Don Cannon returned to KDKA-TV yesterday, his first time on the air since July 28, when he appeared disheveled and unable to read the TelePrompTer while anchoring an evening newscast.

Some viewers expressed concern about Cannon's health because of his past bouts with depression and alcoholism. At the time, KDKA general manager Chris Pike said Cannon "wasn't feeling well," but offered no specifics.

"I am better," Cannon said yesterday afternoon. "I am doing very well. I would not be back if I were not. ... As for what happened that Saturday night, I don't want to go into that.

"Obviously, I had to take some time off to deal with some personal issues that required a lengthy time away from work," he said. "I'm back and I'm thrilled to be back. The people at KDKA have been terrific. They've been really supportive and I appreciate that. I can't say enough good things about [news director] John Verrilli or [general manager] Chris Pike. They've been really phenomenal in their support."

Cannon is back on the air as a reporter but won't return to the weekend anchor desk for a few weeks.

"I'll be doing some reporting first and off the next few weekends," he said. "I'm working my way back into that. I need some time to wade back into things, which is fine by me."

WPXI's HD news

Unless WTAE or KDKA decide to play catch-up in the next two weeks, WPXI will be Pittsburgh's first TV station to offer newscasts in high definition.

The station's first newscast from its new facility in Summer Hill, now set for 6 p.m. Oct. 6, will go out in HD. Viewers without HD will continue to receive a traditional analog version of Channel 11's newscasts.

As part of moving into WPXI's new facility, live, non-news programs on PCNC (e.g. "NightTalk") will be suspended next week with live broadcasts resuming the first or second week of October.

McIntire joins 'Off Q'

John McIntire, heard weekday afternoons on radio station 93.7-FM, will return to TV as one of the panelists on WQED's "Off Q" when it begins its new season Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. McIntire previously appeared on television as host of PCNC's "NightTalk."