This week's TV Q&A responds to questions about "Reno 911," the salaries of local news anchors and reporters and the future of "The West Wing."
As always, thanks for reading, and keep those questions coming.
Rob Owen, Post-Gazette TV editor
Q:My husband and I love "Reno 911" on Comedy Central. Any idea when a new season might air?
- Joanna Glass, McKees Rocks
I like "Reno 911," too. It returns for a third season in June with Paul Reubens (AKA Pee-wee Herman) joining the cast in a recurring role as a vigilante crime fighter.
Q:What do TV personalities in Pittsburgh earn? Anchors, reporters, etc.
- Bob, Friendsville, Md.
There's no easy answer to that question, because salaries are all over the map, according to a reliable source in local broadcasting. Some of the top anchors with the most name recognition likely make more than $200,000, perhaps even $250,000 annually.
Five-day-a-week second-string anchors probably make in the neighborhood of $120,000 and weekend anchors probably pull down about $70,000, according to our broadcasting insider.
KDKA and WPXI both adhere to American Federation of Television and Radio Artists minimums that range from $40,000 to $46,000 for entry-level on-air talent. After six years of experience, the minimum range is $52,000 to $54,000. At one time, veteran reporters in this market made upwards of $80,000, although our broadcasting insider isn't sure that's still the case today.
Q:Why does "Alias" run two minutes over the hour, resulting in "Eyes" being sharply cut off?
- Audrey Sweeney, Pittsburgh
Hmmm, "Eyes" shouldn't be getting cut off, but "Alias" does run long in an effort to carry viewers over to "Eyes." It's a relatively recent phenomenon networks have adopted that we've written about in the past (see third item here: www.post-gazette.com/pg/05031/450358.stm)
Q:Was Jennifer Morrison forced to leave "House" or did she leave on her own? While Omar Epps' character is likable, it seems hers was the truly sympathetic one. The villain is so one-dimensional and now it is a boys club - has it lost its edge already?
Don't count Morrison's character out yet. I've heard nothing about the actress leaving the series, so stay tuned to see how the plot develops.
Q:Rob, what do you think of the candidates on "The West Wing?" I was surprised that Santos chose Leo McGarry, who has health problems, is divorced, an alcoholic, and was involved with Castro. I guess it's a good way to keep the actor on the show after the Bartletts leave.
Who else won't be back? I hope they get rid of C.J., Toby, and that Chenoweth woman. I can't stand the way they recite their scripts like rapid-fire robots! Nobody speaks that way in real life!
- Melanie, Pittsburgh
We don't know yet who will be back on "West Wing" and who won't be. It certainly seems like either Toby or C.J. might be going to jail. Perhaps it will depend which actor is unwilling to take a pay cut. NBC renewed "West Wing" but at a much lower license fee, so the budget axe is going to swing.
Personally, I'd rather see Alan Alda's Sen. Vinick become the next president. Given that he's a moderate Republican in a more conservative party, there's more built-in drama than if Santos wins, but I think Santos will be the next "West Wing" president (Smits would bring better demos to the show than Alda).
As for choosing Leo as VP, that seemed a little insane and totally unrealistic for all the reasons you mention.
Q:This past week saw the debut of "Revelations" on TV and the old ABC show "Miracles" released on DVD, complete with unaired episodes. In these days of spiritually themed programming, is there any chance that "Nothing Sacred" might be released on DVD. It was another good "spiritual" show that didn't get to complete its run but might be appreciated on DVD.
- Dennis Sullivan, McKees Rocks
Much as I'd like to see "Nothing Sacred" on DVD (it has several unaired episodes, too), it's not currently on the schedule at www.tvshowsondvd.com
Q:On the series "Without a Trace," did Vivian pass away in real life? At the end of the episode last evening, it said in memory of Nicole. I did not see the last name. When did she pass and what was the cause?
- Nancy, Pittsburgh
No, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who plays Vivian on "Without a Trace," is alive. Nicole DeHuff was an actress who played a missing pregnant woman in a first season episode. She recently died of pneumonia.
Q:Do you have any idea why A&E ran the fifth season of "Third Watch" so out-of-order, even going to far as to intersperse episodes from other seasons. It was confusing, and I don't know if I watched the entire fifth season or not.
- Jay, Squirrel
This is not unusual. For some reason, when shows go into syndication - on cable or on local affiliates - the episodes are often run out of order. I hate this practice too, but it seems to be driven by episodes that are more promotable and those that had better ratings when they first aired in prime time.
Can you tell me what in the world is going on with WTAE news this past week? Where did DeNardo Weather go? Why did they change all their news anchors around?
- Jennifer McCleary, Pittsburgh
We wrote about the changes to WTAE's weather brand last week (www.post-gazette.com/pg/05102/486581.stm). There has been no change in anchors, it's called V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. Even TV news people get some time off, especially right before or right after a sweeps period. May sweeps begins in one week and all your favorite TV news anchors will be back in the time slots that you expect to find them in.
Q:What is the renewal status of "Jack and Bobby" and "House?" The former has slipped some but it still beats most network programs in quality. I assume that "American Idol" is giving "House" a good lead-in but is it holding its own? I love to see Hugh Laurie using such a wonderful American accent.
- Julie Ritz, Franklin Park
"House" was renewed for a second season last month. My gut says "Jack & Bobby" will be canceled, but we won't know for sure until May 17, when The WB unveils its fall schedule.
COMMENTS
Regarding the question of 7 April about the starting times of late night programs, be advised that "The Tonight Show" starts at 11:34:30, not 11:35. This way you can see who's on the show, then while Jay's playing up to the audience you can switch over to "Letterman" or "Nightline" to see what's going on there. I'm sure their intent is to grab your attention first, but it works in the reverse for me. If anyone ever wants to tape "Tonight," it's best to set your VCR for 11:34 to see who's on.
- Dan Rennard, New Castle
Someone's really watching the clock.
First Published: April 21, 2005, 4:00 a.m.
