Orlando Magic rank 5th in Thursday ratings locally — behind CBS reruns
J.J. Redick drives to the basket in the second quarter of the Orlando Magic game Thursday against the New York Knicks. Photo credit: Joshua C. Cruey/Orlando Sentinel
The Orlando Magic won their fifth game in a row Thursday — and they placed fifth in the ratings locally for the night.
The Magic’s victory over the New York Knicks pulled in 88,700 viewers for the night, according to preliminary ratings released this morning. TNT presented the game.
Other top sporting events in the local ratings Thursday were the Music City Bowl (North Carolina beat Tennesse) on ESPN with 84,800 viewers and the Pinstripe Bowl (Syracuse beat Kansas State) on ESPN with 66,300 viewers. We’ll have updated ratings next week.
What’s up with Brad Conway? WESH explains his new case
Brad Conway, left, was in court with George and Cindy Anthony last year. Photo credit: Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel
WESH-Channel 2 gave Brad Conway, former attorney for George and Cindy Anthony, a prominent place in the news tonight.
First, Conway popped up in a WESH recap of the Casey Anthony case over the past year. Conway was a surprising presence. He played analyst and wondered what happened to all the money in Anthony’s defense fund. Why was he there?
We soon found out. Bob Kealing returned with a separate report on Conway, who took on a new, high-profile client last week. Anchor Martha Sugalski billed the Conway interview as an exclusive.
That client is the wife of the bipolar man, Clay Duke, who shot a gun at a Panama City school board meeting before he took his own life.
Conway told Kealing that Rebecca Duke “had no idea that her husband was going to do such a heinous thing. Rebecca Duke is accused of no crime, but people are scorning her because of her husband’s actions, Conway said.
Conway “plans on continuing to be her go-between the police and the media,” Kealing reported.
Conway described his role as advisory — similar to how he worked for George and Cindy Anthony, the parents of Casey Anthony. Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.
Casey Anthony: Will heart-shaped sticker be part of trial?
Caylee Anthony's mother is accused of her murder.
Will Casey Anthony’s defense team be successful in keeping any mention of a heart-shaped sticker out of her murder trial? Stations offered starkly different speculation tonight.
On WESH-Channel 2, Orlando attorney Richard Hornsby predicted that Chief Judge Belvin Perry will find in the defense’s favor. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the prosecution simply conceded on this specific issue,” Hornsby said.
But WFTV-Channel 9 legal analyst Bill Sheaffer predicted the sticker will be part of the trial and that it will be an emotional issue for the jury. “My opinion [is] that this is a matter of weight and credibility of the evidence, not so much a matter of admissibility,” Sheaffer said.
Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee. An FBI lab technician found heart-shaped residue on duct tape placed over the toddler’s mouth, according to a detective’s report.
But in a defense motion filed late Tuesday, Jose Baez wrote, “The alleged existence of this phantom image was only seen for a fleeting moment by two fingerprint examiners who did nothing to preserve it or even photograph it so it could be seen by others.”
Baez also wrote: “Despite their complete lack of basis in fact, these reckless and patently untrue statements have exploded in the media and quickly spiraled out of control. There is now a common public perception, contrary to fact, that actual residue of a sticker was found on the duct tape.”
How crucial is the sticker in the case? WFTV’s Jeff Deal said, “If it is admitted, Sheaffer says defense attorneys will likely tell the jurors they shouldn’t give it any kind of credibility. But if it’s not allowed, he says he doesn’t think it’s going to make or break the case because it’s just one small piece in a whole chain of circumstantial evidence.”
Then there’s the matter of the tape itself. On WESH, Hornsby said, “The Henkel brand tape is just something that seems to concretely connect tape found on Caylee to Casey Anthony because it was found at her home.”
Casey Anthony: WESH, WFTV analyze ‘battle of bug experts’
Caylee Anthony: Her mother is charged with her murder.
The state deposed a bug expert on Casey Anthony’s team today, and WESH-Channel 2 foresaw “the battle of bug experts.”
The reason: The defense entomologist, Dr. Tim Huntington, was trained by the state’s expert, Dr. Neal Haskell.
What could that connection mean? “This could make Huntington’s job more treacherous in Anthony’s murder trial,” WESH’s Bob Kealing speculated.
Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee. As WESH has reported, Haskell has formulated that Caylee’s remains were dumped near the Anthony family home in June or July 2008.
Kealing explained that Huntington will be there to support the defense view that the toddler’s remains were dropped there later — after Casey Anthony was jailed.
Orlando attorney Richard Hornsby, who offers analysis for WESH, sized up the entomologist battle this way: “Why should you believe the trainee over the trainer?” Hornsby saw this challenge: If Huntington discredits Haskell, Huntington will discredit himself.
WFTV-Channel 9’s Jeff Deal said the case could hinge on the coffin flies that Haskell found in Casey Anthony’s trunk — evidence a dead body had been there. “With so much circumstantial evidence that will be presented, the defense needs to start poking holes in the forensic evidence,” Deal said.
Deal noted that Huntington, who is based in Nebraska, was deposed via Skype. WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said Huntington will attack the evidence found in the trunk. “If Caylee’s remains are associated with either Casey’s automobile or the residence, it certainly is strong indication that Casey was responsible for Caylee’s death,” Sheaffer said.
Deal also weighed in on the bug-expert battle: “Our legal expert says even if the forensic experts do cancel each other out in terms of who jurors believe, the defense will still have an uphill battle because of all the circumstantial evidence that points towards Casey.”
WESH’s Kealing reported the defense team late today filed a motion “asking to throw out potentially inflammatory evidence that someone put a heart-shaped sticker on the duct tape across Caylee Anthony’s skull. Now the FBI admitted that the evidence of the sticker residue on the tape was destroyed during fingerprint tests. … The defense says it was never there.”
WFTV also noted that Casey Anthony is expected to be at a hearing at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Prosecutors want sanctions against the defense team and accuse the team of ignoring Judge Belvin Perry’s orders to provide specific evidence about what defense witnesses will testify about, anchor Vanessa Welch said.
Jon Stewart like Edward R. Murrow: Are you kidding?
Did Edward R. Murrow host the Oscars? Jon Stewart did two years ago. Photo credit: Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo
Many viewers rightly admire Jon Stewart for his deft skewering of the pretentious and hypocritical.
But a New York Times analysis Monday took the high regard for the “Daily Show” host to new levels of adoration. He was compared to CBS News legend Edward R. Murrow. The reasons: Stewart helped gain support in Congress for health-care funding for 9-11 responders.
Stewart like Murrow? I can’t believe that’s what any comedian wants. Yes, it’s nice to be compared to the serious, dignified, truth-seeking Murrow. But a comedian needs to be, well, funny.
I can’t wait to hear what Stewart has to say about that comparison on “The Daily Show.” I have a feeling he’ll mock it. He should.
Stewart did something admirable in helping the 9-11 responders, but let’s not get carried away. Losing perspective isn’t funny. The comparisons make me wonder if people know Murrow.
Murrow may be best known to many people today as a figure in the George Clooney movie “Good Night, and Good Luck.” I talked to Walter Cronkite, Andy Rooney and other veteran newsman about that movie five years ago.
No ‘Sunday Night Football’ means victories for Fox, CBS
A tourist poses with the Rocky statue in snowy Philadelphia on Sunday. Photo credit: Jacqueline Larma/AP Photo
NBC was the biggest loser Sunday night when the NFL pulled “Sunday Night Football” because of the blizzard.
The Minnesota Vikings will play the Philadelphia Eagles at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Philly on NBC.
Early ratings show CBS pulling in the most viewers Sunday night, and Fox delivering the most young adults. The most-watched program in prime time was the football overrun on Fox, which averaged 19.1 million viewers in the 7 p.m. half-hour, according to the early ratings.
The averages for the night were CBS with 8.6 million viewers, Fox with 8.2 million, ABC with 6.2 million for “The Sound of Music” and NBC with 4.4 million. NBC offered reruns of “Minute to Win It” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” along with “Football Night in America.” Fox aired reruns of its comedies; “The Simpsons” was the standout with 6.4 million viewers. CBS delivered reruns of “60 Minutes” (11.8 million), “Undercover Boss” (8.4 million), “CSI: Miami” (6.9 million) and “The Mentalist” (7.3 million).
This week: Kennedy Center Honors; Blake Edwards tribute; Gina Gershon on ‘Glory Daze’; New Year’s Eve celebrations
The Kennedy Center Honorees include, from left, Merle Haggard, a delighted Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney. Photo credit: John Paul Filo/CBS
There aren’t a lot of new episodes in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But there are some notable exceptions.
TNT wraps up a two-part “Closer” at 9 p.m. Monday. Mary McDonnell, Frances Sternhagen and Barry Corbin guest star. A new “Men of a Certain Age” follows at 10 p.m. Monday; Penelope Ann Miller guest stars. TBS presents a new episode of “Glory Daze” at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Gina Gershon is a guest star.
The week’s biggest program is the “Kennedy Center Honors” at 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS. The honorees are Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, country legend Merle Haggard, choreographer Bill T. Jones and Broadway composer Jerry Herman (“La Cage aux Folles,” “Mame” and “Hello, Dolly!”) The high points include Jennifer Hudson’s soaring song for Winfrey, Steven Tyler’s energetic performance for McCartney and the epic production number for Herman headlined by Angela Lansbury, Carol Channing and Chita Rivera.
TCM salutes the late director Blake Edwards with five of his movies on Monday night. The films are “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” at 8; “Days of Wine and Roses” at 10, “The Pink Panther” at midnight, “Victor/Victoria” at 2 a.m. (Tuesday) and “Operation Petticoat” at 4:30 a.m. (Tuesday).
New Years’ Eve will marked across many channels Friday night. I’ll have more on these celebrations later this week. But choosing a channel is a lot like deciding which host’s party you want to attend. The notable hosts are Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest on ABC, Carson Daly on NBC, Nancy O’Dell on Fox, Anderson Cooper and Nancy Griffin on CNN and Megyn Kelly and Bill Hemmer on Fox News Channel.
From left, Broadway legends Chita Rivera, Angela Lansbury and Carol Channing sing the praises of composer Jerry Herman. Photo credit: Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS
Was Lady Gaga the biggest entertainment story of 2010?
Lady Gaga accepts Video of the Year from Cher, right, at the MTV Video Music Awards in September. Photo credit: Matt Sayles/AP Photo
CNN has counted down the top entertainment stories of 2010, and coming in at No. 1 was Lady Gaga, who had an amazing year with big sales, award recognition and a meat dress.
The other top stories on CNN’s list:
2. Mel Gibson’s relationship problems
3. Charlie Sheen’s troubles
4. Lindsay Lohan’s troubles
5. Celebrity breakups — the channel listed Sandra Bullock, Eva Longoria Parker and the Scarlett Johansson-Ryan Reynolds split
6. The popularity of “Jersey Shore”
7. Bristol Palin’s performance on “Dancing With the Stars”
8. The Conan O’Brien-Jay Leno drama at NBC
9. The shakeup in judges at “American Idol”
10. Michael Douglas’ battle against cancer
Why is it that trouble makes such a big impression? I think Betty White’s incredible year was bigger news than the problems of Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen or Lindsay Lohan.
Other great entertainment stories: Kathryn Bigelow of “The Hurt Locker” was the first woman to win the best director Oscar. Jackie Evancho wowed the nation via “America’s Got Talent.” “Lost” ended its run in a way that had viewers talking. “Avatar” became the biggest hit in movie history and reignited an interest in 3D. “The Walking Dead” created a sensation with just six episodes about a zombie apocalypse.
Did the CNN list leave you gaga?
Casey Anthony: Jose Baez blasts Roy Kronk report as ‘100 percent false’
Jose Baez speaks at an evening hearing in the Casey Anthony case earlier this month. Photo credit: Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel
So what about reports that Casey Anthony’s attorneys have dropped plans to suggest that Roy Kronk is a suspect in Caylee Anthony’s murder?
Not so, WKMG-Channel 6 reports. “Anthony’s attorney Jose Baez tells Local 6 that reports he is backing off the meter reader are ‘100 percent false,’ ” anchor Jessica Sanchez said this morning.
Kronk was the meter reader who found the toddler’s remains two years ago. Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter. Her trial begins in May.
WKMG noted that the defense was required to call for a court hearing on the Kronk matter by Thursday. “The hearing never occurred,” Sanchez said.
WFTV-Channel 9 speculated that the defense was dropping the Kronk-as-suspect strategy because of that deadline. “The defense had until today to ask Chief Judge Belvin Perry to bring those accusations against Kronk into the trial so a jury could hear them. It did not happen,” WFTV’s Kathi Belich reported last night.
WFTV evidently hadn’t talked to Baez, but based its story on the deadline. Or maybe Baez wouldn’t talk to WFTV; he has shown disdain for the station’s reporting.
The friction between Baez and WFTV adds a fascinating wrinkle to the coverage.
Merry Christmas! Ralphie lands at 8 p.m. Friday on TBS
Peter Billingsley hit his target in making "A Christmas Story" a classic. Photo credit: MGM
The best Christmas movies bring back the memories. And television will supply the fare for a long sentimental journey, if you’re inclined.
***”A Christmas Story,” the saga of Ralphie and that Red Ryder BB Gun, gets its 24-hour marathon. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve on TBS. The 1983 classic stars Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon and Peter Billingsley.
***“It’s a Wonderful Life” gives us James Stewart, Donna Reed and the marvelously mean Lionel Barrymore. Frank Capra’s 1946 fantasy plays at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve on NBC.
***”The Man Who Came to Dinner” is the highly enjoyable 1941 version of the play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. TCM screens it at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve. Monty Woolley repeated his Broadway role as the critic who upsets a household with his extended stay. Warner Bros. added Bette Davis and Ann Sheridan.
***How about a singing “Scrooge”? Albert Finney fills the role in a colorful 1970 version of “A Christmas Carol.” TCM delivers the movie at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.
***”The Bishop’s Wife” presents Cary Grant as an angel. How do you like that concept? The 1947 fantasy was a best-picture Oscar nominee for that year. Loretta Young and David Niven co-star. TCM presents the movie at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve.
***”Make Way for Tomorrow” is the movie for people who need a good cry. Victor Moore and Beulah Bondi play an elderly couple in this heartbreaking 1937 drama from director Leo McCarey. TCM presents the movie at 10 p.m. Christmas Eve. McCarey won the best director Oscar for that year for “The Awful Truth,” a first-rate comedy. In his acceptance speech, McCarey said he won for the wrong movie; he was more proud of “Make Way for Tomorrow.” You’ll see why.
***”Remember the Night” is a movie to remember for its warmth, charm and romantic chemistry. Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray are the well-matched stars. TCM presents the 1940 comedy at midnight Friday night — yes, it’s the perfect way to start Christmas. These two performers are a long way from “Double Indemnity.” Beulah Bondi co-stars in this one; Preston Sturges wrote the delightful script.
*** Judy Garland sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in “Meet Me in St. Louis.” TCM offers that splendid 1944 musical at 2 a.m. Christmas Day.
***”Miracle on 34th Street” is the beloved 1947 fantasy with an Oscar-winning Santa in Edmund Gwenn. AMC presents this charmer at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara co-star. This, too, was a best-picture Oscar nominee for 1947. (“Gentleman’s Agreement” won for that year.)
***”White Christmas”is a splashy 1954 musical that brings together Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen and the music of Irving Berlin. Michael Curtiz directed. AMC offers it at 10:15 p.m. Christmas Eve.
***”Love Actually” is a 2003 comedy-drama about Brits in love. Lifetime presents the movie at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. The excellent cast includes Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant and Keira Knightley.
How do you like those enduring gifts from Hollywood?
And there are more:
***”Scrooged,” the 1988 comedy with Bill Murray and Karen Allen, gets the marathon treatment from AMC. The showsings start at 10 a.m. Christmas Day and continue until 6 a.m. the next day.
***If you’re up early Christmas Day, TCM will offer the 1933 version of “Little Women” at 6 a.m. Katharine Hepburn and Joan Bennett are exceptional in the film. George Cukor directed.
***”The Shop Around the Corner” is a 1940 comedy whose reputation continues to climb. And for good reason. Check it out at 8 a.m. Christmas Day to see the wonderful stars Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart and Frank Morgan. The main reason it’s a classic: director Ernst Lubitsch, who was famous for his filmmaking touch.
***Need more Scrooge? TCM presents the 1938 version of “A Christmas Carol” at 11:45 a.m. Christmas Day.
***”Ben-Hur” opens with the Nativity and presents a thrilling adventure about a wronged man (Charlton Heston) whose encounters with Jesus change his life. TCM presents the 1959 epic at 1 p.m. Christmas Day. The winner of 11 Oscars, including best picture, contains the classic chariot race and a memorably nasty villain played by Stephen Boyd. He received no Oscar recognition, but Boyd keeps this movie fresh.
***”King of Kings,” the 1961 epic version of the story of Jesus, airs at 5 p.m. Christmas Day on TCM. Jeffrey Hunter played the title role. The director was Nicholas Ray.