night as anchor of KCTV5's 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. ...Scott, 52, became famous while at NBC5 for his near-hysterical reaction to a little lizard that suddenly befriended him during an animal segment in August 2002.

Lights gets a new night

Ed Bark — 2006-11-29T16:07:51-06:00
By ED BARK NBC's made-in-Austin Friday Night LIghts will move from Tuesdays to Wednesdays in January as part of a midseason shakeup of the Peacock's prime-time lineup. And NBC will fill the vacancy left by Sunday Night Football with a foursome of Dateline NBC, the new reality series Grease: You're the One That I Want, a fifth edition of The Apprentice and Crossing Jordan.

"Chloe" and Rush: K-i-s-s-i-n-g

Ed Bark — 2006-11-27T20:19:21-06:00
Rajskub, who plays ever-vexed counter-terrorism agent Chloe O'Brian on Fox's 24, says Limbaugh caught her unprepared. ...Limbaugh was moderating the panel and Rajskub, who only plays a counter-terrorism agent, was asked to be on it.

Michael Richards apologizes for racial epithets on Letterman show, with Jerry Seinfeld as go-between

Ed Bark — 2006-11-20T22:12:53-06:00
At longtime pal Jerry Seinfeld's behest, Richards appeared via satellite on Monday's Late Show with David Letterman to apologize for the n-word-laced "crap" he spewed at a comedy club. Seinfeld previously had been booked in connection with the release of Seinfeld's 7th season on DVD.

Fox dumps Simpson specials, book

Ed Bark — 2006-11-20T15:32:30-06:00
By ED BARK Facing a firestorm of criticism and the prospect of no advertisers, Fox announced Monday it is dropping all ties to O.J. ...Virtually no one thought this was a good idea, including prominent Fox personalities Bill O'Reilly and Geraldo Rivera, who denounced Simpson and Fox's partnership with him on their shows.

Memo to Fox: Take the air out of O.J. interviews

Ed Bark — 2006-11-20T09:37:14-06:00
O'Reilly, the most-watched personality on cable's Fox News Channel, has urged viewers of The O'Reilly Factor to follow his lead in not watching the specials and shunning any products advertised during them. ..."I'm ashamed to say that Simpson is being paid $3.5 million by Regan Books and by Harper Collins, sister companies to the one that produces this program, for the book and related television interviews," he said.

Dale gets mad as hell

Ed Bark — 2006-11-17T18:15:39-06:00
Readers keep asking about that Oct. 27 Dale Hansen meltdown on Belo8's 10 p.m. newscast. I didn't see it at the time, but the video since has made its way to you-know-where.

Britney gets an offer.

Ed Bark — 2006-11-16T23:26:32-06:00
Flexing the savoir faire of a certain Mr. Dallas, Late Show sub-sidekick Alan Kalter tells Britney Spears just what he can do for her. Take a look.

Championship season: Sole mates Emmitt & Cheryl win it all

Ed Bark — 2006-11-15T22:57:53-06:00
The three-time Super Bowl champ became the third celebrity winner of ABC's top-of-the-charts Dancing with the Stars. No one picked him at the start and few picked him down the stretch, save for unclebarky.com on Oct. 24th. ...They got to see Dad dance the samba and mambo Tuesday night before capping it off with an old-school freestyle turn to the tune of MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This."

Toe-ing zone: Emmitt & Mario take their last steps

Ed Bark — 2006-11-14T20:33:29-06:00
That leaves Wednesday night's verdict up to viewers, with an audience in excess of 25 million expected to see whether the brawny lad or the dimpled Gumby dance off with the show's worthless yet priceless mirror ball trophy. ...But you really should be there for a Cowboy who's had the balls to jump out of his comfort zone and onto a hardwood dance floor in an array of tuxedos, vests and glitter shirts.

The Simpsons, now The Simpson

Ed Bark — 2006-11-14T16:57:11-06:00
Simpson will get two hours of Fox's prime-time to talk about the more than decade-old murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. ...Simpson was found not guilty of the murders in criminal court, but a civil court later ordered him to pay $33.5 million in restitution to the victims' families.

Goal to go: Emmitt vs. Mario on Dancing's finale

Ed Bark — 2006-11-08T20:02:19-06:00
But I've had Emmitt tabbed to win the whole thing since the Oct. 24th show, so let's see if the NFL's all-time leading rusher can juke Mario and make it to the show's end zone. ...Rachael Ray, who's been in the audience for at least one show, let it be known Wednesday night that "I want Emmitt to win.

Dancing does a three-way: Everybody gets a 30

Ed Bark — 2006-11-07T20:32:18-06:00
By ED BARK Ok, let's do the equivalent of a minuet at a barn dance in predicting a shocking development on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. As predicted two weeks ago, Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke (above doing the fox trot and rumba last week) will win the show's ridiculous but treasured mirror ball trophy.

YouTube shoots, scores(?)

Ed Bark — 2006-11-07T16:11:44-06:00
You probably won't see it on the big board at American Airlines Center, but you can see it here....

From Dan to Katie: No more cornpone

Ed Bark — 2006-11-06T12:48:57-06:00
Meanwhile, the deposed Dan Rather, is set to sit out his first election night since the Paleolithic period, although he will appear with fake news anchor Jon Stewart in the first half of Comedy Central's one-hour Indecision 2006 special (10 central, 11 eastern). ...Dan then could take it from there with a fresh crop of all-purpose "Dan-isms," some of which he might be able to aim at Stewart.

In with ease: Emmitt reaches semis

Ed Bark — 2006-11-01T23:28:00-06:00
It's really all about viewers' votes, though, and Emmitt may well have a big enough fan base to survive just about anything but a rock-bottom judges' score. ...But now there are just two more shows to go before you bring Dancing's oddly crafted silver trophy back home to Dallas for a ticker tape parade.

Ghoul's gold: Emmitt's Halloween rumba scores a high numba

Ed Bark — 2006-10-31T20:32:01-06:00
By ED BARK Their fox trot got judged not so hot, but Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke regrouped with a show-stopping rumba to close out Tuesday's latest Dancing with the Stars. ...That left Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff leading the pack with a 57 score going into Wednesday night's weekly elimination round, where viewers' and judges' votes will be weighted 50-50.

Bob Barker bidding adieu

Ed Bark — 2006-10-31T16:47:36-06:00
Prized TV icon Bob Barker will hang it up in June. By ED BARK Game show giant Bob Barker, in his 35th year of hosting CBS' The Price Is Right, has decided the time is right to retire. ...Has it really been a decade since he punched out Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore, thereby creating a whole new fan base of high school and college kids who will have a hard time accepting any substitute?

Cowboys-Giants try for a second ratings record

Ed Bark — 2006-10-31T13:48:23-06:00
So ESPN's presentation of Monday Night Football came in 14th for the week (Oct. 23-29), or 13th if you factor out a No. ...The record had been held for nearly 13 years by a contentious November 1993 Al Gore-Ross Perot NAFTA debate on CNN's Larry King Live.

And now for something completely different: Romo "era" begins

Ed Bark — 2006-10-29T22:51:45-06:00
The team had been too busy recycling old stars until Tony Romo thoroughly impressed Al Michaels and John Madden on NBC's Sunday Night Football. They named him "Rock Star of the Game," which has replaced the old "Horse Trailer" honors from ABC's now defunct Monday Night Football. And Madden said Romo just might have that hard-to-elucidate "it" factor that separates the "Dandy Don" Merediths from the Chad Hutchisons.

Friendly fire? Dave vs. Bill II

Ed Bark — 2006-10-29T12:00:49-06:00
The host pounced after O'Reilly said that Americans are depressed about the war in Iraq and would rather watch Bowling for Dollars or Dancing with the Stars. ..."I don't care," said Letterman, who even upbraided him for taking a sip from whatever is in the guest's official Late Show mug.

Big dance: Emmitt in Final Four

Ed Bark — 2006-10-25T20:07:34-05:00
By ED BARK Rugged all-time NFL leading rusher Emmitt Smith has shimmied, shook, waltzed and paso doble'd himself into the playoffs of TV's hottest reality show. ..."If someone came up to me and said, 'Real men don't dance,' I'm going to say to them, 'Real men try to do things that they think they cannot do," he declared on Wednesday night's Dancing with the Stars' results show.

Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot -- the sequel

Ed Bark — 2006-10-25T10:20:28-05:00
A transcript from Limbaugh's Monday show, published on his website, says in part: "All I'm saying is I've never seen him the way he appears in this commercial for Claire McCaskill. ...Fox ad:

Stepping it up: Emmitt in overdrive

Ed Bark — 2006-10-24T20:32:57-05:00
The ex-Cowboy and partner Cheryl Burke dominated Tuesday's latest Dancing with the Stars performance edition, serving notice that they're the new couple to beat among the hit ABC show's final five. ...Mario will be his only serious competition, but the deep-dimpled Saved By the Bell star won't be able to hold his ground against the NFL's all-time leading rusher.

The T.O. show -- good to his last drop?

Ed Bark — 2006-10-23T23:44:23-05:00
And so it went, with a delectable side dish of starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe giving way to backup Tony Romo at the start of the second half. ...Dropping that big 4th down pass from Romo sucked the momentum from his team and breathed it back into the Giants, who quickly scored another TD.

Friday Night Lights: It's 'Hail Mary' time

Ed Bark — 2006-10-23T12:20:19-05:00
Friday Night Lights is in a black hole of a time slot, facing ABC's Dancing with the Stars, CBS' NCIS and now Game 3 of the World Series this week. ...Let's get involved in the stories of paralyzed star quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter), his wayward best friend, Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), and poignant backup QB Matt Saracen, whose dad is in Iraq and whose infirm live-in grandma leans heavily on her grandson.

Song and Dance

Ed Bark — 2006-10-18T21:19:43-05:00
Emmitt/Cheryl: Should he don a lux tux or dance close to the vest? By ED BARK And the evictee is -- "neither of you." ...Guess it had to make him feel pretty good, though, when Cheryl cooed, "Emmitt doesn't have to work at being a manly dancer because he has so much masculinity in him that it just comes out naturally."

Emmitt jives live, Sara leaves

Ed Bark — 2006-10-18T03:06:16-05:00
Emmitt Smith threw himself into last week's high-scoring samba. By ED BARK Tuesday's latest performances on Dancing with the Stars seemed all but superfluous after ABC baited viewers throughout the evening with "an emotional and exclusive" goodbye from contestant Sara Evans. ...Her husband's alleged sexual transgressions, the tamest being adultery with the couple's ex-nanny, had left her in shock and in fear for "the emotional welfare of my kids," she said.

Willa's out, Emmitt returns, Mike on ice

Ed Bark — 2006-10-18T03:03:10-05:00
Sorry, Emmitt, but you'll have to share this Dancing with the Stars update with a Dallas Star and Wednesday night's surprise evictee. Pop tart Willa Ford, rumored to be seeing Mike Modano while flirting with dance partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy, got jilted by the voting public after tying for first with three other pairs in the judges' earlier estimations.

Emmitt's super samba

Ed Bark — 2006-10-18T02:59:43-05:00
By ED BARK Cracked back into working order by a chiropractor, Emmitt Smith Elvis-ized himself into a gyrating samba on Tuesday's fifth edition of Dancing with the Stars. ..."I don't even know what the samba is," Emmitt had said before experienced pro partner Cheryl Burke told him, "It's all about pelvis action, moving forward and back."

Emmitt: Four down, six to go

Ed Bark — 2006-10-04T22:07:04-05:00
By ED BARK Emmitt Smith and partner Cheryl Burke cake-walked through another Dancing with the Stars elimination round Wednesday night, leaving him game to find the end zone. ...ABC censors deftly used a delay button to silence him, but you can bet that Tony got a loud-and-clear lecture after the show.

Bull rush: Emmitt does the paso doble

Ed Bark — 2006-10-03T19:55:44-05:00
Steeled by a silly trip to the Texas State Fair, where he stared down a bull, Emmitt Smith and pro partner Cheryl Burke found a safe middle ground on Tuesday's fourth episode of Dancing with the Stars. ...Shown sprawling to the floor in paso doble rehearsals, Emmitt made a supposedly impromptu visit to the State Fair, where Cheryl felt he could develop a matador's attitude by getting close to a bull.

Prison Break (Episode 7): Sudden Demise

Ed Bark — 2006-10-02T20:12:06-05:00
Dallas native Lane Garrison's live-wire David "Tweener" Apolski took a fatal hit on Monday night's Prison Break episode, joining mobster John Abruzzi (Peter Stormare) as the second escapee to go down for the count on the show's Season 2. ...Tinsley just might have had more dialogue than Prison Break star Dominic Purcell, whose Lincoln Burrows continues to act as though he's in a Charlie Chaplin movie.

Emmitt: Spared after a scare

Ed Bark — 2006-09-27T19:56:30-05:00
Stuck with the previous night's lowest score, Emmitt and partner Cheryl Burke seemingly teetered near the brink of elimination on Wednesday's Dancing with the Stars.... Some in the crowd just booed while Hamlin's wife, previous competitor Lisa Rinna, looked suitably stunned by what host Tom Bergeron called "one of the most surprising eliminations ever."

Hansen style

Ed Bark — 2006-09-26T22:39:00-05:00
Channel 8's Dale Hansen devoted his entire 10 p.m. sportscast Tuesday to the death of legendary golfer Byron Nelson. Hansen, an avid golfer himself, clearly put this heart into this extended tribute, which included interviews with golfers Ken Venturi, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson.

Emmitt watch: "Twinkletoes" stubs 'em

Ed Bark — 2006-09-26T20:39:55-05:00
By ED BARK Held to no gain and then piled on, Emmitt "Twinkletoes" Smith fell to the ground floor on Tuesday night's third episode of ABC's Dancing with the Stars ...Emmitt's 19 points left him two shy of Springer, who said he wants to go home after learning the waltz next week in time for his daughter's wedding.

What a cute baby

Ed Bark — 2006-09-24T15:14:00-05:00
Your proprietor, the quintessential stranger in a strange land, is now semi-versed in RSS feeds, Rapid Weaver, links, hits, pasting, j-pegging and other Internet terms that mostly had escaped me in an earlier life as The Dallas Morning News' longtime TV critic. ...I've also learned that visitors have to click on those little google ads on the right hand side to generate a few pennies in revenue for Uncle B, alias Ed Bark.

Emmitt "Twinkletoes" Smith: Good to go again

Ed Bark — 2006-09-20T19:45:37-05:00
Emmitt Smith and partner Cheryl Burke learned one-third of the way through Wednesday's live Dancing with the Stars that they'd be flooring it again next week. ...It won the 7 to 9 p.m. slot in total viewers, but was beaten by Fox's House in the first hour among advertiser-coveted 18-to-49-year-olds.

Dancing with the Stars: Emmitt Watch

Ed Bark — 2006-09-19T21:06:32-05:00
Emmitt Smith gamely juked his way to another solid 24 score on Tuesday's Dancing with the Stars, which there's a MAN LAW against watching. ...Emmitt and partner Cheryl Burke (shown above on last week's show) danced the required Quick-Step to the tune of KT Tunstall's "Black House and the Cherry Tree."

Prison Break, Episode 5: "Map 1213"

Ed Bark — 2006-09-18T20:07:41-05:00
Cons on the lam later made their way through mockups of Las Vegas (with an obviously digitized Stratosphere hotel dropped in) and Cache County, Utah, where $5 million in buried booty is supposed to be waiting. ...So now he's back on his bike again, ready to rejoin fellow escapees in pursuit of a big chunk of change that now turns out to be buried under a new housing development.

Uncle Barky's Bytes

Badgers barely beat itty bitty Wofford College, waylaying Uncle Barky's plans to jump off a tall building to an enthusiastic standing ovation from NBC5 anchors Brian Curtis and Meredith Land -- to name just two

RIP Fess Parker: Aug. 16, 1924 to March 18, 2010 (updated)

Meth-od acting: AMC's addicting <i>Breaking Bad</i> remains on drugs

<i>Life</i> goes on

Monster meshing with syfy channel

CW33's <i>The RC Project</i> hits IQ ground zero

FX's <i>Justified</i> has a sharp edge without all the usual anti-hero additives

Ex-<i>Idol</i> producer critiques his old show, finds it wanting

<i>The Pacific</i> lands on HBO

"Cheerleader pop" propels Fox4's Fiona Gorostiza

And baby will make three

Cuckolded Coco coming to campus near you

Glenn Beck goes after little baby barky

It's Ms. Roark for CBS11 news director post

NBC5 names Friedman as permanent early morning co-anchor

CW's <i>High Society</i> makes <i>Jersey Shore</i> seem like <i>Washington Week In Review</i>

No great shakes in the looks department (but can Bill White somehow confound the TV age and beat the almost criminally handsome Rick Perry?)

Original 1979 <i>Elvis</i> movie still rocks with Russell/Carpenter at throttle

No surprise Oscars have surprisingly strong D-FW ratings (updated)

<i>Idol</i>'s North Texas 4 stays intact; now comprises half of remaining 8 males

<i>The Office's</i> "Baby Event" -- wah, wah, wah

WFAA8 takes 10 p.m. news prizes in Olympics-addled February sweeps

So long to "The Schack"

Uncle Barky's latest <i>American Idol</i> (North Texas edition) recap

A mostly silent witness to the fires on Lower Greenville

Leno re-takes <i>Tonight</i> and lights up D-FW ratings

Third coming of <i>Parenthood</i> gives NBC a little long overdue prime-time patina

NBC gumbo: Olympics/Young/Conan; <i>Marriage Ref</i>; Leno to <i>Tonight</i>, prime-time takes flight

It ain't heavy, it's my backpack: the changing faces of news in the digital age

Applauding Fox4's cornering of Red Cat weasel

North Texan youths invade <i>Idol</i>, take beatings

ABC News rocked by impending changes; <i>Two and a Half Men</i> suspends production in deference to Sheen's rehab

More snow business -- but little of the actual stuff -- after local TV forecasting fest

The Olympian, gold medal hair of Bob Costas (but shouldn't it be at least a little silver?)

Tiger Woods faces the cameras, but did he face the music, too?

<i>Idol</i> vs. Olympics: Round 2

Four North Texans (and six Texans all together) make <i>Idol</i>'s Top 24 live performers

Olympics vs. <i>Idol</i>: Who won in D-FW?

New CBS11/TXA21 boss talks about his first priority

Glimmering, shimmering: NBC5's new 10 p.m. anchor team

NBC5's McGarry talks about life after NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts

McGarry out, Land in as NBC5's new 10 p.m. co-anchor

More snow, more coverage, more pictures

Cowboy Colby tangles with varmint Russell in Big Tex subplot on <i>Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains</i>

Latest North Texas <i>Idol</i> angles

Fox's <i>Past Life</i> is present-day lifeless

Super Bowl XLIV mashes <i>M*A*S*H</i> finale to become most-watched program in TV history

Letterman, Leno play-act in surprise Super Bowl spot

Old, tired, disheveled Mavs lose at home to roadkill Timberwolves

<i>Undercover Boss</i> works well in post-Super Bowl slot

A great Danes performance (lame pun intended) in HBO's <i>Temple Grandin</i>

Exactly how many North Texans are in <i>Idol</i>'s Hollywood mix?

Season 6 <i>Lost</i> premiere holds two Jacks, a pair of Kates, etc.

<i>Lost</i> takes last cracks at finding its way

WFAA8 throws a debate, debuts an anchor

Withering heights: Kimmel escalates feud with Leno

And now Ray Romano as Al Capone . . .

<i>Idol</i> worship peaks with Dallas auditions

Leno up-close in a vintage interview that still holds true

All-Star hoops in Dallas will have a big hurdle in prime-time

Branching out again with another cnn.com commentary

Big doings in Dallas: new Fox action-comedy cop series set to start production Tuesday, with Fair Park as home base

Syfy fo fum: <i>Caprica</i> launches as <i>Battlestar Galactica</i> prequel

Starz new <i>Spartacus</i> is violent, excessive -- and bloody well done

<i>Tonight, Tonight</i>: Conan out, Leno back in

Dallas-made <i>The Deep End</i> premieres as ABC's latest law drama