Uncle Barky's Bytes

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.

Fox announces new fall lineup but makes bigger news on other fronts

Ed Bark — 2008-05-15T12:47:09-05:00

Fox on Thursday became the last network to announce its new fall schedule.... Meanwhile, NBC anchor Jane McGarry blogs about the care and maintenance of her hoo-hah.

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.

Fox4's Henderson "keeping an open mind across the board" about any Fox News Channel offers

Ed Bark — 2008-05-14T12:00:24-05:00

Although happy at Fox4, Good Day co-anchor Megan Henderson will listen up if Fox News Channel indeed wants her for its team. She talks to unclebarky.com about next month's return trip to New York for a second guest stint with the network's Fox & Friends Weekend.

CBS mixes in a little comedy with its crime

Ed Bark — 2008-05-14T10:09:00-05:00

CBS' new fall lineup potentially will be loaded with laughs -- at least when compared to rival networks. Go here for unclebarky.com's complete rundown of what's new, what's back and what's canceled.

Picky Picky (Vol. 14)

Ed Bark — 2008-05-14T05:28:48-05:00

CW signs up three new ones, opts out of Sundays

Ed Bark — 2008-05-13T18:43:23-05:00

Li'l CW has announced its new fall lineup. It's enrolled one more freshman than ABC despite filling less than half as many prime-time hours.

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?

ABC dips a toe into fall programming pool

Ed Bark — 2008-05-13T10:09:25-05:00

ABC's new fall schedule houses just two freshman series and a lone holdover comedy.... Get unclebarky.com's complete report here.

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.

Fallon gets the call

Ed Bark — 2008-05-12T13:18:39-05:00

NBC officially firmed up its late night succession plan Monday by naming Jimmy Fallon to succeed Conan O'Brien, who in turn will be supplanting Jay Leno next year. Get the details and the quotes from NBC's teleconference while also checking out D-FW's still turbulent early morning news competition at the three-fifths mark of the May sweeps.

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.

Idol swan song

Ed Bark — 2008-05-08T08:17:53-05:00

As expected -- and seemingly to his great relief -- Rockwall's Jason Castro left American Idol Wednesday.

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.

Power couple: Winfrey and Walters dish their way to a clean plate

Ed Bark — 2008-05-07T11:23:53-05:00

TV's two most powerful women, Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey, got together to do a little book-sellin' Tuesday. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that neither American Idol or Dancing with the Stars ranked as Tuesday's top draw.

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.

Kinder, gentler: PBS' The Presidents revisits the senior Bush's contributions

Ed Bark — 2008-05-05T18:49:43-05:00

George H.W. Bush gets overall positive reviews in public television's two-part, three-and-a-half-hour assessment of his one-term presidency and the events that led to it.

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.

Another month in storage

Ed Bark — 2008-05-01T05:03:27-05:00

So if you want to catch up on any of those late April nightly 10 p.m. newscast compendiums, that's the place to go. ...And we've got another American Idol update, with Rockwall's Jason Castro now among the show's Final Four.

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.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-04-30T12:19:06-05:00

Green Acres meets The Bachelor -- if only it were that good -- in the new CW series Farmer Wants a Wife, premiering Wednesday night (April 30). And the Mavs' last local ratings of the season limp in along with the team.

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.

Look-see

Ed Bark — 2008-04-23T23:09:26-05:00

FHM Online's 14th annual "100 Sexiest Women in the World List" still accommodates Tony Romo's favorite blonde -- and a former one, too.... Also, get an Idol update on Rockwall's Jason Castro.

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.

Mavs sag, and so do ratings

Ed Bark — 2008-04-23T11:30:56-05:00

Only this time the Mavs were never really in the game against New Orleans -- and Tuesday's D-FW ratings show it. Meanwhile, the early morning news race is getting pretty perky just in time for the May "sweeps."

2nd game a Big Easy for Hornets

Ed Bark — 2008-04-22T22:03:17-05:00

Curses, the Mavs lose again to New Orleans in a game they never seriously contested. A new Picky Picky fingers a not-so-fab foursome.

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.

Raw deals: Presidential candidates succumb to Monday night wrestling

Ed Bark — 2008-04-22T11:20:06-05:00

The real-life Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain wooed wrestling fans via videotape on WWE's before a fake Barack and Hillary were beaten senseless by Umaga the Samoan Bulldozer.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens show some big swings at 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Freshly stocked

Ed Bark — 2008-04-21T11:08:26-05:00

Also, the locally produced Through A Cat's Eyes and PBS' Roberto Clemente offer back-to-back retrospectives Monday night on the venerable Fort Worth Cats baseball team and the Pittsburgh Pirates' trailblazer.... Furthermore, a wild 'n' crazy new TV Bulletin Board tells you where Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain will be congregating on the eve of Tuesday's presidential primary.

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?

Look what the wind blew in

Ed Bark — 2008-04-18T12:05:42-05:00

The D-FW Nielsen ratings are in for that storm-soaked Thursday night. And like the weather, they're all over the place.

Weather they're right, or weather they're wrong . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-04-18T07:05:03-05:00

D-FW's four major TV news providers mostly blew out their prime-time entertainment lineups during Thursday night's severe weather.... Or was this a valuable public service?

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.

Interior decorating

Ed Bark — 2008-04-17T13:06:29-05:00

Check out our take on Wednesday's prime-time Democratic debate.... And our weekly American Idol update, with a local boy still making good, is again served up with a side order of snark.

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.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-04-16T15:14:34-05:00

Who was the last D-FW television anchor to put reporting ahead of news reading -- to the point of getting fired?... Also, how did the Dallas Stars Stanley Cup playoff game fare in Tuesday night's D-FW Nielsens against a rerun of Mission: Impossible?

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.

Take a look

Ed Bark — 2008-04-15T10:29:46-05:00

A coupla cursin' weathermen are in the house. So are the latest D-FW ratings.

Shopping excursion

Ed Bark — 2008-04-14T16:10:25-05:00

The weekend local ratings are in, too, as is a punch in the puss to MSNBC loudmouth Chris Matthews. Also, CBS has just announced its summer schedule, which includes a quick return of Big Brother.

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.

Havin' a cheese fest

Ed Bark — 2008-04-11T17:23:39-05:00
VH1 begins looking for the next over-the-top telenovela star Sunday on its Viva Hollywood! series. Is it at least a guilty pleasure?

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.

More to see inside

Ed Bark — 2008-04-10T14:53:24-05:00
You may not believe what you're hearing on Thursday's post-strike return of NBC's 30 Rock. Also, a new CBS series joins the good ol' one-and-out club while the latest D-FW Nielsens show that Fox's heavily promoted Idol Gives Back fell short of being Wednesday's most-watched program.

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.

Freshly stocked

Ed Bark — 2008-04-09T09:14:05-05:00
A new Picky Picky seeks your thoughts on the brightest newcomers in D-FW television news. Also, check out the newscast video of a Michigan cop's half-baked distress call after eating pot-laced brownies.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-04-08T14:06:29-05:00
John Lennon's last TV interview, on Tom Snyder's NBC Tomorrow Show, is part of the new DVD collection John, Paul, Tom & Ringo.... Also, Wednesday's star-drenched Idol Gives Back attracts the three major party presidential candidates among many others.

Henderson back with core group after bite of the Big Apple

Ed Bark — 2008-04-07T07:09:59-05:00
Good Day co-anchor Megan Henderson returned to the show Monday after a weekend in New York with Fox & Friends.... Also, Back Channels revisits an up-close portrait of well-traveled Mark Harmon as his CBS series, NCIS, returns with new post-stroke episodes this week.

Inside tracks

Ed Bark — 2008-04-04T16:32:19-05:00
A new Picky Picky wonders who D-FW's major TV powers could least afford to lose in a big cost-cutting storm. Also, Sci Fi Channel's Battlestar Galactica launches its fourth and final season Friday.

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."

Lots inside

Ed Bark — 2008-04-03T02:58:38-05:00
NBC hopes to get a quantum jump on its rivals with a new and supposedly visionary fall/winter/summer schedule.... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens are good news for three local news providers; WFAA8 pads its trophy case with another prestigious award and Rockwall's Jason Castro survives another American Idol vote-off.

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.

Look what we've got

Ed Bark — 2008-03-28T15:47:13-05:00
He makes his TV debut in that guise Monday. Also, Tracey Ullman's back with a very funny new series and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings might have triggered a full-blown ice cream social at WFAA8.

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.

Malice in the palace

Ed Bark — 2008-03-27T16:05:14-05:00
Showtime's second season of The Tudors is ready to roll, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers back as an increasingly despotic Henry VIII. Check out our full-blooded review of the pay network's most popular series ever.

Inside scoop

Ed Bark — 2008-03-27T13:38:15-05:00
One of Fox4's most prominent reporters will be leaving the station after the May "sweeps" ratings period to start a new business.... Meanwhile, the latest D-FW Nielsens are another prime-time bonanza for Crilley's future former employer.

The Insider

Ed Bark — 2008-03-26T14:32:55-05:00
Check out the Hallmark Channel's latest programming plans. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, and so are some last looks at Austin's SXSW music festival by my son the photog.

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.

Soap dish

Ed Bark — 2008-03-24T16:49:07-05:00
CBS is looking for a North Texas actress to make a scene on daytime's No. ...Tryouts for women 18-to-30 years old are scheduled on Friday, March 28th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, 300 Reunion Blvd.

Check out our fresh produce

Ed Bark — 2008-03-24T11:21:23-05:00
The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, including numbers for the Dallas Mavericks' Easter Sunday horror show against the Spurs. Also, CBS has re-paved its May "sweeps" schedule with two notable additions.

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.

Click and save

Ed Bark — 2008-03-21T13:26:14-05:00
How dominant is American Idol as the 2007-08 season heads into its homestretch?... Also, the early morning D-FW newscasts have a new basement-dweller -- for a day at least.

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.

Dive right in

Ed Bark — 2008-03-20T10:39:34-05:00
A new "Picky Picky" asks you to weigh in on three of D-FW television's most puzzling questions. There's also an American Idol update, a new vintage news promo video and highlights from Wednesday's local Nielsen ratings.

Gee, I could have had a VH1

Ed Bark — 2008-03-19T16:07:35-05:00
Urp, the new VH1 reality competition series, I Know My Kid's A Star, premieres Thursday. One of its 10 "Hollywood-crazed parent/child teams" is from Rockwall, TX.

Ready to be opened

Ed Bark — 2008-03-19T10:03:49-05:00
How did Dancing with the Stars do in D-FW Tuesday in its first matchup with American Idol?... Also, the "Making A List" page is back in business with the 10 most powerful broadcast series in TV history.

12 Miles of Bad Road -- the behind-the-scenes story of ruts, rifts and a suddenly homeless series about the richest of Dallas' rich

Ed Bark — 2008-03-18T16:50:02-05:00
HBO officially has dumped 12 Miles of Bad Road, even though six of its 10 episodes already are finished. Get the inside scoop here on how a series about Dallas' upper crust got a big brushoff from the network's new regime.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-03-18T11:40:00-05:00
Hee haw, what country music legend will try his hand at standup comedy in a new network competition? Also, the ratings were hardly rosy in D-FW for one of ABC's two big reality returnees Monday.

Dedicated followers of fashion

Ed Bark — 2008-03-17T22:18:45-05:00
Who's the best-dressed man in local TV news? We've threaded our way to three finalists -- all at one station -- in a new "Picky Picky."

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-03-17T16:03:47-05:00
ABC's new Miss Guided sitcom, premiering Tuesday, is something of a historical benchmark for TV critics. Also, Bill O'Reilly is coming to town, but is he worth anything near what he's asking for his one-man show?

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.

The Adams family -- HBO style

Ed Bark — 2008-03-14T14:03:25-05:00
HBO's seven-part adaptation of historian David McCullough's John Adams premieres Sunday, March 16th, with an almost three-hour gulp. Should you throw a Boston tea party?

More local developments await

Ed Bark — 2008-03-14T10:03:17-05:00
And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings again are money in the bank in prime-time for Fox4. Also, Sam Ladach-Bark has a report and photos from the first day and night of the South By Southwest music festival in Austin.

You'd better shop around

Ed Bark — 2008-03-13T12:26:46-05:00
Everybody's a winner in the latest D-FW Nielsens, even NBC5 in the Rebecca Miller-less early mornings. Meanwhile, Fox seemingly has a can't miss loser in its new The Return of Jezebel James.

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.

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2008-03-12T22:06:49-05:00
Who's D-FW television's most durable, dependable pavement-pounder?... Also, check out the latest American Idol update on who's in, who's out.

Inside teases

Ed Bark — 2008-03-12T10:10:24-05:00
Caustic comic Lewis Black has a new series on Comedy Central.... And we've got another vintage D-FW news video for you, this one from 1991.

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.

Could it be true?

Ed Bark — 2008-03-12T10:06:16-05:00
A new "Ask Uncle Barky" has been posted after way too long in absentia. It's been so busy here at unclebarky.com central, but here's another chance to see your name in print.

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.

Rebecca Miller says goodbye -- as only she can

Ed Bark — 2008-03-06T22:23:31-06:00
You asked for it, and now you've got it. NBC5 early morning meteorologist Rebecca Miller says goodbye and explains all after unclebarky.com is flooded with passionate comments in support of her.

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.

A bad day for local TV's Rebeccas

Ed Bark — 2008-03-06T00:55:03-06:00
Veteran Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar was terminated by the station Wednesday after a suspension that had stretched from Oct. 16. And as posted earlier in the day, another veteran Rebecca, NBC5 early morning meteorologist Rebecca Miller, also found herself out of a job after 17 years at the station.

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.

No more Miller time at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2008-03-05T14:44:42-06:00
Rebecca Miller, longtime early morning meteorologist at NBC5, suddenly is no longer with the station.

Summa cum lousy?

Ed Bark — 2008-03-05T14:00:19-06:00
Actually, TV Land's High School Reunion is quite a bit better than that.... Meet live-wire "Kat The Lesbian," "Justin The Pipsqueak" and lesser former Mustangs in a forgiving review from "Ed the Puppy Dog," circa St.

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.

Clip and save

Ed Bark — 2008-03-04T06:40:56-06:00
Briefly bridging the long runs of anchors Brad Wright and Mike Snyder was a blonde-haired import from Minnesota who at least got to work with legendary KXAS weatherman Harold Taft.... Also, WFAA8's Debbie Denmon had a novel way of declaring herself cold during an outdoor dispatch Monday.

400-year itch

Ed Bark — 2008-03-03T17:02:13-06:00
Fox's New Amsterdam, premiering Tuesday after American Idol, stars a four-century old immortal who's dying to fall truly in love -- so he can die. What -- and miss all those Knicks games?

March springs into action on unclebarky.com

Ed Bark — 2008-03-02T20:11:02-06:00
Click on the February archives or use our search engines for any catching up with several of our popular pages. Otherwise it's a new month with fresh, provocative material and videos on Dallas-Fort Worth TV plus Network News & Reviews and TV Bulletin Board.

Two network newbies take Sunday stages

Ed Bark — 2008-02-29T15:49:13-06:00
Two strikingly disparate new series, ABC's Oprah's Big Give and Fox's Unhitched, are launching Sunday night.... And if you're shopping on Amazon, please first click to the site via one of the ads on unclebarky.com.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-02-28T21:03:50-06:00
Summing up the just-completed February sweeps, with evaluations of the four major combatants. Also, the latest American Idol eviction notices are in, and one of the show's three Texans won't be saying howdy anymore.

WFAA8 owns up to unfortunate mistake

Ed Bark — 2008-02-28T15:42:56-06:00
WFAA8 news director Mike Valentine says the station unequivocally erred in notifying relatives of a tragic death Wednesday before police did. But it was inadvertent, he says, and all concerned regret it.

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.

It's a ratings wrap

Ed Bark — 2008-02-28T11:46:52-06:00
Your unique and unduplicated Feb. sweeps ratings report is in, with all the facts and figures on the four major local newscast battlegrounds. Hint: Three of the four combatants are either very happy or at least content.

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.

Diet kook? Dale Hansen hopes he's not one of those

Ed Bark — 2008-02-27T00:04:38-06:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen has gotten notably svelte since making a New Year's resolution.... Also, check out the Saturday Night Live riff that Hillary Clinton didn't talk about during Tuesday night's debate.

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."

Made for a dime, here comes quarterlife

Ed Bark — 2008-02-26T17:08:40-06:00
Birthed as a series of short-burst Internet "webisodes," quarterlife plays the big stage Tuesday as a one-hour series on NBC. It's from the creators of My So-Called Life and thirtysomething, who've lost their youthful looks but otherwise are still coming of age.

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.

No country for the 80th annual Oscars

Ed Bark — 2008-02-25T16:58:45-06:00
Sunday night's 80th annual Academy Awards ceremony drew a record low audience, based on modern-day total viewer numbers computed by Nielsen Media Research since 1974. But host Jon Stewart was still good, right?

Aiming high, soaring higher

Ed Bark — 2008-02-25T15:01:14-06:00
ABC's new adaptation of A Raisin In the Sun, premiering Monday night, is an instant classic. And even that seems like faint praise.

International House of pancake makeup: All of Oscar's acting winners hail from abroad, but host Jon Stewart keeps the U.S. in play

Ed Bark — 2008-02-25T02:09:39-06:00
The big winners and most of their movies may have been less "commercial" than ever on a night when Oscar banked on Jon Stewart to make the best of it.

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.

On the lam: Prison Break's still possible fourth season is planned for elsewhere

Ed Bark — 2008-02-22T08:01:57-06:00
If it happens, though, the show is plotting to vacate North Texas and head to L.A.... But the City of Dallas and the Dallas Film Commission still hope to stop what they view as a not-so-great escape.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-02-21T23:57:11-06:00
Thursday night's Barack Obama-Hillary Clinton debate from Austin put her closer to the end.... Also, who's still standing after the first American Idol vote-off?

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.

Early morning ratings race is hotter than hot

Ed Bark — 2008-02-21T11:46:59-06:00
It couldn't be much closer between Fox4's Good Day and WFAA8's Daybreak in the fight for first place at 6 a.m. In fact, they're tied in one of the key ratings measurements with just five weekdays to go in the 20-day February sweeps. Read all about it here.

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?

Idol's first male delivery -- no postage necessary

Ed Bark — 2008-02-19T22:25:09-06:00
Which of North Texas' two Jasons wasn't a horror during Tuesday's opening performances of American Idol's 12 male finalists? Get their doses of Simon here.

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.

Uncle Barky's Bytes

Up-close and objective: Night 16 of the May sweeps

Last pitch: WFAA8's Dale Hansen, Pete Delkus get their games on at fifth Uncle Barky Show this Saturday

Up-close and objective: Night 15 of the May sweeps

Traffic reporter Todd Carruth calls it a <i>Good Day</i>

Fox announces new fall lineup but makes bigger news on other fronts

Up-close and objective: Night 14 of the May sweeps

Fox4's Henderson "keeping an open mind across the board" about any Fox News Channel offers

CBS mixes in a little comedy with its crime

Picky Picky (Vol. 14)

CW signs up three new ones, opts out of Sundays

Up-close and objective: Night 13 of the May sweeps

ABC dips a toe into fall programming pool

Fox News Channel reportedly trying to entice Fox4's Henderson -- but not to her knowledge

Fallon gets the call

Up-close and objective: Night 12 of the May sweeps

Another ex-local TV reporter takes a new career path

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

Coming soon: Episode 5 of The Uncle Barky Show with guests Dale Hansen and Pete Delkus

Fans and players survive The Ticket's first "Great Game"

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

Son of station's top gun to report for planned CBS11/TXA21 entertainment series

<i>Idol</i> swan song

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

Power couple: Winfrey and Walters dish their way to a clean plate

Pocket pool with NBC5's Grant Stinchfield

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

Soon-to-be-ex-Fox4 reporter enlists four former D-FW TV vets to launch envisioned new breed of PR firm

Kinder, gentler: PBS' <i>The Presidents</i> revisits the senior Bush's contributions

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

CBS11 reporter "honored" by Keith Olbermann

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

Lane change: Fox4 reporter Jason Overstreet to become bowling kingpin

Amazing grace: James Woodard on <i>60 Minutes</i>

Up-close and objective: Night 5 of the May sweeps

Another month in storage

Up-close and objective: Night 4 of the May sweeps

Inside stuff

Up-close and objective: Night 3 of the May sweeps

Up-close and objective: Night 2 of the May sweeps

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

NBC5 sports anchor Newy Scruggs: healthier, wealthier and happier after life-changing bouts with bosses and D-FW's underside

Going to the mat: Aguilar vs. Barrs

Look-see

Aguilar files federal complaint against Fox4 (latest update)

Mavs sag, and so do ratings

2nd game a Big Easy for Hornets

Picky Picky (Vol. 12)

<i>Raw</i> deals: Presidential candidates succumb to Monday night wrestling

Freshly stocked

It's just not in the cards

Look what the wind blew in

Weather they're right, or weather they're wrong . . .

Fox4's Doocy wonders if he's being run off 9 p.m. news playing field

Interior decorating

It's official: NBC5 head man Tom O'Brien to run New York's WNBC-TV (updated)

It looks like a plum job in the Big Apple for NBC5 head man Tom O'Brien

Inside stuff

NBC5 tabs a less famous J. Lo as early morning meteorologist (updated)

Daughter of former Cowboys QB switches TV venues, nicknames

Laura, durn: First Lady to guest-host <i>Today</i> show for an hour

Take a look

Shopping excursion

The Uncle Barky Show wraps its fourth episode, announces high voltage guests for May

Havin' a cheese fest

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Maria Sotolongo saying so long to Fox4 (2nd update)

More to see inside

Help stamp out poverty, disease

Couric rumored to be seeking early exit from CBS News, but both are sorta saying otherwise

Freshly stocked

Inside stuff

Henderson back with core group after bite of the Big Apple

Inside tracks

<i>Good Day's</i> Henderson goes national for a weekend -- and maybe more (updated)

Sports anchor/reporter Derek Castillo leaving NBC5's playing field

Lots inside

<i>Stop the Presses</i>: Looks good on paper but better on the big-screen

"Live from HD Studio 1"

<i>Positively Texas</i> subtracted from TXA21