Uncle Barky's Bytes

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.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-07-18T09:36:31-05:00

Check out Fox4's inaugural Good Day singalong, co-starring former co-anchor Julia Somers.... Also, TV vet James Brolin turns 68, and we celebrate with a clip from one of his cheesy movies.

2008 prime-time Emmy nominations are good news for Mad Men, 30 Rock and many others

Ed Bark — 2008-07-17T10:02:18-05:00

Nominations for the 60th annual prime-time Emmy Awards are in the books.... Your detailed unclebarky.com report (including a link to the complete list of nominees) is here.

Comedy Central burps up new Gong Show before exhaling with Reality Bites Back

Ed Bark — 2008-07-16T18:49:42-05:00

But Comedy Central then rebounds with some flashes of inspired parody. Click here for our reviews of the network's two newest half-hour series.

All-Star ratings replay

Ed Bark — 2008-07-16T11:48:11-05:00

Check out the D-FW ratings scorecard for Tuesday's elongated All-Star game. Also, Will Ferrell has another birthday and we've got the perfect clip for him.

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.

Just one week to go to the next Uncle Barky Show

Ed Bark — 2008-07-12T07:45:46-05:00

TXA21/CBS11 anchor Tracy Kornet and the Eleven21 band will perform live and then talk about how a group of TV people got into this other line of work at the Saturday, July 19th Uncle Barky Show. It's the sixth "episode," show time is at 4 p.m., and our venue as always is Stratos Global Greek Taverna, 2907 West Northwest Highway in Dallas.

Let's see, what have we all written lately . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-07-11T17:18:52-05:00

Generation Kill, HBO's extra-gritty look at the early stages of the Iraq war, begins its first of seven chapters on Sunday, July 13. Our take is on the Network News & Reviews page, along with looks at CBS' new Flashpoint drama series and Ted Danson as a Hellboy ringer.

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.

New day, familiar face

Ed Bark — 2008-07-10T17:12:02-05:00

WFAA8 has gone in-house for a Daybreak co-anchor after incumbent Justin Farmer leaves for Atlanta at the end of July.... Also, USA network's Burn Notice returns for a second season Thursday night.

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.

WFAA8's "Why Guy" to have new whereabouts

Ed Bark — 2008-07-09T18:46:40-05:00

Puckish Mike Castellucci, best known as WFAA8's "Why Guy," has decided to head West. Get the story here.

The Office again works with a net

Ed Bark — 2008-07-09T12:46:42-05:00

Unclebarky.com looks at a second collection of "webisodes" from The Office while also offering a video excerpt on the Network News & Reviews page. Also, Fox is putting the Osbournes back in prime-time while the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show big returns for ABC's Wipeout.

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.

Made In China -- increasingly, inexorably

Ed Bark — 2008-07-08T17:27:23-05:00

Ted Koppel's latest venture for the Discovery Channel, The People's Republic of Capitalism, is an insightful, four-part look at China's full-blown embrace of Western-style business as usual. It premieres on Wednesday, July 9th, and is well worth buying into.

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."

The Emmy nominations are coming, but some of TV's biggest prime-time stars have never won even one of 'em

Ed Bark — 2008-07-07T16:18:20-05:00

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will nominate another big armload of shows and actors on July 17th.... Also, NBC Universal buys up another cable network while the latest D-FW Nielsens hold serve at Wimbledon.

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.

As the odometer turns

Ed Bark — 2008-07-01T01:54:02-05:00

So if you'd still like to read our exclusive on Fox4 medical reporter John Hammarley's suspension, you can find it here in June's vault. Also, check out the latest image campaign for CBS11 news and see which Saturday Night Live pathfinder begins July with a 56th birthday.

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.

Finding solid, workmanlike comedy in Spike TV's Factory

Ed Bark — 2008-06-27T16:09:17-05:00

Spike TV's first homegrown comedy series, Factory, works some funny summertime shifts.

Emmy pulls a first-time stunt and Ross Perot turns a page

Ed Bark — 2008-06-27T12:10:06-05:00

Hoping to heighten interest in its annual prime-time Emmy ceremony, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the first time has released lists of 10 finalists in the comedy and drama categories.... Also, Dallas billionaire Ross Perot moves another year down the road and gets a vintage video as a gift.

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.

Fox4 adds full-time reporter to help bolster thinned staff

Ed Bark — 2008-06-26T10:20:31-05:00

And the latest D-FW Nielsens show a surprise Wednesday night winner in the key 18-to-49-year-old demographic. Also, a new Back Channels entry reprises an interview with Channel 5's longtime celebrity chronicler, Bobbie Wygant.

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.

Inside pages: Celebrity Family Feud and a big raft of George Carlin comedy specials

Ed Bark — 2008-06-24T11:13:45-05:00

NBC's Celebrity Family Feud gets off to a lewd start Tuesday opposite ABC's new down-and-dirty Wipeout, which wasn't available for review. Also, HBO salutes the late George Carlin in a big way and the latest D-FW Nielsens show airtight races Monday at both 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. A new "Ask Uncle Barky" is in the house, too.

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.

J Lo does D-FW, says it's hot

Ed Bark — 2008-06-23T12:28:45-05:00

The weathercasting world's Jennifer Lopez began her early morning tour of duty on NBC5 Monday. And the latest D-FW Nielsens show that local late night newscasts still have plenty of ratings punch.

Inside pages: memorializing comedian George Carlin and sizing up NBC5's Mike Snyder

Ed Bark — 2008-06-23T08:04:55-05:00

George Carlin's death, at age 71, prompts a return to a long ago performance and interview. He was deep into his "Seven Dirty Words" phase and I was a college kid still learning to put words to news print.

Brokaw will be interim Meet the Press moderator

Ed Bark — 2008-06-22T10:22:19-05:00

NBC on Sunday named Tom Brokaw to succeed Tim Russert on Meet the Press. For now he's agreed to helm the program through this fall's presidential election.

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.

Inside pages

Ed Bark — 2008-06-19T13:24:18-05:00

We've got five very formidable nominees for you in a new Picky Picky. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsens are in, and there's some interesting activity on the TV series casting front.

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).

Michelle Obama breezes through The View

Ed Bark — 2008-06-18T18:55:14-05:00

Supposedly trying to "soften" her image, Michelle Obama found some very willing accomplices on The View, which she guest-hosted Wednesday. Unclebarky.com tries on a male perspective.

Inside stories: Rebecca Miller and Texas Gold

Ed Bark — 2008-06-18T09:14:00-05:00

Former NBC5 early morning meteorologist Rebecca Miller remains beached through the summer by a "non-compete" clause while her successor prepares to take the air.... And Tuesday's D-FW Nielsens show big audiences for both the NBA Finals and NBC's season premiere of America's Got Talent.

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.

Snakes slowly slithering, with NBC5 right behind

Ed Bark — 2008-06-17T14:36:46-05:00

Meanwhile, in an addendum to our snake update, anchor Jane McGarry's nbc5i.com blog takes another strange twist. Also, Katie Couric screws around on her own youtube channel while Tiger Woods electrifies NBC5's daytime ratings.

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.

Click, click

Ed Bark — 2008-06-16T13:40:13-05:00

Although teasingly titled, Showtime's new Secret Diary of a Call Girl doesn't bare many essentials in either Monday's premiere or the next two half-hours. And in the weekend D-FW Nielsens, two drama-laden sports events reigned on Sunday from early afternoon to late night.

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.

Talking point: Fox News Channel has no comment

Ed Bark — 2008-06-12T16:08:26-05:00

Shouldn't media companies behave better than this? See our commentary on Fox News Channel's ill-considered inclination to raise the drawbridge when reporters come calling.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-06-12T12:44:33-05:00

Father Day dawns this Sunday and we "celebrate" with a "Making a List" compilation of TV's Top 10 dysfunctional dads. Also, there's a brand new Good Day promo ready for your inspection and comments, plus a nod (with video) to Marv Albert on his 67th birthday.

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 . .

Shop around

Ed Bark — 2008-06-11T16:52:47-05:00

"Ask Uncle Barky" is back with a boatload of questions about local and national TV. Deion Sanders and his family have another TV gig, and this time it involves Al Roker and Bruce Jenner.

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.

Catching up

Ed Bark — 2008-06-10T14:31:05-05:00

There's an update on Good Day co-anchor Megan Henderson below on this page, as well as three separate reports on the D-FW ratings. Also, check out the three North Texans among the chosen Final 20 on Fox's ongoing fourth edition of So You Think You Can Dance.

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.

That '70s show -- CBS style

Ed Bark — 2008-06-05T11:29:08-05:00

Swingtown premieres Thursday night on a network that used to be home base for The Waltons.... Our review is here, and the latest local Nielsen ratings are here.

Take a look inside

Ed Bark — 2008-06-04T11:20:01-05:00

We've got reviews of two new summertime series, TV Land's She's Got the Look and NBC's surprisingly chilling Fear Itself. Also, the latest local Nielsens are in. So how did the prime-debut of The Gordon Keith Show fare at 7 p.m. on WFAA8?

Let's click

Ed Bark — 2008-06-03T11:34:09-05:00

Monday night's marathon, triple overtime Stanley Cup match on NBC gradually began thawing in the D-FW Nielsen ratings. Also, a legendary TV gamester throws another birthday on the fire while unclebarky.com gifts him with a clip.

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

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-06-02T12:32:33-05:00

Then relive the opening minute of Mike Snyder's debut as the leading man of Ch. 5's 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings deliver your verdicts on Million Dollar Password and CBS' first brush with live martial arts fighting.

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.

Making the sale: WFAA8's Cynthia Izaguirre gets her first big image ad

Ed Bark — 2008-05-30T12:25:31-05:00

Daybreak's Dallas-raised Cynthia Izaguirre is getting her first star treatment in a new WFAA8 spot that aired during Thursday's season finale of Lost. Here's our view.

Get Lost

Ed Bark — 2008-05-30T08:18:35-05:00

ABC's fourth season finale of Lost had a gasp-worthy climax but some ridiculous turns, too.... So don't go here if you don't want to know yet.

Another old game show gets a makeover

Ed Bark — 2008-05-29T13:40:43-05:00

CBS' Million Dollar Password, premiering Sunday, hits prime time 47 years after the original played matinees. Regis Philbin, never at a lost for words, is the new host of a passable summertime diversion.

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.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-05-27T15:45:25-05:00

It's early morning on Memorial Day, with most workaday North Texans happy to sleep in. Oddly enough, that's good news for one downtrodden station's competitive position in the 6 a.m. news wars. Also, John McCain is old news -- over and over again.

Elect to watch this movie

Ed Bark — 2008-05-23T11:23:20-05:00

HBO's Recount, premiering Sunday, May 25th, is a superb retelling of Florida's 2000 presidential election fiasco. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show big returns for a certain doc drama's season finale.

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.

Cook-ing show: Idol crowns its elder David

Ed Bark — 2008-05-22T08:00:20-05:00

Fox's chart-topping American Idol closed its seventh season with another celeb-studded variety show Wednesday night. Get the details and the big pictures here.

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.

On your marks, get ready . . .

Ed Bark — 2008-05-21T16:47:29-05:00

CBS11 is hosting an open casting call for The Amazing Race on Friday (May 23rd). The venue, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is the Westwood College Dallas Campus, 8390 LBJ Freeway near Central Expressway.

Inside stuff

Ed Bark — 2008-05-21T11:08:51-05:00

Fox's American Idol closes out the strike-slowed 2007-'08 TV season with its annual big bang finale Wednesday. But in Tuesday's D-FW Nielsens, neither Idol's last "performance" show nor the season finale of Dancing with the Stars ranked as prime-time's biggest overall draw.

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.

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

Uncle Barky's Bytes

Early morning meteorologist Julie Bologna leaving CBS11 for later shift in her hometown Pittsburgh

Last call for Saturday's Uncle Barky Show

Inside stuff

2008 prime-time Emmy nominations are good news for <i>Mad Men, 30 Rock<i> and many others

Comedy Central burps up new <i>Gong Show</i> before exhaling with <i>Reality Bites Back</i>

All-Star ratings replay

Will you be drawing a blank?

My PR's firmer than your PR

<i>Dance</i> do-over (plus stuff to read inside)

Just one week to go to the next Uncle Barky Show

Let's see, what have we all written lately . . .

Exceptional, riveting, revealing, tragic

They Shale return: Rowlett-headed "news team" will have much to prove

New day, familiar face

Rowlett drops anchor -- at Shale.TV (updated)

WFAA8's "Why Guy" to have new whereabouts

<i>The Office</i> again works with a net

Enjoy a getaway "staycation" at the next Uncle Barky Show on July 19th

Made In China -- increasingly, inexorably

CBS11/TXA21 mum on rumored departure, eviction (2nd update)

The Emmy nominations are coming, but some of TV's biggest prime-time stars have never won even one of 'em

WFAA/ABC News anchor Murphy Martin: July 4, 1925 to July 3, 2008

Parade rest

Anchor Tracy Kornet bands with co-workers to make their own kind of music

As the odometer turns

Fox4's Hammarley suspended

Finding solid, workmanlike comedy in Spike TV's <i>Factory</i>

Emmy pulls a first-time stunt and Ross Perot turns a page

Off-air, on line: John McCaa

Fox4 adds full-time reporter to help bolster thinned staff

Resident "McDreamy" of ABC's <i>Hopkins</i> will be operating out of Dallas

NBC to reprise first <i>Saturday Night Live</i>, with host George Carlin

Inside pages: <i>Celebrity Family Feud</i> and a big raft of George Carlin comedy specials

Wagner back at CBS11 after brief stop in Badgerland

J Lo does D-FW, says it's hot

Inside pages: memorializing comedian George Carlin and sizing up NBC5's Mike Snyder

Brokaw will be interim <i>Meet the Press</i> moderator

Fox4 reporter Scott Sayres is latest to leave the station (updated)

Making nice

Inside pages

Claw your way to the top of new cat-themed game show

Michelle Obama breezes through <i>The View</i>

Inside stories: Rebecca Miller and <i>Texas Gold</i>

Hawksworth now in Beantown and no longer covering jocks

Snakes slowly slithering, with NBC5 right behind

Uncle Barky -- in character as a caricature

Click, click

Brokaw should step up to the <i>Meet the Press</i> plate -- as a pinchhitter or more

Tim Russert: May 7, 1950 to June 13, 2008

Talking point: Fox News Channel has no comment

Inside stuff

Blue Collar Bill Engvall revisits Dallas, touts new season of TBS sitcom

Shop around

TV intrudes on wine country escape

Catching up

Henderson still at Fox4 -- for now

Pardon this brief interruption

That '70s show -- CBS style

Take a look inside

Let's click

<i>The Gordon Keith Show</i> hijacks a half-hour of prime-time

Inside stuff

Found: Valeri Williams

Making the sale: WFAA8's Cynthia Izaguirre gets her first big image ad

Get <i>Lost</i>

Another old game show gets a makeover

D-FW's onetime "Lizard Man" burns some more bridges

Color chart: Looking at the racial makeups of D-FW's television newsrooms

Art&Seek hopes to be found

Local angles

Inside stuff

Elect to watch this movie

Yo, Adrian: Fox4 investigative reporter leaving station, heading to Harvard

Up-close and objective: It's a wrap for the May sweeps

Cook-ing show: <i>Idol</i> crowns its elder David

Up-close and objective: Night 19 of the May sweeps

On your marks, get ready . . .

Inside stuff

Up-close and objective: Night 18 of the May sweeps