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Showing posts from February, 2011

730 WFMW unable to broadcast girls' Second Region basketball tournament

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Due to what they refer to as "technical circumtances beyond our control," Madisonville radio station 730 WFMW will not be able to broadcast the Kentucky Second Region girls' basketball tournament. The tournament games were to have aired tonight and tomorrow night, and are being played at Livingston Central High School in Smithland.

Vincennes Rivet and Memorial girls playing for state basketball titles Saturday; NEWS 25 Sports Channel will air the games live

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Two area teams will play for state girls' basketball titles in Fort Wayne this coming weekend, and if you can't make the drive to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum,  the games will air live on the NEWS 25 Sports Channel (ch. 25.2). Undefeated Vincennes Rivet (27-0) will compete for the Class A title against 24-2 Turkey Run.  That game will air at 9:30 AM CT (10:30 ET).  Rivet's ladies earned their way into the big game by defeating Jac-Cen-Del at Bedford this past weekend. Memorial's Lady Tigers , with a record of 27-1, will face off against Benton Central (23-1) in the Class 3A championship game after defeating Indianapolis Roncalli 69-59 in Bedford.  You'll be able to catch that game at 5:00 PM CT (6:00 ET). Other games on Saturday will include the Class 2A matchup between Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers and Brownstown Central at approximately 11:45 AM CT (12:45 ET) and the Class 4A game between Penn and Jeffersonville at approximately 7:15 PM CT (8:15 ET). Best

Wainwright undergoes Tommy John surgery; Cardinals say he's out for 12-15 months

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redbirdrants.com photo St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow earlier today, and the Redbirds report that the hurler will be out of action for perhaps as long as 12 to 15 months. John Mozeliak, the team's general manager, reports that Wainwright's surgery "went well," according to the Associated Press.  He is expected to rejoin the team in Florida within a couple of weeks. Wainwright was 20-11 with a 2.42 ERA last season, and those stats will certainly be missed this season.

WDRB-Fox 41 turns 40: Louisville's Fox station started in a garage

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Before Feb. 28, 1971, Louisville-area television viewers had just three choices:  WAVE-3, WHAS-11 and WLKY-32.  The "Big Three" networks ... those were your only options in those pre-cable, pre-satellite days. But on that date, a fourth station took to the airwaves from, of all places, a former garage.  At first, WDRB was an independent station, and success among independents in those days was far from a guarantee.  However, for little WDRB ― much like Evansville's WEVV, which signed on 12 years later, also as an independent ― success came through doing things the other stations did not do, like airing wrestling shows, horror movies, kids' shows and other programming. It seems simple, but it worked. And by the early 1980s, WDRB was on a solid footing ... so solid that, like WEVV, it was among the first group of affiliates for a new network called Fox.  WDRB is still with Fox, and going strong. Happy Anniversary, Fox 41 ... here's to many more! WATCH THE VID

“THE BRAWL” HEADLINES “CARDINALS CLASSICS” SERIES ... Relive five of 2010's best games starting tonight on Fox Sports Midwest

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Fans can relive five of the best Cardinals games of 2010 in the annual “Cardinals Classics” series, which starts tonight on Fox Sports Midwest. The slate of games is headlined by “The Brawl,” the Cardinals’ emotional Aug. 10 win at Cincinnati that featured a first-inning brawl and a second-inning homer by Yadier Molina. “Cardinals Classics” starts tonight (Monday, Feb. 28) at 8:00 PM CT with “Stavi’s Shot,” the Cardinals' April 9 win at Milwaukee in which Nick Stavinoha hit a pinch-hit home run off all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman. “Cardinals Classics” airs Mondays through March 28. Schedule for Cardinals Classics – Best of 2010 – on Fox Sports Midwest (all times Central): Monday, Feb. 28 at 8:00 PM: STAVI'S SHOT – April 9, 2010 – Nick Stavinoha hits a pinch hit two-run ninth-inning home run off of all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman and the Cardinals beat the Brewers, 5-4. Replay: Sunday, March 6 at 8:00 PM. Monday, March 7 at 6:00 PM: OPENING DAY – April 5, 201

SUNDAY OPEN LINE: Your thoughts on the Oscars and ... anything else

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I'm going to try something new this afternoon ... I'm opening things up to you, readers.  Is there a burning question on your mind?  Perhaps you have some Oscar predictions.  Maybe you just want to say hello. This is your time.  Leave a comment below and let's get going!

Illinois Severe Weather Preparedness Week is next week, and WYNG-FM has all the info you'll need to know

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With the southern portions of the Tri-State just barely missing a significant severe weather outbreak across the south, severe weather preparedness is on everyone's minds again.  Illinois Severe Weather Preparedness Week starts this Sunday, February 27 and runs through March 5.  The statewide tornado drill is planned for 10 AM on Tuesday.  WYNG-FM will have a full week of special coverage to help get the word out about severe weather preparedness, with a different theme about staying safe each day.  Spencer Peach will be on the morning show each day next week after Josh Baxter's expanded report of local and area news to talk about how you can be prepared when the next storm strikes. Spencer will also stick around for WYNG trivia, with a severe weather theme next week.  (Good luck, these are tough!)  At the end of the week, they will be giving away an All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio to a lucky winner of trivia.  Be prepared this Spring! Just as we're starting severe wea

The Weekender ... The Charlie Sheen's Still A Train Wreck Edition

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It's Friday afternoon, and as is our custom here, it's time to take a look back at what made news this week in TV and radio. This week, Charlie Sheen made news not once but twice three times ― does the guy ever shut up these days? ―  first as the possible reason behind "Two and a Half Men's" ratings drop (which was partially responsible for ABC winning Monday night) and later for a widely-publicized and nasty radio rant that forced CBS and Warner Bros. to end the show's season early, after halting production earlier this year because of Sheen's various and sundry personal problems.  And then he kept at it as today wore on, but I'm tired of talking about it. In other news, there was plenty, from new shows, to renewed shows, to family items (and we send our best and warmest wishes to Jackie Monroe and her husband, Nate, as they await the birth of their twins!), so be sure to scan the full list below and read (or review) whatever catches your fan

On CNN, it's goodbye to "Parker Spitzer" and hello to "In the Arena"

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UPDATE, 11:15 AM SATURDAY:  Showing that they truly care, CNN gave Kathleen Parker all of nine seconds to say goodbye last night.  It was so fast that Business Insider 's Glynnis McNicol had a hard time embedding the video .  You really must watch it for yourself.  I've embedded it below the original story, but, as McNicol suggested, don't blink.  (Thanks to Scott Dimmich for the tip!) After months of poor ratings and rumored backstage disagreements, The New York Times reports that CNN's "Parker Spitzer" co-host Kathleen Parker has decided to call it a day and devote more time to her newspaper column. Former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer will remain as host of the retitled "In the Arena," which will premiere on Monday.  He will be joined by an ensemble group from CNN and beyond.  Former Fox News Channel host E.D. Hill and conservative columnist Will Cain will be part of the group. "After bringing viewers a new 8pm show on CNN, I ha

Tomorrow is the day: Final UE men's basketball game at Roberts Stadium to be broadcast on TV and radio

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Tomorrow afternoon, a golden era in Evansville history will come to an end as the University of Evansville Purple Aces men's basketball team will play their final game at Roberts Stadium , which has been the team's home since 1956. Fortunately, 14WFIE and WUEV-FM 91.5 will be there to bring those home viewers (and radio listeners) across the Tri-State into the action. Mike Blake and Joe Danneman will kick off the afternoon on Channel 14 at 1:00 PM CT (2:00 ET) with an hour-long pre-game show that will take viewers on a trip back in time through the rich and colorful 55-year history of the Stadium.  Bo McFall will have reports during the show and you'll see plenty of live interviews, too. Blake and former Aces head coach Jim Crews will call the action on WFIE.  The game tips off at 2:00 PM CT (3:00 ET) and should be exciting, as the Aces will face Illinois State, a team they defeated in Normal back on January 15. It's going to be a historic day, folks, so be

Cardinals spring training radio broadcasts begin Tuesday

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As the St. Louis Cardinals begin the 2011 spring training game schedule, fans will be able to catch all the warm-weather action from veteran broadcasters Mike Shannon and John Rooney on the team's flagship station KMOX (AM 1120) and the Cardinals Radio Network. The first of seventeen broadcasts will be Tuesday, March 1, as the Cardinals face the Florida Marlins. Beginning Saturday, March 5, every Saturday and Sunday broadcast will feature the Cardinals Pre-Game Show. The show will air 20 minutes prior to first pitch and features Mike Shannon or John Rooney interviewing Cardinals players, coaches and other baseball personalities. The schedule marks the official beginning of the Cardinals return to KMOX as the longtime radio partner will carry 16 of the 17 spring games. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Cardinals final spring training game on Tuesday, March 29th at Hammons Field in Springfield, Missouri will be broadcast by KTRS (AM 550). The 117 Cardinals Radio Network affiliates

Did you miss the IHSAA boys' individual wrestling finals? No problem - the NEWS 25 Sports Channel is airing them tomorrow

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As part of the IHSAA Champions Network , the NEWS 25 Sports Channel is airing  Indiana high school athletic finals in most every sport this year, and tomorrow at 2:00 PM CT (3:00 ET), the station will broadcast the individual finals in boys' wrestling. The program will air on a tape-delayed basis, as the finals were held last week, but for those of you who weren't able to attend in person, you'll be able to see the state's best wrestlers (including quite a few from our area) in competition.

ABC to continue airing the Academy Awards through 2020

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In an era when a lot of big-ticket programming is abandoning broadcast television for cable, it's gratifying to hear that one major show is sticking with a network.  Such is the case with the annual Academy Awards ceremony (which airs Sunday on ABC, by the way). The organizers of the Oscars and ABC have agreed to a new contract extension that will keep the big show on the network all the way through 2020.  The prior contract was through 2014, so the six-year extension means that you'll know where to find it for another nine years, at least. "In the ever-changing media landscape, tent-pole television events like the Academy Awards are more and more rare," said Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, adding that it is important to have "a partner that understands the great history of our show as well as the need to keep the show relevant each and every year." The ceremony has aired on ABC continuously since 1976, accord

Sheen's radio tirade means the season's over for "Two and a Half Men"

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In case you missed it yesterday ― and believe me, you almost couldn't avoid it, because the news spread like wildfire ― "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen went on a lengthy rant on a Los Angeles radio show that, by turns, was weird, profane, offensive, and vindictive. He personally attacked "Men" creator Chuck Lorre, spoke of violence toward those who don't like the way he lives his life, attacked Alcoholics Anonymous ... even Thomas Jefferson wasn't safe.  It was ugly. The reaction from CBS and Warner Bros. (which produces the show) was, as one might expect, swift and decisive.  After recently halting production to allow Sheen to seek rehabilitation, now they've declared the season over after filming just 13 of the usual 24 episodes.  It's not the best outcome, but given what's transpired in the past couple of days, it's probably the only logical solution short of firing him, writing out his character and renaming the show, whic

Indianapolis Super Bowl logo revealed

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Courtesy 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee As most everyone knows, Indianapolis is hosting Super Bowl XLVI next February, and things continue to come together in the Circle City that should make this the best Super Bowl of all time. Earlier today, the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee revealed the logo for the Super Bowl, and you can see that at left. According to the committee, the NFL has decided to go with a standard logo featuring the Lombardi Trophy for all Super Bowls, a practice that began with the recent game that was played in Texas.  However, as you'll note from looking at the logo, it does include Lucas Oil Stadium within its design, so it has a distinctive appearance. As more new things continue to be revealed surrounding the big day for Indy, I'll be sure to keep you posted.

"Go Local" shows you great ways to buy Kentucky-made products and visit destinations in the Bluegrass state

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Do you want to spend more of your dollars on products and attractions close to home?  (With gas prices what they are right now, who doesn't?) You can find out how to do just that by watching "Go Local," a fast-paced magazine program that champions Kentucky-made products and travel-worthy destinations in our own backyard. Along the way, you'll discover the people, products, and places that make Kentucky so wonderfully unique. To watch "Go Local," tune in to KET2 tonight at 9:30 PM CT (10:30 ET), then again on KET KY on Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM CT (5:00 ET), and on KET on Sunday night at 9:30 PM CT (10:30 ET). ►Information for this story was provided by KET.

NBC renews "The Biggest Loser," "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "The Sing-Off"

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If you're a fan of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," "Who Do You Think You Are?" or "The Sing-Off," I have good news for you:  The network has greenlighted another go-around for all three series next season. In a lineup that honestly doesn't have a whole lot going for it, these shows have proven to be relatively strong.  New NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt should be commended for not throwing these out ... but I'll withhold judgment on his leadership until he at long last outsources "Outsourced," preferably to a faraway island ... on another planet. Read the full press release from NBCUniversal after the jump.

All area Townsquare Media radio stations participating in St. Jude Radiothon

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Earlier this week, I told you about Superhits 105.3 's participation in this year's St. Jude Radiothon , but theirs is just one prong of a seven-pronged effort to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital ― all seven of Townsquare Media 's radio stations in the Tri-State are taking part. Be sure to tune in to WBKR-92.5 FM , WKDQ-99.5 FM , 103GBF , Superhits 105.3 , 106.1 Kiss-FM , NewsTalk 1280 WGBF and NewsTalk 1490 WOMI to hear all about the mission of St. Jude, and you can also call 1-800-201-8883 or 1-800-779-5721 to donate! The Radiothon is going on now through 7:00 tonight and from 9:00 tomorrow morning until 7:00 tomorrow night.  I hope you'll donate and help St. Jude continue its mission to conquer childhood diseases.

Despite "Idol," CBS continues to dominate in the ratings, with 8 of the top 10 shows last week

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"American Idol" might be the most popular show on broadcast TV, but it hasn't helped Fox dethrone the reigning king of primetime, CBS. The AP's David Bauder reports that last week, shows on CBS held down the 16 spots behind "Idol" in the ratings, including eight of the top ten.  The new "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior," which stars Forest Whitaker, actually performed better than its parent series, placing eighth versus "Criminal Minds'" 10th-place finish. CBS averaged 11.2 million viewers for the week (6.8 rating, 12 share).  Fox held down second with 9.6 million (5.5, 9), while ABC took third place with 6.6 million (4.1, 7).  Bringing up the rear, NBC's 5.5 million viewers was enough for fourth place (3.5, 6), the CW was fifth with 1.8 million viewers  (1.1, 2) and dead-last ION Television had 1.2 million (0.8, 1). In news, however, NBC continues to lead.  "Nightly News" was the number one evening newscast, with

What's coming up in Thursday's column? I'll give you a preview!

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UPDATE, 12:08 AM THURSDAY:   My column is now available online. In tomorrow's Courier & Press , I've got a great column for you that's full of information on the following topics: 14WFIE's decision to start producing its newscasts in HD this summer Jackie Monroe's medical leave (which has, since I submitted my column on Monday, been revealed to be related to her pregnancy) Former Madisonville mayor Will Cox's new job with Insight And the return of Gary and Mallory Ervin to "The Amazing Race" Yes, it's all in there, so be sure to grab a C&P in the morning with your breakfast ... you'll be a better-informed television viewer!

PROGRAM NOTE: UK basketball pushes back "Idol" and news tonight on Fox 7

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Tonight's UK basketball game (the 'Cats are playing Arkansas tonight) will air live on WTVW-Fox 7 at 7:00 PM CT (8:00 ET). The telecast of the game will push "American Idol" back to approximately 9:00 PM (the time depends on when the game ends, naturally), with Fox 7 News following "Idol."

The latest on the NCAA Tournament: New info on when games will be played on which channel

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UPDATE, 6:00 PM:  The TBS/TNT/truTV channel guide is now complete for all area cable systems.  You'll find it at the bottom of this story (if you're reading it from the direct link) or after the jump (if you're on the main page). I've been in a meeting today with the good folks at CBS44 WEVV , and I've learned quite a bit more about the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, which is being spread across four networks (CBS and three of Turner's) for the first time this year.  As promised, here is the latest information. truTV will tip off the tournament's coverage airing all FIRST FOUR games on Mar. 15 and 16, as well as a total of 13 games during the FIRST FOUR and second round. It also will air the Reese's College All-Star Game on Friday, April 1 as part of NCAA FINAL FOUR FRIDAY . TNT will air a total of 12 games, including second round and third round match ups. TBS will air a total of 16 contests, including games in the second

"American Country Countdown" switches to top 30 country songs, not 40

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While the four-hour length of radio's country music countdown show "American Country Countdown" isn't changing, the number of hit songs the show will play each week is. The show, which is hosted by Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn fame), formerly played the top 40 songs in country each week, but now will focus on the top 30.  The move was made as a result of requests from affiliates' program directors, said Citadel Media vice-president Bryan Switzer.  To fill the time once held down by the songs from #31 to 40, the show will play older songs from artists featured in the top 30. Radio-Info.com has the full story on the changes and why they're being made. "American Country Countdown" is heard each Sunday in the Tri-State from noon to 4:00 PM CT (1:00 to 5:00 ET) on WRUL-97.3 FM (Carmi) and WRAY-98.1 FM (Princeton), and from 6:00 to 10:00 PM CT (7:00 to 11:00 ET) on WLFW-93.5 The Wolf (Evansville).

CBS, Netflix ink two-year licensing deal to allow select shows from CBS' library to be streamed instantly

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CBS Corporation and Netflix, Inc. today announced a two-year, non-exclusive licensing agreement that will allow select TV shows from CBS's library, including episodes of  "Medium" and "Flashpoint" as well as full seasons of classics such as "Frasier," and "Cheers," to be streamed instantly from Netflix.  CBS retains an option to extend the agreement for up to two additional years.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Beginning in early April, dozens of hit shows from CBS will join the extensive library of television shows and movies available to watch instantly from Netflix for only $7.99 a month. Content covered under the new deal includes the long-running drama, "Medium" and the summer season favorite, "Flashpoint."  Also covered under the agreement are episodes from some of television's most iconic franchises.  Full seasons of sitcom greats "Frasier," "Family Ties" and "Cheers"

KET responds to House vote to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting

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On Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, which, among its cuts to the current year’s budget, eliminates federal funding for public broadcasting. In response, KET continues in its efforts to keep viewers informed of the latest updates as the spending plan moves on to the Senate, and to encourage them to make their opinion on the matter known to their elected officials. “While we’re disappointed with this first vote, we remain optimistic of what will happen as the debate continues,” said KET executive director Shae Hopkins. “We’re grateful to the thousands who’ve already contacted their Congressional offices and expressed how much they value KET.” “We understand that Congress has an enormous budget challenge and that everyone is making tough choices,” Hopkins continued. “However, the complete loss of federal funding, if approved, would severely impact the more than one million Kentuckians who rely on KET programs and services each week.” Federal funding for publi

"Ice Brigade" and "Chopped All-Stars" to join Food Network lineup

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Food Network has two new shows premiering in March that are sure to make your mouth water as well as satisfy your cravings.  "Ice Brigade" premieres on Thursday, Mar. 3 at 9:00 PM CT (10:00 ET) and "Chopped All-Stars" premieres on Sunday, Mar. 6 at 8:00 PM CT (9:00 ET). More information on the shows is below, and for the Food Network channel in your area, be sure to check out the Cable TV page . ICE BRIGADE "Ice Brigade" follows former chef Randy Finch and his team of renegade ice artists as they blow the lid off ice sculpting by creating original, unique designs that defy the imagination. To these frozen outlaws, the standard wedding swans are simply huge ice cubes. The real thrill of their bone-chilling craft is to make life-sized interactive pool tables or ice bowling lanes with frozen pins and working bowling balls; or designing a grand piano ready to play chop sticks. Every week Randy and crew use chainsaws, chisels, and sledge hammers to scul

Superhits 105.3 to host St. Jude Radiothon this Thursday and Friday

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital strives to be the world's leader in the treatment and prevention of catastrophic diseases in children, and donations make up a great deal of the funding which the hospital depends upon for that purpose. For that reason, Superhits 105.3 WJLT will host its first annual St. Jude Radiothon this Thursday and Friday .  You'll be able to call in (the toll-free number is 800-779-5121) and pledge your support for the kids who are helped each day by St. Jude's. Check out Joe Blair 's blog posts ( here and here ) for more information.

WFIE's Monroe expecting twins, will return to work after they are born

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Last week, I reported that 14WFIE news anchor Jackie Monroe was on medical leave for an undisclosed reason.  Now, however, I've learned that there's a happy reason for her absence. Monroe and her husband are awaiting the birth of twins, and her leave is a result of that, news director C.J. Hoyt told me. "She’ll be back to work soon after they’re born, but won’t be back likely for a couple months," Hoyt explained.  "She badly misses the station and her job and will be happy to be back."

ABC tops CBS in Monday night ratings: Is Sheen to blame, or is "The Bachelor" just that good?

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The Inquisitr photo Most Americans are by now familiar with the troubles and trials of one Carlos Irwin Estevez ― better known by his stage name, Charlie Sheen ― and now it seems his problems are starting to rub off on the network that airs his hit series, "Two and a Half Men." Or are they? Last night, ABC won the evening's ratings race on the strength of "The Bachelor," which posted a 3.3 rating among viewers ages 18 to 49.  That's the show's highest mark of the season and up 14% from last week, according to Media Life Magazine .  "Men," however, was in reruns, posting a 3.0 with the same age group, down a whopping 29% from last week. So is that Sheen's fault?  Many will argue that it is, since everyone associated with the series is at least temporarily out of work because of his latest round of personal problems.  However, "The Bachelor" wouldn't be doing as well as it is unless it was at least a little bit interesti

NBC Sports to broadcast all three legs of horse racing's Triple Crown through 2015

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The NBC Sports Group will broadcast all three legs of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown, renewing the rights to the Preakness Stakes and reacquiring rights to the Belmont Stakes . As previously announced, NBC and Churchill Downs, Inc. renewed rights to the Kentucky Derby . This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC aired them in 2005. The agreements were announced today by Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Sports Group, Tom Chuckas, President and Chief Operating Officer, Maryland Jockey Club, and C. Steven Duncker, NYRA Chairman. Like NBC Sports’ agreement with Churchill Downs, each agreement announced today gives NBC exclusive rights to the Preakness and Belmont through 2015. The agreements include coverage of the Black Eyed Susan Stakes and other Preakness-day and Belmont-day programming on VERSUS . Additionally, expanded Derby week programming including the Kentucky Oaks and Derby day programming will air on VERSUS . In all, the NBC Sports

74 lead changes + 16 cautions = Daytona 500 becomes the most-watched NASCAR event since '08

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If you missed Sunday's Daytona 500 on Fox, you missed what may well be the greatest racing story of the past decade.  Twenty-year-old Trevor Bayne beat the odds ― as well as the best drivers in NASCAR's Sprint Cup series ― to take the checkered flag in the Wood Brothers' #21 Ford for the first time since David Pearson did so in 1976. This year's race had it all:  It marked the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, the track was repaved for the first time since 1978, there were 74 lead changes and 16 caution flags.  Drama?  Oh, yeah ... there was plenty of that, too. When the dust settled and the number-crunchers were done, they discovered that an average of 15.6 million people tuned in on TV ― a number that's up 17 percent from last year's Daytona 500, and more than any NASCAR race since 2008.  Seven percent more people tuned in for the green flag. That's a good start for a sport that just days ago was searching for something to revive

WBKO seeks power increase: If approved, Bowling Green ABC-Fox-CW affiliate could reach more Tri-Staters

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Bowling Green's ABC-Fox-CW affiliate, WBKO (ch. 13) has submitted an application to the FCC seeking a power increase from 22 kW to 31.5 kW. If approved, the station, which is owned by Gray Television, could potentially reach a larger share of the Tri-State area, as it once did prior to the digital transition.  The engineering specifications state that no changes will be made to the new antenna that was installed just two years ago, but all indications are that the power increase alone would give the station better reach into portions of Breckenridge, Daviess, Hancock, Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties. At present, the station reaches an estimated 602,000 people.  The proposed power increase would bump that up to nearly 832,000 ... a sizable jump, to be sure. This would, from all indications, be good news for over-the-air viewers in these counties who currently have difficulty receiving WEHT, WTVW or WAZE.  Of course, I'll keep you posted on the outcome. ►NashDigie and T

KET kicks off TeleFund 2011 fund-raising event: Wealth of arts, Kentucky programs highlight special shows in March

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With a wide selection of programming and specials — like "Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert" and a "Kentucky Life on the Road" retrospective special — KET offers the gift of the world to everyone in Kentucky, while inviting individuals the chance to make it all possible during TeleFund 2011 , KET’s annual on-air fundraiser, March 5-20. Leading off this year’s lineup of special programming is "Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert," premiering Sunday, March 6 at 6:00 PM CT (7:00 ET) on KET. To mark the 25th anniversary of this iconic musical, the show's producer, Cameron Mackintosh, staged an extraordinary concert at the O2 Arena in London featuring a company of over 300 actors and musicians. During these uncertain economic times, consumers are hungry for advice on stretching their family budgets. In "Suze Orman’s Money Class," premiering Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 PM CT (8:00 ET) on KET, the financial guru offers her expert advice o

Is your favorite show in danger of cancellation?

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Some shows just flop.  It's a fact of life that some programs, like ABC's "Hank" last season, just aren't all that good, and should be shot down before they ever see the light of day. NBC's "Outsourced" is another example of that.  Indeed, some would argue that a show like "Outsourced" has no place on any network, on any night, in any time slot. Yet NBC green-lighted that subcontinental turkey.  As I suspected it would, it's done poorly, along with ... well ... most of NBC's primetime lineup. But as much as I like to fault the Peacock Network for producing crap in recent years, the folks there have plenty of company when it comes to shows that, for one reason or another, just don't deserve to make it. The New York Post 's Paige Albiniak has a list of shows that are (or might be) on the fast track to the morgue.  Most of the names on her list won't surprise you, although some ― like CBS' " %$#@ My Dad Says&q

Drew Baur, Cardinals co-owner and treasurer, dies suddenly at 66

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KSDK photo Drew Baur, a St. Louis-area bank chairman who helped organize the ownership group which bought the St. Louis Cardinals from Anheuser-Busch in 1996, died suddenly this morning at his home in Florida, The Post-Dispatch reports today . Baur, who served as the team's treasurer and on held a seat on its board of directors, was 66. No cause of death was immediately released, although Baur suffered a heart attack in Florida several years ago. "We have lost a wonderful friend, and we are deeply saddened by his sudden passing," Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement. "Drew loved the Cardinals and was a great partner. He will be sorely missed by all of the members of our ownership group." DeWitt and Baur shared a friendship which reached back to their childhood, so it was natural that the two men would become partners in business throughout the years, culminating with their purchase of the Cardinals nearly 15 years ago.

NEWS 25 Sports Channel to air boys sectional tournament pairings show Sunday night

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It seems like just yesterday that the high school basketball season started in Indiana, but it's already time to draw the boys' sectional pairings .  You can be among the first to find out who's playing who and where on the NEWS 25 Sports Channel (ch. 25.2) tomorrow night at 6:00 PM CT (7:00 ET). The NEWS 25 Sports Channel, which is part of the IHSAA Champions Network , will also televise the boys' state finals on March 26 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM CT (10 to 3:30 ET) and 5:00 to 9:00 PM CT (6:00 to 10:00 ET). And don't forget that the girls' finals are also coming up.  They will air on March 5 at the same times as the boys' games listed above.

House passes bill that would cut NWS, public broadcasting funding; bill's future uncertain in Senate

Early this morning, after an all-night session, the U.S. House voted 235-189 to pass HR 1 , the continuing resolution that would cut funding for the National Weather Service and eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, among other disastrous moves. Three Republicans joined with Democrats in voting "nay," but they weren't enough to halt the Republican rollbacks in the bill.  However, it appears that the bill will not survive its trip across the Capitol to the Senate.  Even if it does, President Obama has promised to veto it. As he should. HOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVES VOTED: YEA:  Johnson & Shimkus (IL), Bucshon & Young (IN), Guthrie & Whitfield (KY) NAY:   No local representatives voted "Nay"

"Comment on Kentucky" host Wellman recovering from knee surgery

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I've received word this afternoon that Ferrell Wellman , the host of KET's "Comment on Kentucky," is recovering from knee surgery and will be off the air for a while.  Guest hosts will fill in for Wellman during his recuperation. On tonight's "Comment," Bill Bryant of Lexington CBS affiliate WKYT ― a familiar panelist on the program ― will sit in the host's seat.  Ronnie Ellis of the CNHI News Service, WKYT's Phil Pendleton and Laura Ungar of The Courier-Journal will discuss the issues of the week with Bryant. Best wishes to Ferrell for a speedy and complete recovery! "Comment on Kentucky" airs each Friday night at 7:00 PM CT (8:00 ET) on KET, with repeats on Saturday, Sunday and Monday each week on KET and KET KY.

The Weekender ... The High Definition Edition

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As we reach the end of another week here at Jake's DTV Blog, it's time once again to look back on the events that shaped what you hear and see.  There wasn't an overabundance of news, but what there was, I've  done my best to cover it here. Perhaps the biggest news of the week was 14WFIE 's announcement that we'll see their newscasts in high definition sometime this summer.  That's a big deal, especially with so many folks now owning sets that are capable of viewing HD programming.  You'll find the link to the whole story below. As always, thanks for stopping by this week, and I'll see you back here again on Monday! (For all the latest news anytime, be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook .) FRIDAY, FEB. 18 THURSDAY, FEB. 17  "Comment on Kentucky" host Wellman recovering from knee surgery On this week's "Kentucky Life," meet the oldest living Kentuckian and more OFFSEASON MOVES: Colts release injury-prone