The story – in 30-minute episodes -- begins as the Stoneybrook, Conn., kids begin their babysitting business.

Alicia Silverstone stars as the mother of Kristy Thomas and love interest of Watson Brewer (Mark Feuerstein).

Author Ann M. Martin is a producer on the 10-episode first season alongside showrunner Rachel Shukert (“GLOW”).

Q: My kids and I love "Floor is Lava" on Netflix.  I read it's filmed in an abandoned Ikea in Burbank, Calif. Is that true? Do they strike the set between seasons? (Please tell me there will be more seasons!) Are all the lava "rooms" just the same room redressed over and over? And is the water hot?

-JUSTIN, SQUIRREL HILL

Rob: Netflix confirmed the show was filmed in a former Ikea in Burbank in 2019. Just one season was filmed (so far; no word on a second season yet). The course was built over a tank that housed roughly 80,000 gallons of "lava," with an additional 20,000 gallons on reserve.

Netflix would not address the temperature of the water or if the set was struck. Often shows do strike sets between seasons – but not always, depends on the show, type of set and cost to rent the soundstage versus the cost to strike the set and rebuild it again -- but I’m not sure the protocol when something like a pool is involved.

As far as whether there are multiple room sets or just one, it’s probably either one or two room sets. I think it would be time/cost prohibitive to have to re-light too many sets but it might be cost-effective to have two sets so you can be filming on one and then readying the second. But based on seeing the show, my best guess is it’s just one set re-dressed over and over.

Q: Is “Nancy Drew” coming back to The CW? It was a good show and the last episode did not seem to close out the story.
-JAIME, MARS, PA.

Rob: Like so many other shows, “Nancy Drew” had to shut down production before it completed its season order. So the episode that aired last was not intended to be the season finale. 

The CW renewed “Nancy Drew” for a second season in January.

Q: Any word on when season three of “Jack Ryan” or a “Grand Tour” special will air?

Also any chance at all “Live PD” returns?

-JOHN, PITTSBURGH

Rob: Given the language in the “Live PD” announcement that A&E would “cease production” but never used the word “canceled,” I fully expect the show – or a show like it -- will return at some point with some tweaks on some network. “Live PD” was too successful. Even when ABC canceled “Roseanne,” “The Conners” still emerged from it.

Amazon Prime Video’s “Jack Ryan” has not yet begun production on season three and given the current pandemic – and entertainment execs moving the goal posts (first July, now August for production to resume for many series) -- it seems like it will be a while before filming can begin.

An Amazon publicist for “Grand Tour” did not respond to John’s question.

Q: Where is ABC’s “Holey Moley” filmed? Seems like they always have winter coats on.

-DEB VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: It’s filmed in Santa Clarita, Calif., on the same location as Fox’s short-lived “Utopia.”  “Holey Moley” is filmed in winter (for airing in the summer) so it can get chilly at night when they shoot (chilly by Los Angeles standards, not Pittsburgh standards.

Q: WPXI's sports show "The Final Word" has been doing their shows using Zoom since the pandemic was declared in the U.S. in March rather than from the Channel 11 studios. Part of the show's format is reading viewers social media posts on the show. However, for some reason they haven't been doing that since they have been doing these shows via Zoom, and I really can't understand why.  I mean if they have the technology to still put on these shows week in and week out, shouldn't reading viewers Twitter and Facebook posts not be an issue?

-JOE VIA EMAIL

Rob: My guess is with sports being sidelined, there would be less social media chatter about sporting events – although there is still plenty of news about sports and efforts to bring different leagues back -- and maybe not as much online commentary worth including in the show.

“We expect ‘The Final Word’ guests to be back in the studio in the next several weeks,” said WPXI news director Scott Trabandt. “We are all still learning the best way to do shows remotely, and to include audience interaction within them. We thank the loyal audience of ‘The Final Word’ and expect the show to be better than ever when the sports world gets back in gear soon.”

Q: I enjoy your column and find it very informative! As I sit here and watch WTAE, I have to ask why in the world do they have their reporters begin their field report in a mask and then foolishly explain that they and their “photographer” (should be videographer, another pet peeve!) are alone and they are removing the mask, almost EVERY SINGLE TIME?!?!
Obviously rehearsed and aggravating to the point that if I had a better option I’d switch!  Just begin without the mask, we’re not stupid!
-CHUCK, CRANBERRY TWP.

Rob: Based on the rising number of COVID-19 cases as well as people and businesses refusing to mask up, I respectfully disagree with Chuck’s assertion about the collective "we." 

What Chuck describes doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, I appreciate the transparency and the positive social modeling being demonstrated. Is it rehearsed? Sure, but usually news reporters rehearse their reports before giving them on air so that’s not new.

###

It gets off to a jaw-dropping start with a bit of news footage from the 50^th anniversary in 1970. A man says, “So remember, men, if you come to work tomorrow and your secretary refuses to do the filing and you go home and find your wife has refused to do the cooking, you can’t blame them. Remember, you gave them the vote 50 years ago.”

The four-hour program airs locally on WQED-TV, jumping back in time to Britain’s suffragettes in the 19^th century before exploring the racism that developed in the American suffragist movement after the Civil War. The history proves less straight-forward than one might think with millions of women getting the opportunity to vote before passage of the 19^th amendment and millions prohibited from voting after, particularly African-American women in the South.

Tuesday’s second part advances to 1915 as two factions attempt to secure women’s right to vote at a national level after state-level defeats.

Actress Kate Burton narrates the film which features the voices of actresses Mae Whitman (as Alice Paul), Audra McDonald (Ida B. Wells), Laura Linney (Carrie Chapman Catt) and Patricia Clarkson (Harriot Stanton Blatch).

Q: I was so chagrined to see that “Council of Dads” has not been renewed.  It was one I really looked forward to each week. The portrayals were all so genuine, the story itself nicely fleshed out with multiple things going on, and the finale concluded with a three-point cliffhanger: hurricane damage, Larry's downward spiral, and the future of the Crab Shack property in limbo. As it ended, I found myself wondering when the story would pick up again to see how everybody, and every situation, fared!

Any chance they'll revisit this decision?

-C.H., SWISSVALE

Rob: I never say never anymore but it seems unlikely given the show’s low ratings and lack of social media buzz.

Q: Did ABC actually cancel “GMA3: Strahan, Sarah and Keke”? I read it online earlier this morning.

-ERIC VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: I think so. Last week ABC News president James Goldston sent a note to the news division announcing a new executive producer for “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” the show that replaced “GMA3: Strahan, Sarah and Keke” at the start of the pandemic. It seems unlikely they’d make that announcement if “What You Need to Know” was still being considered temporary replacement programming.

An ABC News publicist did not respond to an email seeking clarification on the future of “GMA3: Strahan, Sarah and Keke” but other outlets have suggested it’s done, too. 

Q: Could you please tell me the channel number for Disney + so I may watch "Hamilton"?

-BETSY, BRIGHTON HEIGHTS

Rob: I hate to break it to Betsy but Disney+ is a streaming service, not a cable channel. Some cable customers can subscribe to Disney+ through their cable/satellite service, including Verizon, but not Comcast. It’s also available on Apple TV, Amazon devices, Google Chromecast, Playstation4, Xbox One, Roku and many smart TVs.

Q: My kids love “Star Wars” so we were intrigued by an announcement last year about a “Star Wars” reality competition show coming to Disney+. Then I stumbled upon it airing on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel instead. What happened? Was it not up to the standards of Disney+?

-JUSTIN, SQUIRREL HILL

Rob: With “Star Wars” there is a history of disowning projects, whether it’s the atrocious “Star Wars Holiday Special” from 1978 or the adult animated comedy Lucasfilm developed and produced just before Disney bought the company and then was never heard of again, “Star Wars: Detours.” 

I had no idea “Jedi Temple Challenge” had premiered on YouTube. Never got a press release or anything and my family had been looking forward to it, too. After watching two episodes on YouTube, I do suspect it wasn’t up to snuff for Disney+.

While host Ahmed Best (AKA the actor who played Jar-Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy) does a fine job as a Jedi host, the game play is so similar episode-to-episode that it really is nearly as see-one-episodes-you’ve-seen-them-all kind of show. Even Netflix’s “Floor is Lava” changes up its competition space episode-to-episode.

I’m told the move was announced on StarsWars.com in May -- but how many more people would have learned about it if they’d sent an announcement to entertainment journalists? Or maybe they didn’t want questions about why it moved from Disney+ -- with Lucasfilm’s senior director of Online Content & Programming Mickey Capoferri saying, “With so many children and families home and looking to Star Wars for hope and entertainment, we wanted to make Jedi Temple Challenge available to as many young fans as possible by airing the series on our Star Wars Kids network for everyone to enjoy.”

Q: Any word on when AMC's "Fear the Walking Dead" is slated to start, or even resume production on the series?

-CHAD VIA E-MAIL

Rob: My understanding is the shutdown happened during the planned production break between the first and second halves of the season. So it’s possible the first half of the season could air before they’re able to resume production on the second half of the season (no date to restart filming has been announced).

A “Fear the Walking Dead” panel has been announced for Comic Con @Home sometime between July 23-26 and I suspect we’ll get a better sense of AMC’s plans then.

Q: Hopefully, you can settle a bet: On “This is Us,” the actors portraying the high school version of the triplets don't seem to have aged after four seasons of appearing in the flashbacks. Is it possible that the story lines of the entire series are known and their scenes have already been filmed for the entire run of the series?  Thanks in advance for your insights.

-BRIAN, BRENTWOOD

Rob: Although “This is Us” executive producer Dan Fogelman has said some scenes fro the series finale and later episodes have already been filmed, for the most part the teen actors film episodes each season along with the rest of the cast. The teen actors have aged and the characters they play have also aged each season the show has been on the air (this past season, for instance, we saw them after Jack’s death, not before).

Also, in order for them to have filmed all their storylines for the next two seasons, that means scripts for the remainder of the series have all been written and – other than a few scenes already dreamed up and filmed -- that’s simply not the case.

Q: Has Danielle Dozier departed WPXI?

-GARY VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.

###

THE TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 

2020 TCA AWARD NOMINATIONS

HBO Leads All Networks with 16 Nominations, HBO’s Hit “Watchmen” and the Netflix Drama “Unbelievable” Lead All Series with Four Nominations Each 

Other Notable Nominees Include the Disney+ Epic “The Mandalorian,” ESPN’s “The Last Dance,” Hulu’s “Ramy,” HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” FX on Hulu’s “Mrs. America” and AMC’s “Better Call Saul”

The 36th Annual TCA Awards will be Announced Late Summer

LOS ANGELES - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Today the Television Critics Association (TCA) announced the nominees for the organization’s 36^TH annual TCA Awards. The 2020 TCA Awards put the spotlight on an eclectic roster of television content spanning a variety of platforms and genres, as it celebrates the best series, creators and stars of the 2019-2020 season. More than 200 professional television critics and journalists from the United States and Canada voted for programming showcased on broadcast, cable and streaming outlets.

The TCA presents awards in several different categories honoring outstanding achievements in news and information, youth, reality, drama, comedy, miniseries, and sketch/variety shows. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be a formal in-person awards presentation. Winners will be announced later this summer. 

HBO leads the pack for the second consecutive year, scoring 16 nominations. Netflix follows with 10 nominations, while FX/FX on Hulu earned seven nods. Hulu and PBS/PBS Kids are tied for fourth with six nominations, and NBC has five. Rounding out the rest are AMC and Pop TV with three nominations each; CBS/CBS All Access and Disney+ with two; and ABC, AppleTV+, Bravo TV, Comedy Central, ESPN, MSNBC and TBS, which each have one

This year’s nominees reflect the expansiveness of the TV landscape, fueled by first-year series such as “Watchmen,” “Ramy” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” as well as stars and creators such as Issa Rae, Regina King, and Ramy Youssef, among others. This was also a strong year for newly launched streaming services Disney+ and AppleTV+, whose original offerings “The Mandalorian,” “Encore!” and “The Morning Show,” respectively, earned the platforms their first nominations in their inaugural seasons.

The 2020 TCA Awards are headlined by the Program Of The Year category, presenting an intriguing matchup that pits three newcomers against three established favorites. The exceptional contenders include: HBO’s riveting and timely tale “Watchmen,” Netflix’s powerful inspired-by-true-events series “Unbelievable,” and FX on Hulu’s second wave feminism docudrama “Mrs. America.” Also in contention is HBO’s darkly comic media dynasty drama “Succession,” AMC’s beloved “Breaking Bad” spinoff “Better Call Saul,” and Pop TV’s hilarious satirical sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.”

“Watchmen” and “Unbelievable” lead all programs with four nominations apiece and find themselves in direct competition in three out of four categories. “Watchmen” seeks to secure wins for Outstanding New Program, as well as for series star Regina King who will face off against “Unbelievable” standouts Kaitlyn Dever and Merrit Wever in the Individual Achievement In Drama category. The two series will meet again as they vie for accolades in Outstanding Achievement In Movie Or Miniseries and the prestigious Program Of The Year award.

“This was an incredible year for television, offering a variety of groundbreaking new series with fresh perspectives and renewed vigor for some veteran favorites,” said Sarah Rodman, TCA President and executive editor at Entertainment Weekly. “Although we sadly will not have the opportunity to gather to honor these creative achievements in person, we look forward to sharing our selections for the season’s top programs when the winners are unveiled later this summer.”

Below is the list of 2020 Television Critics Association nominees, excluding the Career Achievement and Heritage Award winners, which will be announced along with the winners late summer.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA

Cate Blanchett, “Mrs. America” – FX on Hulu 

Kaitlyn Dever, “Unbelievable” – Netflix

Regina King, “Watchmen” – HBO 

Mark Ruffalo, “I Know This Much Is True” – HBO

Rhea Seehorn, “Better Call Saul” – AMC 

Jeremy Strong, “Succession” – HBO 

Merrit Wever, “Unbelievable” – Netflix

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY

Pamela Adlon, "Better Things" – FX

Christina Applegate, "Dead to Me" – Netflix

Elle Fanning, "The Great" – Hulu

Catherine O'Hara, "Schitt's Creek" – Pop TV

Issa Rae, “Insecure” – HBO

Ramy Youssef, "Ramy" – Hulu

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NEWS AND INFORMATION

"60 Minutes" – CBS (2012 Winner in Category)

“Frontline” – PBS (Eight-time Winner in Category)

"Hillary" – Hulu

"The Last Dance" – ESPN

 “McMillions” – HBO

"The Rachel Maddow Show" – MSNBC

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN REALITY

"Cheer" – Netflix

“Encore!” – Disney+

“Holey Moley” – ABC

"Making It" – NBC

"Top Chef All-Stars L.A." – Bravo

"We’re Here!" – HBO

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUTH PROGRAMMING

"Carmen Sandiego" – Netflix

"Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" – PBS Kids (2016 Winner in Category)

"Molly of Denali" – PBS Kids

"Odd Squad" – PBS Kids

“Wild Kratts” – PBS Kids

"Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum" – PBS Kids

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SKETCH/VARIETY SHOWS

“A Black Lady Sketch Show” – HBO

"The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" – Comedy Central

"Full Frontal with Samantha Bee" –TBS

"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" – HBO (2019 and 2018 Winner in Category)

"Late Night with Seth Meyers" – NBC

"Saturday Night Live" – NBC

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIE OR MINISERIES

“Little Fires Everywhere” – Hulu

"Mrs. America" – FX on Hulu

"Normal People" – Hulu

"The Plot Against America" – HBO

"Unbelievable" – Netflix

"Watchmen" – HBO

OUTSTANDING NEW PROGRAM

"The Great" – Hulu

"The Mandalorian" – Disney+

"The Morning Show" – AppleTV+

"Never Have I Ever" – Netflix

"Watchmen" – HBO

"Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist" – NBC

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA

"Better Call Saul" – AMC (2019 Winner in Category)

“The Crown” – Netflix

“Euphoria” – HBO

"The Good Fight" - CBS All Access

"Pose" – FX

"Succession" – HBO

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY

"Better Things" – FX

"Dead to Me" – Netflix

"The Good Place" - NBC (2018 Winner in Category)

"Insecure" – HBO

"Schitt's Creek" – Pop TV

"What We Do in the Shadows" – FX 

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

"Better Call Saul" – AMC 

“Mrs. America” – FX on Hulu

“Schitt’s Creek” – Pop TV

“Succession” – HBO

“Unbelievable” – Netflix

“Watchmen” – HBO

NETWORK TALLY 
HBO – 16

Netflix –10

FX/FX on Hulu – 7

Hulu – 6

PBS/PBS Kids – 6

NBC – 5

AMC – 3

Pop TV – 3

CBS/CBS All Access – 2

Disney+ – 2

ABC – 1

AppleTV+ – 1

Bravo TV – 1

Comedy Central – 1

ESPN – 1

MSNBC – 1

TBS – 1

PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS  

“Watchmen,” HBO – 4

“Unbelievable,” Netflix – 4

“Better Call Saul,” AMC – 3

“Mrs. America,” FX on Hulu – 3

“Schitt’s Creek”, Pop TV – 3

“Succession,” HBO – 3

“Better Things,” FX – 2

“Dead to Me,” Netflix – 2

“The Great,” Hulu – 2

“Insecure,” HBO – 2

Past TCA Award winners are listed on the organization’s official website, tvcritics.org/tca-awards.

ABOUT THE TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION

The Television Critics Association (TCA) represents more than 200 professional journalists who cover television for publications across the United States and Canada. The members reach tens of millions of consumers each week, and are considered experts within the industry, representing their employers as moderators, panelists, radio/TV guests and more. The prestigious organization honors outstanding achievements in television and enduring contributions to the medium’s heritage through the TCA Awards each year. This year’s TCA Awards are the organization’s 36^TH anniversary. For additional information about the TCA, visit www.tvcritics.org; Facebook; and Twitter.

-TCA20-

Campers engage in competitive games during the day and each night one of them will meet his or her untimely demise. One contestant is secretly the mastermind who controls murderous camp handyman Bruce -- a cross between Leatherface and a mummy -- who commits the killings.

Camp counselor Bobby (Canadian comic Bobby Mair, pictured above) oversees the proceedings at Camp Pleasant – the show was filmed in Lithuania – which begins with pretty standard introductions to the predictably attractive cast of scantily-clad twentysomethings, each identified as a type (‘beauty queen,” “film geek,” “joker,” “tough guy”).

“I thought, am I the killer?” says Sian. “But then I thought, nobody told me I’m the killer.”

The secret killer attempts to sabotage the competitions without giving away his or her involvement, causing all the contestants to become wary of others. The show’s sole survivor gets $15,000. (Although made originally for British TV, alternate takes for an international edition were filmed using U.S. dollars).

“Killer Camp” would benefit from more story – three competitions in the premiere episode is one too many – and more clues. The winning team in one competition earns five clues about the killer’s identity that are vague to the point of being useless (“The killer’s favorite celebrity is Danny DeVito!”).

But this silly series deserves kudos for living up to its title. Each eviction is carried out in campy, horror style. At the evening campfire, Bobby tells two contestants one of them has been marked for death by the killer. In the premiere, the two are sent on a Segway tour of the forest where one perishes in gory – over-the-top, bad special effects-style -- detail. All the while Bobby spins a spooky tale of the murder to the other contestants around the campfire. If future episodes can effectively-yet-cheesily ape horror movie conventions with a different method of end-of-show murder each week, “Killer Camp” will prove itself an entertaining summer diversion.

Ambitious secretary Sara Howard (Dakota Fanning) has opened her own private detective agency and reunites with Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Bruhl) and New York Times reporter John Moore (Luke Evans) as she races to find the kidnapped infant daughter of the Spanish Consular.

The Gilded Age story continues to explore themes of the era – institutional corruption, income inequality, women’s rights – that resonate in 2020.

This second season features additional characters from the first go-around, including Marcus (Douglas Smith) and Lucius Isaacson (Matthew Shear), Cyrus (Robert Ray Wisdom) and former NYPD Police Commissioner Thomas Byrnes (Ted Levine).

Q: I recently stumbled upon one of my all-time favorite shows from the ‘90s, “Silk Stalkings,” airing on Z Living.  After 5 seasons as homicide partners (it was on for 7 seasons total), Chris and Rita (Rob Estes and Mitzi Kapture) finally admitted to themselves they were in love (their chemistry was so hot!), secretly got married, and divulged she was pregnant (S5/Ep10&11).  In the very next episode (S5/Ep12) Chris was killed off!!!  What the heck???? Do you have any info as to why they would do that??  It's not as if Rob Estes had to go and do another series.  In fact, we never saw either of them in another series after that, if Im correct.  Can you shed any light on this???  Thanks 

-CAROL, CASTLE SHANNON

Rob: Estes had a raft of credits after “Silk Stalkings,” including “Melrose Place,” “Women’s Murder Club,” “90210,” “Daytime Divas” and “Famous in Love.” 

Coverage from the “Silk Stalkings” era reveal Estes wanted off the show to pursue other opportunities. Rita was only in one episode after that and then Kapture left the show, too (she was off to have her first child), before returning to TV a few years later on “Baywatch.” 

Q: I just finished the third season of “Cardinal” on Hulu and was surprised the fourth season was not available.  I had read it was released in April for CTV (Canadian TV). Is the fourth season coming to Hulu?

-DAN VIA EMAIL

Rob: Maybe? My understanding is there is not yet a deal for season four of “Cardinal” to be on Hulu but negotiations are in progress.

Q: I have basic Hulu that I watch via the Comcast app.  (I had it prior to Comcast offering the app.)  If I upgrade Hulu to the tier that includes Disney + and ESPN + will I be able to watch both of them via the app?

-KITTY, CHARLEROI

Rob: Alas, no, Disney+ is not available through Comcast or the Comcast app even though Hulu is. However, if you have another device beyond Comcast attached to your TV – a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV or Chromecast – you would be able to access your bundle via one of those devices. 

Q: Can you give an update on when CNN will be airing “The Story of Late Night”?  It was supposed to be on back in April but because of the pandemic, CNN did not air.  It was again supposed to be on in June but again CNN decided to air “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” I’d rather watch “The Story of Late Night” and not another Wolf Blitzer Situation Room.”

-CHRIS, MCCANDLESS

Rob: According to Variety, the show was delayed due to pandemic and political coverage and has not been rescheduled. 

Bill Carter, who has covered late night for decades and is a producer on the series, tweeted last week, “Some news for everybody looking fwd to our terrific CNN doc ‘The Story of Late Night’: The waves of news+run-up to election has compelled moving it down road a bit from our scheduled Sunday premiere. All to ensure we can run for 6-weeks straight. I promise: It will be worth the wait!”

I suspect it may not air until after the election or perhaps even later.

Q: When will ABC’s “The Genetic Detective” come back on TV?  I think it is an interesting show and was memorized by it each week.

-ANITA VIA EMAIL

Rob: All six episodes that were produced have aired. No decision has been made on whether ABC will order a second season.

Q: How about suggesting to KDKA that they reduce the amount of local news broadcasts

in the evening and have the CBS news come on at 6:30 PM?  Might help their ratings!

-SAMUEL VIA EMAIL

Rob: But probably not their financial bottom line, which is their primary concern. With national programming, local TV stations get to sell a portion of the ad time. With local programming, including newscasts, local stations get to sell all the ad time and reap all the revenue.

###

Q: Are there any more episodes of “Council of Dads” now?  It is not on the TV schedule tonight (7/16).  Is it over? Please let me know the status of this show as soon as you can.  Thanks.
-PATRICIA VIA EMAIL

Rob: We reported NBC canceled “Council of Dads” last month. There will be no more episodes.

Q: With all the game shows being suspended and just doing re-runs, I was wondering how much the networks are saving on prizes. They are still getting a lot of money for commercials.

-LARRY, RENFREW

Rob: The amount game shows spend on prizes is relatively small compared to the production cost and host’s salary. Products named as prizes on game shows don’t cost the production anything; those prizes are given to the production to give away in exchange for the on-air mentions. 

Q: I believe that “Star Trek: Discovery” films in Toronto. Have you heard anything about when season 3 might debut?

-TONY VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: All 13 episodes were filmed before the pandemic. The show is now in post-production and is expected to stream sometime later this year. But a premiere date has not been announced.

Q: I saw the news of “Dancing with the Stars” replacing Tom Bergeron with Tyra Banks, and the explanation of “wanting to go in a different direction,” and wondered if that was prompted by Bergeron standing up to ABC and publicly fighting their decision to bring Sean Spicer into the cast? I remember he was pushing hard for the idea that DWTS was supposed to be a fun show, a place to escape the tensions of the world, and ABC kept bringing on controversial contestants to, I assume, stoke the ratings. Did that work? Before Tyra was announced as the new host, I saw hints that Randy Rainbow was a possibility. 
-LINDA VIA EMAIL

Rob: Controversial contestants did not really stoke the ratings but I don’t think Bergeron’s statements are what led to him being fired. ABC’s trying to bring in younger viewers and they seem to think Banks will accomplish that. I’m skeptical.

Q: I recently subscribed to CBS All Access. I saw that the series “One Dollar” is still offered. I know it was canceled but being filmed in Pittsburgh I was wondering in your opinion is it worth watching just the one season quality-wise?

-BILL VIA EMAIL

Rob: 100% yes. “One Dollar” was a missed opportunity and is a hidden gem on CBS All Access.

As I noted in my August 2018 review “One Dollar” was the first series to really get the Pittsburgh accent right on screen while also exploring the unique mix of social classes that make up Western Pennsylvania.

The whole gimmick of the dollar bill being passed around was a bit of a mixed bag but the characters created, their relationships and particularly the unique denouement to the murder case make the show worth watching.

Since almost no one knew of let alone watched "One Dollar," I'm curious to see if CBS puts it on its fall schedule when they have to fill time because thei regular shows have been unable to resume production due to the pandemic. It seems like an ideal candidate for fill-in programming even though tonally/structurally it's not a great fit for the CBS brand. 

Q: When will “Beat Shazam” be back on Fox?

-JACKSON, ALBANY, N.Y.

Rob: Fox did produce a complete season of “Beat Shazam” before the pandemic-forced shutdown. The show has not been scheduled. My best guess is Fox is holding back episodes to use as replacement programming in the event the NFL is not able to play Thursday night games this fall or for when the network runs out of programming on another night of the week.

Q: Can you find out for me when "Unforgotten' on Masterpiece, season 4 will air? I had read somewhere that production had begun in January of this year.

-JIM VIA EMAIL

Rob: Production of Season 4 was shut down due to the pandemic. There’s no timetable for when production will resume or when the episodes will air.

Q: Generally speaking, how have the ratings been for daytime talk shows that have performed stripped down, social distancing versions of their programs since the pandemic compared to where they were before the pandemic?  Ex: "Live With Kelly and Ryan", "The View", "The Talk", "Ellen", etc.

-JEREMY VIA EMAIL

Rob: While overall TV ratings rose in the early days of the pandemic, some daytime talk shows saw their ratings erode due to pre-emptions for news coverage. 

And then came better weather, which often depresses ratings, and the reopening of some cities. The week before 4^th of July and again the week of July 12th many daytime series hit or extended their series low ratings nationally.

Q: Is there any news on when Xfinity will add the app for HBO Max?
-LINDA VIA EMAIL

Rob: There is still no deal between Comcast and WarnerMedia to bring an HBO Max app to Xfinity. So there is no news or timetable as to when that might happen.

Q: What is going on with Channel 2. First they let Rick Dayton go and Susan Koeppen also, but now they bring John Shumway to the morning news???

-MARIE VIA EMAIL

Rob: At first I thought maybe Shumway was just subbing in the mornings but his Facebook post from last week suggests morning work is his new assignment, moving him off afternoon reporting. 

Every half-hour from 5-7 a.m. Shumway is in studio to present a local story he’s produced for the morning news. Then he solo anchors the 7-9 a.m. news block on WPCW-TV while doing local cut-ins during “CBS This Morning” on KDKA.

This follows KDKA’s layoff of morning anchor Rich Dayton. Adding Shumway takes some of the load off remaining morning anchor Heather Abraham.

###

The plan is for The CW (WPCW-TV in Pittsburgh) to run season one and then follow it up with season two (if there are no interruptions, season two should begin Oct. 6^th).

Executive produced by Kevin Williamson (“Scream”) “Tell Me a Story” reimagines fairy tales as dark thrillers with season one interweaving “The Three Little Pigs,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Hansel and Gretel.” Actors starring in season one include James Wolk, Billy Magnussen, Dania Ramirez, Paul Wesley and Kim Cattrall.

Season two is inspired by the stories of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella” and features a whole new set of characters with some actors, including Paul Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries”), returning in new roles.

Each episode features two families emptying the contents of their refrigerators for the competition. Photos of the families also decorate the chef’s refrigerators in the studio to give the cooks an idea of what the family might like so they can tailor the meals they whip up accordingly.

“I want to cook for their tastes,” one chef says. “They’re fit people who like protein.”

In the end, the two family’s scores are averaged and one chef is declared the week’s winner.

The premiere episode features a friendly rivalry between chef Matt Basile and Massimo Capra. Mr. Basile is known for getting his start cooking in a food truck; Mr. Capra began his career in Venice, Italy.

Host Emma Hunter interacts winningly with the families, busting the chops of the family with an egg carton full of egg shells.

As with plenty of reality competitions, one wonders if “Fridge Wars” might be stronger with one family at a half-hour rather than the one-hour running time, but for the most part “Fridge Wars” doesn’t feel padded.

PBS, celebrating its 50^th anniversary on Oct. 4, announced “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” produced by Pittsburgh’s Fred Rogers Productions, will be part of “PBS Kids Talk about Race and Racism” (Oct. 9), a half-hour program that will also feature content from “Arthur” and “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.”

PBS president Paula Kerger (pictured above) also announced Henry Louis Gates Jr. will host “The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song” (9 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23).

Gates has resumed filming his PBS series "Finding Your Roots," shooting three new interviews with celebrities who learn about their ancestry using COVID-19 protocols including the addition of a six-foot diameter table so Gates and the celebrity can be physically distanced during the interview.

Kerger said in some ways PBS member stations have fared better in the pandemic than commercial TV stations since PBS doesn't rely on advertising in the same way. While advertisers pulled back from putting commercials on commercial stations, PBS counts on "viewers like you" for donations and member stations "have done reasonabley well" as more people watch PBS stations over TV and online but Kerger does have concerns about member stations affiliated with universities because of the financial pressures colleges are under in the pandemic.

On. Aug. 4 PBS Distribution will launch a documentary-focused Amazon Prime Video Channel, PBS Documentaries, which will include all the films made by PBS filmmaker Ken Burns alongside films from “NOVA,” “Frontline,” “American Masters,” “Nature,” “American Experience,” “Independent Lens” and “POV.” The PBS Documentaries channel will cost $3.99 monthly with an Amazon Prime Membership. (PBS Documentaries complements Amazon's PBS Masterpiece channel, $5.99 monthly, and PBS Living channel, $2.99 monthly.) The complete Ken Burns collection will also be available on PBS Passport, which is available to PBS donors (AKA “viewers like you” who contribute to local stations).

Author Kelly Corrigan will conduct conversations with leaders in their field on “Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan” (9 p.m. Oct. 5).

In early 2021, PBS will premiere a new “American Masters” documentary, “How It Feels to be Free,” about the ways six African-American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged the entertainment industry’s perpetuation of racist stereotypes.

Also in 2021, “Independent Lens” will debut “Mr. SOUL!,” the story of America’s first Black variety show, 1968’s “SOUL!”

Q: What happened to “Billions” on Showtime? It only aired three episodes.

-DAVE VIA PHONE

Rob: My understanding is production on season five of “Billions” was disrupted by the production shutdown due to the pandemic. They had filmed the first seven episodes of the season, which aired in May/June. There are five episodes of the 12-episode order remaining to film when production is able to resume.

Q: ABC has only aired five new episodes each of “Celebrity Family Feud,” “Press Your Luck” and “Match Game” so far this season, with no plans to air any more new episodes until at least Aug. 23. Are they saving them thinking they’re gonna need the programming through September and October?

Rob: Yes, ABC is clearly stockpiling. I’ve been told that with regards to several of the game shows they expect to air new episodes at least through September. To do that, they have to space out new episodes interspersed with reruns over the summer.

Q: I see where Will Sasso is now on the new comedy “United We Fall.” That program is on ABC.  Does that mean he has been written out of CBS’s “Mom” where he played Jill's boyfriend which is on CBS or can he do "double duty."

-MARILYN, CECIL

Rob: My guess is “United We Fall” won’t be back after it’s burned off this summer so Sasso is likely to be available. My understanding is “Mom” writers anticipate his character, Andy, will return but it’s unclear for how many episodes since production remains shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: With daytime soap operas now resuming production after having had to shutdown from the pandemic for months, I was just curious how many shows they usually tape during a given week?  

- JEREMY VIA EMAIL

Rob: In the before times, daytime soaps taped a lot of content really quickly. Their productivity may be hampered somewhat by COVID-19 protocols but at one point in the Before Times “The Bold & the Beautiful” taped eight episodes in a four-day work week although they don’t shoot in order or by episode but by scene, doing as many scenes as possible on one set with those scenes inserted in multiple episodes. 

My understanding is half-hour “B&B” continues to tape at about the same rate even with COVID-19 safety protocols in effect. Hour-long “Y&R” typically shoots four episodes over five days, so about the same amount of content in the same period of time.

Q: What are the chances of either “All My Children” or “One Life to Live” coming back?

-ERIC VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: It seems very unlikely. Daytime scripted series are more expensive to produce than talk shows or news programs so there’s no real financial incentive for networks to revive shows whose ratings had tumbled precipitously when they were canceled.

Q: Any word what Rick Dayton and Susan Koeppen will be doing since KDKA let them go? Will they continue to look for work on another Pittsburgh based news station, will they retire, etc.?

--JOE VIA EMAIL

Rob: As one would expect, they both seem to still be figuring out their next steps.

“I have worked in the broadcast news business for a very long time,” Dayton writes in an e-mail response to Joe’s query. “It is what I know. I am passionate about it, and telling people’s stories is a privilege I will never take for granted. That is why I am continuing to look for TV news opportunities across the country. With that being said, I am from Western Pennsylvania. Our family has been back in Pittsburgh for nearly 11 years. It is our home. It is where our kids grew up, played high school sports, and we have a wonderful church. My wife and I have been involved with a lot of charitable endeavors. That is why I am continuing to reach out to many Pittsburgh businesses and am excited to hear how my other talents and experience may lead to opportunities that may be presented to me. As for retirement, I would love to be able to do that, but I am not sure the golf courses in the region are ready for that just yet.”

Koeppen writes, “Thanks for asking. Here’s what I can tell you. I will be staying in Pittsburgh and I am looking at all my options. Until I decide my next move, people can follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @susankoeppentv. And on Twitter at @susankoeppen. Friends and family have told me for years to write a book about my near-death experience, so I have started on that project. Chapter 1 is underway!”

Q: WPXI’s Shelley Bortz has conducted some interviews with people via Zoom or Skype in a location that looks like a fire station.  You get to see the subject interviewed on her computer like she does.  This interview is aired from a large garage with very huge doors (the same shot is always used). I guess the question is why is the setting for some of Shelly's stories a huge garage?  

Maybe this is a well-known WPXI garage but all you see is Shelley and some huge garage doors.  It looks kind of weird, like Shelly has an office in a local fire station and uses it to file reports..  

Shelley is from Uniontown so we follow her.  We never see any other reporters like Amy Hudak or Mike Holden in this garage, only Shelley. 

-JOHN, UNIONTOWN

Rob: The pandemic has changed a lot of the ways TV stations operate in an effort to protect each station’s employees.

“You are correct, it IS the WPXI garage,” Bortz explained. “Due to the coronavirus all field reporters and photographers have been moved to the garage for our daily operations. This is to keep down the number of people in the building. The only employees allowed in the newsroom are anchors and producers. So, if we have to do a Zoom interview as opposed to an in-person interview we conduct those in the garage on our laptops.”

FEEDBACK

This is a long over-due complaint about the sound conditions on Channel 11. The sound bites that they play preceding various introductions throughout the news broadcasts have gotten so annoyingly loud that it is now ridiculous. The noise is so loud is drowns out the sound of whatever the news anchor is saying.  

PLEASE LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE LOSING LONG-TIME VIEWERS BECAUSE OF THIS. 

Many of the other stations seem to have this annoying pattern as well. Surely the sound people have to be aware. Please forward my complaint to all who might be able to remedy this noise.  

-FLORENCE, PITTSBURGH

But events of season six have some staying power, challenging old friendships as new relationships develop against a backdrop of women’s liberation, social upheaval and scientific growth. And then a body turns up on a canal towpath.

The new season of “Endeavour” airs in three episodes through Aug. 23.

2020 Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award Nominees 

1. NEWSCAST EVENING- LARGER MARKETS (38 & LARGER)
“Channel 11 News at 5pm”- WPXI-TV
Peggy Finnegan, Anchor
Aaron Martin, Reporter
Gordon Loesch, Reporter
Jason LaRosa, Director
Daniel Rinkus, Producer
Amy Moore, Director
Rick Earle, Reporter
Chris Johnston, Photography
Michael Lynch, Producer
Renee Wallace, Reporter

“Eyewitness News at 5pm”- CBS3
Jenn Connor, News Producer

“KDKA News at 5”- KDKA-TV
Kathy Hostetter, News Director

“Massive Church Fire in West Philadelphia”- CBS3
Monica Robinson, Producer

“Noticiero Telemundo 62 a las 6”- WWSI/Telemundo 62
Christine Abreu, News Content Producer
Alberto Rullan, Anchor
Paula Lopez Gil, APC Director
Iris Delgado, Anchor
Miguel Pomales Brown, Photojournalist
Violeta Yas, Weather Anchor

“Police Shootout”- NBC10
Leigh Pullekines, Director
Mike Ingalls, Managing Editor
Maureen Feltz, Producer
Deanna Durante, Reporter
Bob McCone, Master Control Supervisor
Rich Kiss, Executive Producer
Danielle Soyka, Writer
Matt Delucia, Reporter
Colleen Hannon, Writer
Cydney Long, Reporter

2- NEWSCAST EVENING- MEDIUM MARKETS (39 & SMALLER)
“Abc27 News at 11: Judicial Center Incident”- WHTM abc27
Michelle Murmello, Executive Producer
Aish Menon, Producer
Dennis Owens, Anchor
Alicia Richards, Anchor
Allie Berube, Sports Anchor
Jarid Shutt, Director

“News 8 @ 6 March 08 2020”- WGAL-TV
Ronda Keiser, Producer
Kim Lemon, Anchor
John Mason, Executive Producer
Ron Martin, Anchor

“TMI Shutdown – CBS21 News at 5”- WHP CBS21
Tyler Jeski, Producer
William Seiders, Chief Photographer
Larry Lewis, Executive Producer

“WHTM abc27 11:00 p.m. Newscast”- WHTM abc27
Melissa Stricker, Producer
Jeremie Vu, Director
Dennis Owens, Anchor
Alicia Richards, Anchor
Alex Peterson, Reporter
Sarah Gisriel, Reporter

3. NEWSCAST- MORNING- LARGER MARKETS (38 & LARGER)
“Channel 11 Morning News”- WPXI-TV
Katherine Amenta, Anchor
Mike Holden, Reporter
Kate Hartke, Executive Producer
Gordon Loesch, Anchor
Scott Harbaugh, Meteorologist
Jordan Allen, Video Editor
Jennifer Tomazic, Anchor
Liz Kilmer, Reporter
Shawn Twardy, Producer
Trisha Pittman, Traffic Anchor

“Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 This Morning”- WTAE-TV
Hilary Totin, Producer
Nicolas Matoney, Executive Producer

“Telemundo 62 Primera Edición”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Jomary Morales, Producer
Syrmarie Villalobos, Anchor
Alondra Anaya, Weather Anchor
Lucille Rasco, Reporter
Wesley Kotansky Jr, Director
Carlos Delcid, Video Editor
Yaliset Rivera, Content Producer
Freixys Casado, Production Assistant

“The Overnight Explosion”- NBC10
Jenna Yoder, Executive Producer
Brendan Curry, Producer
Christine Mattson, Assignment Editor
Randy Gyllenhaal, Reporter
Matt DeLucia, Reporter
Vai Sikahema, Anchor
Jason Rothman, Writer
Pete Kane, Photojournalist
Lucy Rasco, Anchor
Josh Hersch, Broadcast Technician
Fred Vito, Director

4. NEWSCAST- MORNING- MEDIUM MARKETS (39 & SMALLER)
“69 News at Noon – Oct. 11, 2019”- WFMZ-TV
Jane Babian, Producer

“Abc27 News Daybreak”- WHTM abc27
James Crummel, Anchor
Ali Lanyon, Anchor
Brett Thackara, Meteorologist
Amanda Peterson, Traffic Anchor
Erin English, Producer
Amanda Brothman, Executive Producer

“Honoring A Fallen Hero – CBS21 News at Noon”- WHP CBS21
Tyler Jeski, Producer
William Seiders, Photographer
James Won, Director

“News 8 Today, 08-15-2019”- WGAL-TV
Benjamin Miller, Producer
Jere Gish, Anchor
Lori Burkholder, Anchor

5. GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORT WITHIN 24 HOURS
“En Busca De Justicia”- WWSI/Telemundo62
María Vargas-Pion, News Reporter

Girl Sells Lemonade to Raise Money for K9’s Care”- WFMZ-TV
Jace Codi, Photographer/Video Editor
Jim Vasil, Reporter

“Happy Birthday George!”- WPXI-TV
Lisa Sylvester, Reporter
Chris Johnston, Photographer

“Sin Encontrar a Dulce”- WWSI/Telemundo62
María Vargas-Pion, News Reporter

“Smiles from Ear to Ear”- WGAL-TV
Ben Otte, Producer

6. SPOT NEWS
“Crisis En Puerto Rico”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Frances Vera De Jesus, Producer
Emmanuel López-Capó, Senior Producer
Ana Hernandez, News Director
Syrmarie Villalobos, Reporter
Miguel Pomales Brown, Photographer/Editor
Iris Delgado, Anchor

“Explosión De Gas En Diciembre”- WWSI/Telemundo62
María Vargas-Pion, News Reporter

“Fire at Pocono Manor in Monroe County”- WNEP-TV
Carmella Mataloni, Reporter
Dan Turansky, Photographer/Editor

“Philadelphia Police Standoff & Shooting”- CBS3
Jenn Connor, News Producer
Monica Avery, News Producer
Natasha Brown, News Anchor

“Police Shootout”- NBC10
Keith Jones, Reporter
Steve Archinow, Master Control Supervisor
Aaron Baskerville, Reporter
Mike Erb, Media Specialist
Rich Kiss, Executive Producer
Brenda Carden, Producer
Drew Smith, Reporter
Jason Ryan, Photojournalist
Richard Washington, Executive Producer
Jen Sposato, Producer

“School Van Shooter”- WPXI-TV
Amy Marcinkiewicz, Spot News

7. CONTINUING COVERAGE- NO TIME LIMIT
“Goodbye Kobe”- FOX29
Jillian Esteves, Producer
Donnell Jackson, Executive Producer

“Buscando A Dulce María”- WWSI/Telemundo62
María Vargas-Pion, News Reporter

“Jamie Feden Investigation”-WPXI-TV
Jennifer Tomazic, Anchor
Amy Hudak, Reporter

“Refinery Fire: From the Blast to Its Past”- NBC10
Mike Ingalls, Managing Editor
Keith Jones, Reporter
Danielle Soyka, Writer
Dave Palmer, Photojournalist
Jenna Yoder, Producer
Colleen Hannon, Writer
Bob McCone, Master Control Supervisor
Wes Kotansky, Director

“Terremoto en Puerto Rico”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Syrmarie Villalobos, Reporter
Miguel Pomales Brown, Photojournalist/Editor
Ana Hernandez, Producer

8. TEAM COVERAGE
“Abc27 News: Trump Pence Rally”- WHTM abc27
Michelle Murmello, Executive Producer
Aish Menon, Producer
Valerie Pritchett, Anchor
Dennis Owens, Anchor
Alicia Richards, Anchor
Sarah Gisriel, Reporter
Alex Peterson, Reporter

“Fallen Officer: Final Farewell”- KDKA-TV
Kathy Hostetter, News Director

“Refinery Fireball”- NBC10
Randy Gyllenhaal, Reporter
Danielle Soyka, Producer
Emily Lippiello, Producer
Leigh Pullekines, Director
Lucy Bustamante, Anchor
Colleen Hannon, Producer
Maureen Feltz, Producer

“Turnpike Bus Crash”- WTAE-TV
Connie Stewart, Producer
Nicolas Matoney, Executive Producer
Lia Launtz, Executive Producer
Louis Griffith, Photojournalist
Brian Behler, Photojournalist
Katelyn Sykes, Reporter

“Washington County House Explosion”- WPXI-TV
Michele Newell, Reporter
Sarah Plocki, Producer
Gordon Loesch, Anchor
Cara Sapida, Reporter
Aaron Martin, Reporter
Amy Hudak, Reporter
Peggy Finnegan, Anchor
Ryan Minutello, Photographer
Daniel Rinkus, Producer
Amy Moore, Director

9. INVESTIGATIVE REPORT – SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
“En La Línea De La Muerte”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Syrmarie Villalobos, Reporter
Reece Rosario, Photojournalist
Jomary Morales, Producer
Miguel Pomales Brown, Photojournalist
Carlos Delcid, Editor

“FOX43 Reveals: How Hundreds of Millions of Pain Pills Flooded Our Communities”- WPMT Fox43
Rachel Yonkunas, Investigative Reporter
Jay Groft, Photographer

“Project PA | Caught in A Medical Nightmare”- WHP CBS21
Nathan Yerges, Photojournalist

“Puppy Litter Heartbreak: Local Families Look for Answers, Spark Investigation”- KDKA-TV
Meghan Schiller, Reporter

“Fire Escape Dangers”- CBS3
Crystal Cranmore, Reporter

10. FEATURE NEWS REPORT- LIGHT FEATURE
“Philadelphia Boys Choir Adapts To COVID-19 With Virtual Rehearsals”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Astrid Rodrigues, Producer
Raishad Hardnett, Producer/Videographer/Editor

“Harry Newak Life During and After D-DAY”- WNEP-TV
Corey Burns, Photographer/Editor
Ryan Leckey, Reporter

“Hope”- WHTM abc27
Anthony Durso, Photographer/Editor
Michella Drapac, Reporter

“McDonald’s Employee Celebrates 99th Birthday”- KDKA-TV
Amy Wadas, Reporter
Bryan Orr, Photographer

“More Than Dots”- WFMZ-TV
Karin Mallett, Reporter/Producer
Patrick Manwiller, Photojournalist

11. FEATURE NEWS REPORT- SERIOUS FEATURE
“Behind the Wheel”- WFMZ-TV
Karin Mallett, Reporter/Producer
Patrick Manwiller, Photojournalist

“Children of Priests”- NBC10
Jim Rosenfield, Reporter
Michael Hurst, Editor
Gary Watson, Photographer
John Marcucci, Photographer
Dave Palmer, Photographer

“Flight 427 Coroners”- WPXI-TV
Ashley Bishop-Arick, Producer
Rick Earle, Reporter
Ward Hobbs, Photographer

“Surprise for Terry”- WTAE-TV
Kelly Sasso, Reporter

“The Exorcist”- WHTM abc27
Anthony Durso, Photographer
Dennis Owens, Anchor/Reporter

“Two Months Later: Where Is Dulce Maria Alavez?”- WLVT PBS39
K.C. Lopez, Multimedia Journalist
Jim Deegan, Managing Editor

12. FEATURE NEWS REPORT- SERIES
“DNA Family Secrets Exposed”– NBC10
Jim Rosenfield, Reporter
Wayne Wright, Photographer/Editor

“KDKA Mysteries”- KDKA-TV
John Shumway, Reporter
Ian Smith, Photographer/Editor
Steve Willing, Photographer
Corey Martin, Producer

“Temblores En Puerto Rico: Serie Especial”- WFMZ-TV
Perla Lopez Baray, Producer/Writer
Roberto Vinces, Editor
Chad Blimline, Photographer

“The SEPTA Survey”- NBC10
Matt DeLucia, Reporter
Dan Lee, Photojournalist
Jim O’Donnell, Investigative Producer

“Tree of Life: The Andrea Wedner Story”- KDKA-TV
Susan Koeppen, Anchor/Writer
Ian Smith, Photojournalist/Editor
Dennis Lane, Photojournalist

13. ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT – NEWS SINGLE STORY
“Cipher”- CBS3
Matt Maiorano, Photographer/Editor

“Jarrod’s Miracle Art”- Sparkt.com
Anne Linaberger, Reporter
Bill Sawyer, Editor

14. BUSINESS/CONSUMER- NEWS FEATURE OR SERIES
“From Shutters to Shields”- FOX29
Lauren Dugan, Reporter

“Games of Skill”- WHTM abc27
Anthony Durso, Photographer/Editor
Dennis Owens, Anchor/Reporter

“Miracle Ride: Medical 3D Printing & Bicycles”- WLVT PBS39
Megan Frank, Host/Producer
Jeffrey Frederick, Photographer

“Rewind and Reflect: Iconic Video Rental Store Closes”- CBS3
Jan Carabeo, Reporter

“Robo Milk”- WLVT PBS39
Chloe Nouvelle, Reporter/Editor
Jim Deegan, Managing Editor
Jeffrey Frederick, Photographer

“Spies Among Us?”- KDKA-TV
David Highfield, Writer
Ian Smith, Photographer

15. CRIME- NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
“Gun Registry Debate”- NBC10
Danielle Gatewood-Gill, Photojournalist/Editor
Steven Fisher, Reporter

“House Stealing”- NBC10
Jim O’Donnell, Senior Investigative Producer
Dan Lee, Photojournalist

“Justice for Ellen”- CBS3
Jan Carabeo, Reporter

“Murder at the VA?”- WPXI-TV
Lisa Sylvester, Reporter
Chris Johnston, Photographer

“Murder or Suicide?”- WHP CBS21
William Seiders, Photojournalist
Nathan Yerges, Photojournalist

16. EDUCATION/SCHOOLS- NEWS STORY OR SERIES
“A Cut Above”- Red Clay Consolidated School District
Robert Markopoulos, Director/Editor
Moises Valezquez, Director of Photography

“Bullet-Resistant Doors”- KDKA-TV
Amy Wadas, Reporter
Ian Smith, Photographer

“Getting By”- WLVT PBS39
Chloe Nouvelle, Reporter/Editor/Photographer
Jim Deegan, Managing Editor

“Teachers Tell All”- NBC10
Jim O’Donnell, Senior Investigative Producer
Dan Lee, Photojournalist

“Volunteers Help City School Reach Troubled Kids”- WHTM abc27
Aimee Lewis, Reporter
Nathan Trump, Photographer

17. ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE- NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
“Alaska: Final Chance for The Last Frontier?”- Accuweather Network
Jonathan Petramala, MMJ
Brandon Clement, Aerial Photographer

“Catching Sight of a Rare Butterfly in a Surprising Refuge”- WITF-TV
Marie Cusick, Reporter/Producer
Doug Watson, Videographer

“Changing Climate, Changing Lives”- NBC10
Jim O’Donnell, Senior Investigative Producer
Dan Lee, Photojournalist
Krystal Klei, Reporter

“Norwood Cancer Cluster Probe”- CBS3
Joe Holden, Reporter
Monica Avery, Producer

“Paddling 300 Miles to Protect the Waters of Ohi:yo’, The ‘Good River’”- PublicSource
Ryan Loew, Videographer/Editor
Nick Childers, Videographer

18. HEALTH- NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
“Altering the Human Genome”- WLVT PBS39
K.C. Lopez, Multimedia Journalist
Jim Deegan, Managing Editor

“Erica’s Cancer Doesn’t Run Her Off Track”- NBC10
Lucy Bustamante, Reporter

“Improv Workshop Encourages Communication for Youth with Autism”- University of Delaware
Ashley Barnas, Videographer/Editor

“Kids with Autism Develop Life Skills Through Dance at UD”- University of Delaware
Ashley Barnas, Videographer/Editor

“Lucha Contra La Genética”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Syrmarie Villalobos, Reporter
Reece Rosario, Photojournalist/Editor

“Lyle Odelein: Miracle Off the Ice”- KDKA-TV
Susan Koeppen, Anchor/Writer
Ian Smith, Photojournalist/Editor

“Sister Friend”- Sparkt.com
Anne Linaberger, Reporter
Bill Sawyer, Editor

19. HISTORIC/CULTURAL– NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
“91yo Holocaust Survivor Returns to Auschwitz”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Lauren Schneiderman, Producer/Videographer/Editor

“FOX43 Reveals: The ‘Peril-llels’ of Two Global Pandemics”- WPMT Fox43
Rachel Yonkunas, Investigative Reporter
Brent Singleton, Photographer

“Puerto Rico: Reflections of Disaster – Hurricane Maria and the 2020 Earthquakes”- WFMZ-TV
Christopher Post, Photojournalist
Bo Koltnow, Reporter

“The Fall of the Berlin Wall: 30 Years Later”- WFMZ-TV
Andrew Valentino, Editor
Perla Lopez Baray, Reporter/Producer

“The Return of the Clark Bar”- Tribune-Review
Sean Stipp, Executive Producer
Christopher Benson, Video Editor/Motion Graphics
Paul Guggenheimer, Writer/Narrator

“Weathering History: D-Day and the History’s Most Important Weather Forecast”- Accuweather Network
Jonathan Petramala, Reporter
Anthony Coates, Photographer/Editor

20. HUMAN INTEREST- NEWS FEATURE
    “Eric’s Story”- WHP CBS21
    William Seiders, Photojournalist
    Brian Sheehan, Reporter

“Good Friends and Good Greens”- WHTM abc27
Anthony Durso, Photographer
Allie Berube, Reporter

“Monkey’s House”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Raishad Hardnett, Videographer/Editor/Producer

“Ryan’s Record Run”- WNEP-TV
Corey Burns, Photojournalist/Editor
Stacy Lange, Reporter

“The Only Constant Thing, Episode 1: A Daughter of Penn Plaza”- PublicSource
Ryan Loew, Videographer/Editor

“The Unknown Angel”- WFMZ-TV
Irene Snyder, Reporter
Todd Haas, Videographer/Editor

“We the People: Gilbert Hilton”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Lauren Schneiderman, Producer/Videographer/Editor

21. NEWS SPECIAL
    “Juvenile Lifers: The Long Road to Redemption”- WGAL-TV
    Matt Barcaro, Writer
    Ryan Peiffer, Graphics Designer
    Daniel Maddox, Photographer/Editor
    Kyle Cooper, Photographer

“Pandillas: Amenaza Latente”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Emmanuel López-Capó, Producer
Ana Hernandez, News Director
Iris Delgado, Anchor
Brian Mendoza, Reporter
Reece Rosario, Photographer/Editor
Alberto Rullan, Reporter
Nicole Combs, Director

“Remember. Repair. Together.”- KDKA-TV
Kathy Hostetter, News Director

“Remembering Flight 427”- WPXI-TV
Kellie Burkett, Executive Producer
Melanie Gillespie, Reporter
Aaron Martin, Reporter
Rick Earle, Reporter
Peggy Finnegan, Anchor
Ward Hobbs, Photographer
Dean Iampietro, Producer
Bryan Conyers, Editor
Ashley Bishop-Arick, Producer

22. POLITICS/GOVERNMENT-NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
    “Braddock and the Second Family of Pa.”- WGAL-TV
    Susan Shapiro, Reporter

“Project PA I Kids for Cash”- WHP CBS21
William Seiders, Photojournalist

“We’re Losing Facilities Like Dominoes”- KDKA-TV
Meghan Schiller, Reporter
Fred Williams, Photographer

23. SOCIETAL CONCERNS- NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES
    “A Day of Loss”- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Andrew Rush, Photographer/Editor

“Bullied to Death”- Nexstar Broadcasting/WTAJ
Amanda Kenney, Reporter/Editor

“De La Infancia a La Tumba”- NBC 10/ Telemundo 62
Iris Delgado, Reporter
Reece Rosario, Photographer

“Families of Three Slain Officers Remember “Good Men” Lost in Stanton Heights”- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Stephanie Chambers, Photographer

“FOX43 Focal Point: Cannabis in the Commonwealth”- WPMT Fox43
Matt Maisel, Reporter/Photographer
Nicholas Vitto, Photojournalist

“FOX43 Reveals: How Human Trafficking Has Taken Root in Pennsylvania”- WPMT Fox43
Rachel Yonkunas, Investigative Reporter
Jay Groft, Photographer

24. ARTS PROGRAM/SPECIAL- PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT
“Cashore Marionettes”- WHYY-TV
Karen Smyles, Producer

“Movers and Makers: Karina Puente”- WHYY-TV
Sarah Moses, Producer
Naomi Brito, Producer
Pete Scaffidi, Editor

“Mural Arts Philadelphia”- WPHL-TV
Bianca DiMaio, Producer/Editor

“Painting with Light”- WQED Multimedia
Andrew Holman, Producer
Anne Casper, Producer

“Pittsburgh Circus”- WQED Multimedia
Aidan McGarvey, Producer/Photographer

“Senior Song Book”- WHYY-TV
Lisa Gray, Producer
Andrew Arcangeli, Editor
Bud McHugh, Photographer

25. ARTS PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“2019 Freddy Awards”- WFMZ-TV
Shelley Brown, Executive Producer/Host
Eve Russo, Host
Jamie Balliet, Producer
Joel Keeler, Producer

“En Pointe: Black Dancers, Black History”- WQED Multimedia
Gina Catanzarite, Producer/Writer
Amy Grove, Photographer
David Forstate, Photographer
Ash Warren, Photographer
Anna Singer, Narrator

“On Stage at Curtis: The Making of Anansi and the Great Light”- WHYY-TV
Lillian Paulmier, Producer
Joann Colameco, Editor

“Percent for Art 60”- History Making Productions
Sam Katz, Executive Producer
Kevin Quinn, Director
Eva Roben, Producer
Ginny Lasco, Creative Director

“State of the Arts: Chick Corea”- PCK Media
Susan Wallner, Producer/Director
Eric Schultz, Producer/Director
Kirk Sohr, Camera

26. DOCUMENTARY
“WITF Music Presents: Country Music in Pennsylvania”- WITF-TV
Heather Woolridge, Producer
Joseph Ulrich, Producer
Mitchell Mathias, Editor
Doug Watson, Editor/Videographer
Cara Williams Fry, Executive Producer

“Kensington In Crisis”- Main Line Television
Jill Frechie, Director

“Tree of Life: One Year Later”- Tribune-Review
Susan McFarland, Executive Editor
Sean Stipp, Executive Producer
Nate Smallwood, Producer
Paul Guggenheimer, Writer/Host
Ben Schmitt, Producer
Christopher Benson, Video Editor

27. EDUCATION/SCHOOLS- PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT
“’We Can Help You Carry It’: Trauma-informed Schools in the Lehigh Valley”– ASR Media Productions
Ashley Russo, Executive Producer
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer
Abigail Mutschler, Editor
Beth Tomlinson, Coordinating Producer
Laura McHugh, Associate Producer
Stephanie Mettler, Coordinating Producer

“Growing Greater Philadelphia: Artful Approach”- NBC10
John Lewis, Writer/Producer
Geoff Falasca, Editor
Derek Robinson, Art Director

“The Hunger Lesson”- WQED Multimedia
Beth Dolinar, Producer
David Forstate, Photographer

“The Little School That Could”- Red Clay Consolidated School District
Robert Markopoulos, Director/Writer/Cinematographer
Moises Valezquez, Cinemtographer/Editor

28. EDUCATION/SCHOOLS- PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“2019 Teacher Impact Awards”- WITF-TV
Keira McGuire, Producer/Host
Mitchell Mathias, Editor/Associate Producer
Doug Watson, Videographer
Cara Williams Fry, Executive Producer

“FTW Philly- Collegiate Esports”- Maestro Filmworks
Kris Mendoza, Executive Producer
Geoffrey Nichols, Producer
Joanna Shen, Producer
Marisa Magnatta, Talent
Weston Fahey, Director of Photography
Eurica Yu, Camera Operator
Conor Kelley, Editor

“IQ Smartparent: Inspiring Pre-School Scientists”- WQED Multimedia
Gina Catanzarite, Producer
Lisa Washington, Narrator

“WGAL 8 Chronicle: Engineering Champions”- WGAL-TV
Mark Hernandez, Producer
Gavin Liddick, Producer

“Where Is Wilmington High”- WHYY-TV
John Mussoni, Executive Producer

29. ENTERTAINMENT- PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“All the Marbles”- WQED Multimedia
Beth Dolinar, Producer
Zak Boyle, Producer/Photographer/Editor

“Check Please! Philly: Sang Kee Peking Duck House, Heartbeet Kitchen & Victor Café”- WHYY-TV
Kae Lani Palmisano, Host

“Drop the Mic Season 6, Episode 5”- Community College of Philadelphia CCPTV
Allan Kobernick, Producer
Adam Steinhauer, Technical Director
Ren Parker, Sound Design

“My Interview with Fred”- WQED Multimedia
Rick Sebak, Producer
Anne Casper, Editor
Kevin Conrad, Editor

“The Tex-Mex Republic”- A Taste of History
Walter Staib, Executive Producer
Tom Daly, Producer/Director
Russell Toub, Associate Producer
Kevin Shaw, Camera/Editor
Phil Gajari, Director of Public Relations
Ben Milby, Research and Development
Diana Wolkow, Culinary Research and Development
Tom Lamb, Director of Operations

30. HEALTH/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT- PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT
“Movers & Makers: Diane Burko”- WHYY-TV
Monica Rogozinski, Producer

“The Air That We Breathe”- WQED Multimedia
Ash Warren, Producer/Photographer
Iris Samson, Producer
Amy Grove, Editor

“Wellness 101 Show – How to Get in Shape for Summer…Fast”- The Production Pocketknife LLC
Jeffrey Hartney, Director/Producer/On-Camera Talent
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer
Stephen Andrews, Producer

31. HEALTH/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT-PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“Enfoque: Los Efectos Del Cambio Climático”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Violeta Yas, Chief Meteorologist
Syrmarie Villalobos, Anchor
Emmanuel López-Capó, Producer

“Megan’s Story”- Ruckus Marketing LLC
Emily Stull, Producer

“The Long Shadow of Childhood Trauma”- WQED Multimedia
Beth Dolinar, Producer
Paul Ruggieri, Editor/Photographer
David Forstate, Director of Photography
Amy Grove, Editor

“Wellness 101 Show – What to Do When Someone in Your Home Is Sick”- The Production Pocketknife LLC
Jeffrey Hartney, Director/Producer/On-Camera Talent
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer
Stephen Andrews, Producer

32. HISTORIC/CULTURAL– PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT
“A Crowning Achievement”- WQED Multimedia
Annette Banks, Producer/Editor
Ash Warren, Photographer

“A Pearl Harbor Story: Remembering at Age 101”- WQED Multimedia
Anne Casper, Producer/Photographer/Editor
Andrew Holman, Sound Editor/Assistant Editor

“America’s First Penitentiary”- A Taste of History
Walter Staib, Executive Producer

“Greensboro: A Requiem At 40”- PCK Media
Susan Wallner, Producer/Director

“Retro Local: Isolation to Inclusion”- WITF-TV
Keira McGuire, Producer/Host
Doug Watson, Videographer
Cara Fry, Executive Producer

“The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation”- WHYY-TV
Karen Smyles, Producer
Pete Scaffidi, Editor

33. HISTORIC/CULTURAL– PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“Corrupt: Philadelphia The Great Experiment”- History Making Productions
Sam Katz, Executive Producer
Andrew Ferrett, Director
Nathaniel Popkin, Producer
Rachel Sophia Stewart, Producer
Paul Van Haute, Producer
Patrick De Caumette, Producer
Jonathan Kohl, Archival Producer
Dan La Porta, Producer
David Bauer, Colorist
Ginny Lasco, Creative Director

“Forged In Steel: Roots of American Soccer”- WLVT PBS39
Yoni Greenbaum, Executive Producer
Javier Diaz, Director/Editor
Michael Novak, Production Manager
Daniel Ray, Producer/Editor/Camera
April Maddona, Editor
Jeffrey Frederick, Videographer
Zach Wisneskie, Audio
Tavia Minnich, Researcher
Anastasia Weckerly, Digital

“IPB – Puerto Rico Return”- AT&T SportsNet
Mikie Welsh, Editor
Douglas Johnson, Executive Producer
Jack Becker, Producer
Daniel Rodriguez, Associate Producer
Robert King, Host

“Legendary: 30 Years of Philly Ballroom”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Raishad Hardnett, Producer/Videographer/Editor
Lauren Schneiderman, Producer/Videographer/Editor
Cassie Owens, Producer
Danese Kenon, Executive Producer
Frank Wiese, Executive Producer

“Penn’s Personal Brewery”- A Taste of History
Walter Staib, Executive Producer

“State of The Arts: The Atlantic City Show”- PCK Media
Eric Schultz, Producer/Director
Susan Wallner, Producer/Director

“The Good Fight”- WQED Multimedia
Minette Seate, Producer
Christopher T. Moore, Producer

34. HUMAN INTEREST- PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT
“2019 Governor’s Awards for the Arts: Joe Negri Lifetime Achievement Award”- Ya Momz House, Inc.
Emmai Alaquiva, Director
Cydney Cooper, Producer

“A Dog’s Love: Animal Assisted Help for Veterans of War”- ASR Media Productions
Ashley Russo, Executive Producer
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer
Abigail Mutschler, Editor
Dakota Reinike, Associate Producer

“Lucky Seven – An Organ Donor’s Story”- Penn Studios
Salim Makhlouf, Producer
Martin Boutros, Editor

“Sincerely Patience”- Eagles Entertainment
Jen Kavanagh, Executive Producer
Stacy Kelleher, Producer
Jessica Tesson, Coordinating Producer
Sean Flanagan, Art Director
Andy Meyer, Executive Producer
Justin Wineburgh, Executive Producer
Glen Freyer, Producer
Andy Singer, Producer

“The Braddock Piano”- WQED Multimedia
Anne Casper, Producer/Photographer/Editor
Andrew Holman, Audio Engineer

“VIA Short Takes – Mark Jury…Beyond Demons”- WVIA Public Media
Ben Payavis, Executive Producer
John Mikulak, Producer/Director

35. HUMAN INTEREST- PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“Drop the Mic Letters from the Audience”- Community College of Philadelphia CCPTV
Allan Kobernick, Producer
Adam Steinhauer, Technical Director
Ren Parker, Sound Design
Sikemi Williams, Editor

“Homecoming: Sgt. Hamilton’s Long Journey”- WQED Multimedia
David Solomon, Producer
Paul Ruggieri, Editor
Michael Bartley, Narrator
Dave Forstate, Photographer
Zak Boyle, Field Producer
Amy Grove, Field Producer

“IPB – Evan Chambers”- AT&T SportsNet
Douglas Johnson, Executive Producer
Jack Becker, Producer
Ryan Wood, Editor
Robert King, Host

36. INTERVIEW/DISCUSSION PROGRAM/SPECIAL
“Alumni in Cars Getting Coffee – Max Talbot”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Mark Cottington, Producer
Kaylee Coyle, Videographer
Ryan Yorgen, Producer

“Counter Culture”- WLVT PBS39
Grover Silcox, Host
Yoni Greenbaum, Executive Producer
Michael Novak, Director
Jeffrey Frederick, Videographer
April Maddona, Editor
Anastasia Weckerly, Producer
Zach Wisneskie, Audio

“IQ Smartparent – Teen Suicide: Getting Help and Finding Hope”- WQED Multimedia
Gina Catanzarite, Producer
Rebecca Jean Born, Director
Annette Banks, Associate Producer
Darryl Ford Williams, Vice President of Content

“St. Luke’s HealthNow: Robotic Simulation”- ASR Media Productions
Ashley Russo, Executive Producer
Kathryn Santana, Director of Photography/Editor
Katie Pressler, Associate Producer
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer

“The State of Black Pittsburgh 2019”- WQED Multimedia
Minette Seate, Producer
Rebecca Jean Born, Director
Christopher T. Moore, Host
Lisa Washington, Host
Darryl Ford Williams, Vice President of Content

“WGAL 8 In Focus: Catholic Clergy Sex Abuse”- WGAL-TV
Susan Shapiro, Anchor
John Mason, Executive Producer
John Petrolias, Producer
Daniel Maddox, Editor

37. LIFESTYLE PROGRAM- FEATURE/SEGMENT

“Colony Café”- WQED Multimedia
Aidan McGarvey, Producer/Photographer

“Drop by Drop”- WQED Multimedia
Annette Banks, Producer/Photographer/Editor
Aidan McGarvey, Photographer

“FTW Philly- Enabled Gaming”- Maestro Filmworks
Kris Mendoza, Executive Producer
Alex Frederick, Executive Producer
Joanna Shen, Director
Rob Jennings, Editor
Kate Feher, Art Director

“Handmade Hearts”- WQED Multimedia
Anne Casper, Producer/Photographer/Editor

“Little England in the Caribbean”- A Taste of History
Walter Staib, Executive Producer

38. LIFESTYLE PROGRAM- PROGRAM/SPECIAL

“Check Please! Philly: Hardena, Kimberton Inn & Poi Dog”- WHYY-TV
Kae Lani Palmisano, Host

“Chronicle: Brews of the ‘Burgh”- WTAE-TV
Eric Levy, Producer
Nicolas Matoney, Executive Producer
Baylor Long, Executive Producer
Brian Caldwell, Photojournalist
Michael Lazorko, Editor
Andrew Stockey, Anchor
Janelle Hall, Anchor

“Jam-Asian Fusion”- A Taste of History
Walter Staib, Executive Producer
Ben Milby, Research and Development
Phil Gajari, Director of Public Relations
Diana Wolkow, Culinary Research and Development
Russell Toub, Associate Producer
Tom Daly, Producer/Director
Kevin Shaw, Camera/Editor
Tom Lamb, Director of Operations

39. MAGAZINE PROGRAM/SPECIAL

“Chronicle: Lights! Camera! Pittsburgh!”- WTAE-TV
Sheldon Ingram, Reporter
Nicolas Matoney, Executive Producer
Shannon Perrine, Host
Michael Lazorko, Editor

“Movers and Makers: Lost and Found”- WHYY-TV
Terri Murray, Executive Producer
Karen Smyles, Producer
Monica Rogozinski, Producer
Sarah Moses, Producer
Pete Scaffidi, Editor
Erika Schroeder, Photographer
Gary Lindstrom, Photographer

“The PEAK TV, Season 14 Episode 12”- ASR Media Productions
Ashley Russo, Executive Producer
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer
Kathryn Santana, Director of Photography
Katie Pressler, Associate Producer/Editor
Abigail Mutschler, Editor
Stephanie Mettler, Coordinating Producer

“Unidos En Tradición”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Frances Vera De Jesus, Producer
Ana Hernandez, News Director
Emmanuel López-Capó, Senior Producer
Iris Delgado, Anchor
Alberto Rullan, Anchor
Violeta Yas, Anchor
Reece Rosario, Photographer/Editor
Jaime Becerril Alba, Reporter
Alondra Anaya, Reporter
Alexandra Galarza, Reporter

“Your Pittsburgh”- KDKA-TV
David Highfield, Host
Ian Smith, Photographer
Susan Koeppen, Host
Meghan Schiller, Reporter

40. POLITICS/GOVERNMENT-PROGRAM/SPECIAL

“Frente A Frente: Quiñones Vs. Cruz”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Carolina Murillo, Producer
Syrmarie Villalobos, Anchor
Reece Rosario, Editor
Ana Hernandez, News Director
Wesley Kotansky, Director

“Rebound from Murdertown”- WHYY-TV
John Mussoni, Executive Producer

“Super Tuesday”- NBC10
Mike Ingalls, Executive Producer
Emad Khalil, Producer
Keith Jones, Reporter
Steven Fisher, Reporter
Dan Lee, Photojournalist
Lauren Mayk, Reporter

41. PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS- PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT

“A New Way of Thinking”- Joyful Films
Bill Rose, Producer
Steven Whitcombe, Videographer/Editor
Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag, Producer
Heather Salwach, Producer

“At Home, At Last”- WQED Multimedia
David Solomon, Producer
Amy Grove, Editor

“Dream Chasers: A Mother’s Letter”- Ya Momz House, Inc.
Emmai Alaquiva, Codirector

“Light in My City”- WQED Multimedia
Anne Casper, Producer/Photographer/Editor
Ash Warren, Photographer

42. PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS- PROGRAM/SPECIAL

“Drop the Mic Season 6, Episode 7”- Community College of Philadelphia CCPTV
Allan Kobernick, Producer
Adam Steinhauer, Technical Director
Ren Parker, Sound Design

“Enfoque: Crisis De Opioides”- WWSI/Telemundo62
Emmanuel López-Capó, Producer
Syrmarie Villalobos, Anchor

“Give Me Shelter: Perspectives on Youth Violence”- eMediaWorks
Teri Haddad, Executive Producer
Matthew Lewis, Producer/Editor
Laura Bennett, Producer
Steven Whitcombe, Director of Photography
Gabriel Spitale, Director of Photography

“Serving Time, Too”- WQED Multimedia
Beth Dolinar, Producer
Paul Ruggieri, Editor
David Forstate, Director of Photography

43. SOCIETAL CONCERNS PROGRAM- FEATURE/SEGMENT

“Life After Hate”- WQED Multimedia
Beth Dolinar, Producer

“Movers and Makers: Michelle Ortiz”- WHYY-TV
Naomi Brito, Producer
Pete Scaffidi, Editor
Bud McHugh, Photographer

“Ride to Rescue”- WQED Multimedia
Nathalie Berry, Producer/Writer
Amy Grove, Editor/Photographer
Andrew Holman, Photographer
Michael Bartley, Narrator

“True Legends – Cutting Hair and Crime”- WGAL-TV
Jeremy Jenkins, Reporter

44. BRANDED CONTENT

“Brian’s Dots”- Ruckus Marketing LLC
Adam Evans, Director/Producer

“Learning in Lower School at The Episcopal Academy”- The Episcopal Academy
Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau, Executive Producer

“Saved or Lost Forever”- Preservation New Jersey
Janice Selinger, Executive Producer
Steve Stone, Cameraman
Sara Lee Kessler, Co-producer/Narrator
Courtenay Mercer, Project Manager

“Schreyer Honors College – Schreyer Stories”- WPSU Penn State
Mark Stitzer, Director of Photography/Editor
Richard Humber, Field Audio
Topher Yorks, Senior Producer/Director

“Wellness 101 Show – General Workplace Safety”- The Production Pocketknife LLC
Jeffrey Hartney, Director/Producer/On-Camera Talent
Kenneth Szydlow, Executive Producer
Stephen Andrews, Producer

“Wolfpack Boxing – Fitness with a Purpose”- 323 Productions
Sean Montgomery, Editor

45. SPORTS- NEWS SINGLE STORY OR SERIES

“In Pursuit of Perfection”- WLVT PBS39
Javier Diaz, Director/Editor
Eric Werner, Videographer
Jim Deegan, Producer
Anastasia Weckerly, Producer
Tracy Yatsko, Host
Daniel Ray, Videographer/Editor

“Like A Girl (Series)”- WHTM abc27
Allie Berube, Video Journalist

46. SPORTSCAST

“Eagles Defeat Giants Sixers Preview and Local Boxing”- WFMZ-TV
Roberto Vinces, Sports Anchor/Producer/Editor

“First Score Friday Becomes First “Scare” Friday”- WHP CBS21
Joel D Smith, Anchor/Producer

47. SPORTS- NEWS FEATURE

“The Perfect Teammate”- WPMT Fox43
Andrew Kalista, Writer
Brent Singleton, Photographer/Editor

“A Sign to Swim”- WLVT PBS39
Chloe Nouvelle, Reporter/Editor
Jim Deegan, Managing Editor

“Defying the Odds”- WPMT Fox43
Lyndsay Barna, Multimedia Journalist

“From Sticks to Canes”- WHTM abc27
Anthony Durso, Editor
Allie Berube, Reporter

“High Schooler Fights Homelessness, Food Insecurity”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Raishad Hardnett, Videographer/Editor/Producer

48. SPORTS- FEATURE/SEGMENT

“Dear Dad: A Son’s Letter to His Father”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Meghan McManimon, Editor/Producer
Leo McCafferty, Director/Producer
Aaron Spiegel, Motion Graphics Designer

“LifeLink PSU – Penn State Football”- WPSU Penn State
Mindy McMahon, Executive Producer
James Loftus, Senior Producer/Director/Writer
Shane Robinson, Videographer
Jon Baker, Editor
Justin Donnelly, Videographer/Editor
Richard Humber, Field Audio

“Matt Cullen: My Story”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Andrew McIntyre, Producer
Matt Cullen, Producer
Jon Otte, Cinematographer
David Distilli, Graphics
Ryan Yorgen, Gaffer
Tyler Benninger, Production Assistant

“Steve Blass Tribute”- AT&T SportsNet
Tyler Graham, Producer

“Transforming Lives: Stephon Tuitt’s Journey in Honduras”- Pittsburgh Steelers
Emile Khoury, Producer/Director/Cinematographer/Editor
Johnny Romano, Associate Producer
Stephon Tuitt, Associate Producer

49. SPORTS- ONE-TIME SPECIAL

“Merci Sidney”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Andrew McIntyre, Producer
Sidney Crosby, Producer
Leo McCafferty, Writer
Ryan Mill, Narrator

“Signing Harper”- NBC Sports Philadelphia
Ryan Woldoff, Editor/Associate Producer
Michael Mulhern, Executive Producer
Sean Kane, Producer
Jeremiah Hines, Photographer
James Salisbury, Reporter
Michael Barkann, Reporter
Jeff Dougherty, Creative Services Editor
Ashley Hall, Creative Services Producer

“Steve Blass – A Pirates Life”- AT&T SportsNet
Douglas Johnson, Executive Producer
Jack Becker, Producer
Brian Lacek, Editor
Robert King, Host

“Summer 76: Ben Simmons”- Philadelphia 76ers
Chris Heck, Executive Producer
Katie O’Reilly, Executive Producer
Sean Spencer, Executive Producer
Alex Subers, Producer
Ryan McDonald, Producer/Editor
Ryan Koletty, Senior Production Manager

“Trades to Trophies”- Pittsburgh Steelers
Stephen Finerty, Executive Producer
Missi Matthews, Producer/Narrator
Alec Balenciaga, Associate Producer/Cinematographer
Emile Khoury, Associate Producer
Gerard Schaefer, Associate Producer/Cinematographer
Jason Pischke, Motion Graphics Producer/Cinematographer

50. SPORTS PROGRAM- LIVE
“Penguins Pregame Show”- AT&T SportsNet
Douglas Johnson, Executive Producer
Roger Lenhart, Coordinating Producer
Fred Rihn, Producer
Craig Hall, Associate Producer
Ryan Wood, Editor
Mikie Welsh, Editor
Mark Thompkins, Editor
Dan Potash, Talent

“Sixers Outsiders: Mischief Night Live”- NBC Sports Philadelphia
Krystle Rich, Host
Tyrone Johnson, Host

51. SPORTS PROGRAM- POST-PRODUCED OR EDITED
“Here They Come Deadline: Alec Burks & Glenn Robinson III Join 76ers”- Philadelphia 76ers
Chris Heck, Executive Producer
Katie O’Reilly, Executive Producer
Sean Spencer, Executive Producer
Nicholas McKain, Shooter/Producer/Editor
Nina Raspa, Shooter/Producer/Editor
Alexandra Nolen, Shooter/Producer/Editor
Ryan McDonald, Shooter/Producer/Editor
Maggie Zerbe, Shooter/Producer/Editor
Jeff Tinkoff, Graphics Producer
Brian Seltzer, Producer

“In the Room”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Jon Otte, Producer
Andrew McIntyre, Producer
Cody Shuckhart, Producer
Leo McCafferty, Coordinating Producer
Ryan Mill, Narrator
Ryan Yorgen, Cinematographer
Meghan McManimon, Cinematographer
Aaron Spiegel, Motion Graphics Producer
Tara Kavanaugh, Cinematographer
Mike Davenport, Director, Production Operations

“Pitt Beyond the Script”- Pitt Studios/Awesome Films
Paul Barto, Executive Producer
Casey Garrow, Producer
Gregory Daniels, Camera/Editor
Maxwell Hahn, Camera
Jasmine Breathett, Contributor
Rob King, Host
Michael Nicolazzo, Producer/Editor
Jeff Stich, Camera
Jason Mortimer, Camera
Mike Szivos, Motion Graphics/Art Director

“The Penn State Basketball Story”- WPSU Penn State
Mindy McMahon, Executive Producer
Don Hampton, Senior Producer/Director
Allen Goldate, Senior Producer/Director
Will Price, Producer/Director
Shane Robinson, Videographer/Editor
Clint Yoder, Videographer/Editor
Justin Donnelly, Videographer/Editor
Matt Stephens, Videographer/Editor
Sam Newhouse, Videographer/Editor
Michael Klein, Post Production Audio

“Unrivaled: The Penn State Football Story”- WPSU Penn State
Don Hampton, Senior Producer/Director
James Loftus, Senior Producer/Director
Anya Swanson, Producer/Director
Matt Stephens, Videographer/Editor
Clint Yoder, Field and Post-Production Audio
Justin Donnelly, Videographer/Editor
Shane Robinson, Videographer/Editor
Sam Newhouse, Videographer/Editor
Blake Newsock, Videographer/Editor
Michael Klein, Post-Production Audio

52. SPORTING EVENT/GAME – LIVE/UNEDITED PROGRAM/SPECIAL/SERIES

“Penguins Hockey – Crosbys Return/Pittsburgh Night”- AT&T SportsNet
Douglas Johnson, Executive Producer
Lowell MacDonald, Producer
Andrew Kosco, Director
Rebecca Hawranko, Associate Producer
Matthew Aaron, Associate Director

“Philadelphia Eagles 2019 Preseason Games”- Eagles Entertainment
Eric Long, VP of Content & Creative
Chris Barletto, Executive Producer
Dana Heberling, Editor
Scott Graham, Talent
Ross Tucker, Talent
Kiel Leggere, Editor
Rob Schmoll, Production Executive
Winfield Clark, Operations Manager

“Pirates Baseball – Blass Last TV Broadcast”- AT&T SportsNet
Douglas Johnson, Executive Producer
Adam Elmore, Producer
Peter Toma, Director
Jason Steele, Associate Producer
Tyler Graham, Associate Director

53. COMMERCIAL – SINGLE SPOT
“3Rs Poetry Slam for Boys and Girls Club WPA”- Ya Momz House, Inc.
Emmai Alaquiva, Director
Elizabeth Speed, Producer

“The Formula”- Take One Productions, Inc.
Kevin Martorana, Director
John Morrison, Director of Photography

“We Are Allentown”- FireRock Productions
Julia Urich, Producer/Director
Rocky Urich, Producer/Editor
Jill Yapsuga, Writer

54. PROMOTION- NEWS, PROGRAM, PSA- SINGLE SPOT
“2019 Season Intro”- Eagles Entertainment
Nick Rotondi, Producer
Chris Barletto, Director
Ray Doyle, Director
Kiel Leggere, Editor/Designer
Mike O’Connor, Editor
Peter Kelly, Audio
Eric Long, Executive Producer

“Penguins Come Together Opening Video”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Aaron Spiegel, Art Director
Bill Wareham, Producer
Meghan McManimon, Producer
Michael Davenport, Producer
Mark Cottington, Producer
Rod Murray, Producer
Ethan Mansberger, Producer

“Don’t Rush the Red”- Red Clay Consolidated School District
Robert Markopoulos, Creative Director/Director
Moises Valezquez, DP/Editor

“Morning Routine”- KDKA-TV
Tina Veon, Producer
Greg Loscar, Editor

“Pittsburgh Penguins ‘The Santa Clause’”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Mark Cottington, Writer/Producer
Ethan Mansberger, Producer/Motion Graphics Design
Michael Davenport, Director of Production Operations
Rod Murray, Executive Producer

55. PROMOTION- NEWS, PROGRAM, PSA- CAMPAIGN
“Be Victorious”- KDKA-TV
Tina Veon, Producer
Greg Loscar, Editor

“Pennsylvania Innovation, Imagination and Can-Do Spirit Series”- Red House Communications
Matt Blint, Executive Producer
Marla Solnik, Creative Director
David Altrogge, Director

“Science-U Parent Inspiration PSA’s”- WPSU Penn State
Kristian Berg, Writer/Producer/Director
Melissa DeJesus, Character Designer/Animator
Kristin Bittner, Instructional Designer/Co-Writer
Christopher Kugler, Editor

56. INTERACTIVE MEDIA
“After the Explosion”- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Andrew Rush, Photographer/Editor

“Finding Dulce”- NBC10
Mike Ingalls, Managing Editor
Cydney Long, Reporter
Dan Lee, Photojournalist
Sara Smith, Social Media Editor
Wendy Warren, Digital Lead
Jim O’Donnell, Producer

57. OVERALL EXCELLENCE
“NBC10”
Ric Harris, General Manager

“Penn Studios”
Cate Barron, President

“WPXI-TV”
Kevin Hayes, General Manager

“WQED Multimedia”
Deborah Acklin, President & CEO

“WTAE-TV”
Charles W. Wolfertz III, President & General Manager

58. NEWS EXCELLENCE
“KDKA-TV”
Kathy Hostetter, News Director

“Penn Studios”
Burke Noel, Senior Director of Content

“WTAE-TV”
Jim Parsons, News Director

“WPXI-TV”
Scott Trabandt, News Director

59. COMMUNITY SERVICE
“Future Jobs Initiative”- WQED Multimedia
Darryl Ford Williams, Vice President of Content

“Serving Time, Too”- WQED Multimedia
Beth Dolinar, Producer

“WTAE’s Project Hunger 2019/2020”- WTAE-TV
Baylor Long, Assistant News Director

60. AUDIO
Andrew McIntyre, Pittsburgh Penguins

“I Am” Shake Audio Post at MilkBoy
Mark Schultz, David Rainey

Peter Kelly, Eagles Entertainment

61. EDITOR- PROGRAM

Aidan McGarvey, WQED Multimedia

Cody Shuckhart, Pittsburgh Penguins

Andrew McIntyre, Pittsburgh Penguins

Mikie Welsh, AT&T SportsNet

Rachel Sophia Stewart, History Making Productions

62. EDITOR- SHORT FORM
Andrew McIntyre, Pittsburgh Penguins

“Penguins Come Together Opening Video”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Aaron Spiegel, Ethan Mansberger, Bill Wareham

Tyler Graham, AT&T SportsNet

63. EDITOR- NEWS

Anthony Durso, WHTM abc27

Martin Boutros, Penn Studios

Mike Hurst, NBC10

64. GRAPHIC ARTS/ANIMATION

Andrew Czudak, Maestro Filmworks

“Classic Edition Graphic/Animation Package”- Philadelphia 76ers
Tommy Beebe, Creative Director
Kevin Maull, Art Director
Greg Pepper, Motion Designer

“Penguins Come Together Opening Video”- Pittsburgh Penguins
Aaron Spiegel, Ethan Mansberger, David Distilli

Richard Ealom, AT&T SportsNet

65. MUSICAL COMPOSITION/ARRANGEMENT

Allan Kobernick, Community College of Philadelphia CCPTV

Patrick De Caumette, History Making Productions

66. TALENT- ANCHOR- NEWS

Jackie De Tore, WPMT Fox43

Lisa Sylvester, WPXI-TV

Syrmarie Villalobos, WWSI/Telemundo62

Gordon Loesch, WPXI-TV

67. TALENT- WEATHER

Andrea Michaels, WPMT Fox43

Eric Finkenbinder, WHTM abc27

Drew Anderson, WJAC-TV

Mike Harvey, WTAE-TV

Violeta Yas, WWSI/Telemundo62/NBC10

68. TALENT- PROGRAM HOST/MODERATOR
Chef Walter Staib, A Taste of History

Grover Silcox, WLVT PBS39

Jeffrey Hartney, The Production Pocketknife LLC

Kae Lani Palmisano, WHYY-TV

69. TALENT- REPORTER – FEATURES/HUMAN INTEREST
Aimee Lewis, WHTM abc27

Beth Dolinar, WQED Multimedia

Jamie Stover, WFMZ-TV

Katelyn Smith, WGAL-TV

Perla Lopez Baray, WFMZ-TV

70. TALENT- REPORTER – GENERAL ASSIGNMENT
Amy Marcinkiewicz, WPXI-TV

Gordon Loesch, WPXI-TV

Chandi Chapman, WTAE-TV

Matt DeLucia, NBC10

Meghan Schiller, KDKA-TV

Mike Holden, WPXI-TV

Steven Fisher, NBC10

71. TALENT- REPORTER– SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENT
Angie Moreschi, WPXI-TV

David Highfield, KDKA-TV 2

Drew Anderson, LCTV66

Matt Barcaro, WGAL-TV

Susan Koeppen, KDKA-TV

72. TALENT- SPORTS
A.J. Donatoni, WBRE-TV

Brian Unangst, Blue Ridge Communications

Dan Potash, AT&T SportsNet

Joel D. Smith, WHP CBS21

Roberto Vinces, WFMZ-TV

73. TALENT- SPORTS ANALYST/PLAY-BY-PLAY
Bob Capasso, Blue Ridge Communications

74. PHOTOGRAPHER- NEWS
Adam Klein, WFMZ-TV

Anthony Durso, WHTM abc27

Ben Otte, WGAL-TV

Corey Burns, WNEP-TV

Drew Szala, WPMT Fox43

Matthew Schaffer, NBC10

75. PHOTOGRAPHER- PROGRAM (NON-NEWS)
Rocky Urich, FireRock Productions

Matt Stephens, WPSU Penn State

Paul Van Haute, History Making Productions

Ryan Yorgen, Pittsburgh Penguins

76. PHOTOGRAPHER- VIDEO ESSAY (SINGLE CAMERA ONLY
“A Step Back in Time in the Race of Gentlemen”- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Tyger Williams

“Collecting, Making History on the Ohio River”- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Andrew Rush

“Coverings”- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Stephanie Strasburg

“The Fight”- CBS3
Brad Nau

“The Ocean Drive”- CBS3
Brad Nau

77. VIDEO JOURNALIST
Allie Berube, WHTM abc27

Brittany Sweeney, WLVT PBS39

K.C. Lopez, WLVT PBS39

Sarah Gisriel, WHTM abc27

Steven Fisher, NBC10

78. WRITER
David Solomon, WQED Multimedia

Dennis Owens, WHTH abc27

Leo McCafferty, Pittsburgh Penguins

Matt Barcaro, WGAL-TV

Andrew McIntyre, Pittsburgh Penguins

Q: I would like to know why registered dietician Leslie Bonci is no longer a regular contributor on “Pittsburgh Today Live.” Also Chef Anthony Marino from Don’s Appliances is no longer there. 

-NANCY GREENSBURG

Rob: Years ago there were suggestions that KDKA-TV’s “Pittsburgh Today Live” had sold segments inside the broadcast but station management said that was not the case. That has since changed.

“I was informed by KDKA in January 2019 that it would be pay-for-play only so unless I had a sponsor I would no longer be a guest on the show,” Bonci said in response to Nancy’s question. “Makes me quite sad as food, eating habits and good nutrition are so necessary to help us eat well, live well and stay well. Thanks for asking. After 12 years I was sad to see it end. They said that ‘PTL’ was moving to a new format with sponsored segments only.”

It’s one thing to sell ads around a show – that’s the norm with commercial news programming – but to sell off what’s happening in a show, especially a show hosted by employees from the news department, is more concerning.

Yes, it was done long ago in the past in local news (Bill Burns had a sponsor’s logo on his anchor desk) and is still done today in other markets and nationally (see: sponsored segments like “CBS This Morning’s” Eye Opener and Green Room, once sponsored by Toyota). And, granted, this is a difficult financial time for media companies due to the pandemic, but this pre-dates the pandemic and it’s a practice frowned upon by news ethicists even as it’s become more prevasive. The late KDKA news anchor Patti Burns made a documentary about the ethical dilemmas of TV news as it transformed from public service to profit center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP_w6M2WtY4.

KDKA general manager Chris Cotugno said advertisers paying to be featured on “Pittsburgh Today Live” began under the tenure of his predecessor, Jay Howell. Cotugno says it’s not a “pay to play” situation because plenty of people and companies appear without paying to be on “PTL,” which he said is its own division and not produced by KDKA’s news department.

“There’s no possible way everybody on there, with all the content created, [we can] have everybody pay for everything,” Cotugno said, noting that segments that are paid for are fronted by Mikey Hood, not newsroom employees Heather Abraham and David Highfield. Cotugno said sponsored segments are identified as sponsored both in video and audio.

“Anytime there is a paid sponsor it’s clearly stated in audio and video that it’s sponsored,” Cotugno said. “There’s no such thing as ‘pay to play.’ CBS would never allow that, neither would we.”

Cotugno gave the example of segments on Tall Ships on Lake Erie in August 2019.

“They bought a regular ad campaign of 30-second commercials and had appearances on the show and Mikey went up to Lake Erie” to report segments for “PTL,” Cotugno said. Hood also does non-paid segments, like one where she and Celina Pompeani played soccer with the Riverhounds.

“It’s just another service we bring to advertisers and services,” Cotugno said. “Some are paid for and some are not paid for, it depend s on what their budgets allow and what they want to do.”

Anthony Marino did not respond to queries sent to his Facebook account. Cotugno said Marino worked for Don’s Appliances which provided the previous kitchen set for “PTL.” Cotugno said Don’s opted not to use Marino anymore. The current kitchen set was provided by a different sponsor.

Q: With KDKA-TV adding a 7:30 p.m. newscast, I wonder what that means for the Sports show they are running on Friday's at 7:30?

—SCOTT VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: “Living Room Sports” will cease to exist. Instead KDKA-TV will create a new local program, “Fan Nation,” which will air at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays beginning in mid-September. “Fan Nation,” which like “PTL” will not be produced by the news department, will be hosted by Rich Walsh and Daisy Jade and will feature fans, sports stars and celebrities.

Q: Why is there no traffic report on the KDKA morning news? This started during the lockdown. Channel 4 and 11 have had traffic reports the whole time.

-DIANE VIA EMAIL

Rob: “We hit ‘pause’ on traffic in the mornings because of the shutdowns and significant reduction in morning commutes,” explained KDKA-TV news director Kathy Hostetter. “It seemed counter-productive and redundant to go on every morning to tell viewers there’s no traffic on which to report. We plan to bring traffic back once commutes start to pick up again, and that will likely tie in with how schools roll out their bussing and back to school plans. Meantime, Celina’s been doing feature reporting in our morning newscasts.”

Q: What happened to Jeff Verszyla? He isn’t on Channel 4 anymore on the Sunday news?

-TONY VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: His role at WTAE was announced as a fill-in freelancer so there should be no expectation that he’ll be on every week. He is not a WTAE employee.

“I did not work [July 25-26] (my decision). I worked [8/1]. I will not work next weekend (my decision)...but will be back the following weekend and every weekend through the end of August, including a weekday shift or two,” Verszyla said. “As is the case with freelance, they ask me to work as needed...and I am usually able to accommodate. However, there are days when I’m not available. The gig is still going through, at least, the end of August.”

Q: Is WQED in horrible financial shape? It seems that they are having fundraisers nearly every night .

-FRANK VIA FACEBOOK

Rob: Hmmm, I wonder if Frank is watching WQED’s Showcase channel, which is always in pledge, rather than the primary WQED channel.

Last week PBS president Paula Kerger confirmed my suspicion that PBS member stations have fared better than commercial outlets during the pandemic since commercial outlets are dependent on advertisers who pulled their commercials when everyone was staying home.

“I know that a lot of organizations have seen special pressures, particularly media organizations that rely heavily on advertising revenue, and that's not our model,” Kerger said last week during a PBS panel at the virtual TCA press tour. “We do get a little bit of sponsorship revenue, some corporate support, but the lion's share of money comes from viewers like you. As we look across the country, we see that many of our stations

have done recently well with membership this year. People are home and watching more PBS than any other time. So that's very good news.”

WQED spokesman George Hazmanolis confirmed that what Kerger said does apply to WQED: “WQED’s finances are holding steady so far during the pandemic. Although there has been a decline in corporate support since March, individual giving has stayed strong and has enabled WQED to bridge the revenue gap. We thank our loyal supporters.

“Additionally, we are giving exposure to local arts organizations on WQED-FM during the pandemic. WQED Education is providing a wide array of educational instruction and support for kids and families while schools are closed.   

Over the last two years, WQED has decreased pledge on WQED-TV by more than 20 percent. On WQED FM, pledge has been decreased by 50 percent over the last eight years. The viewer may have been watching the WQED Showcase Channel, a digital channel that airs fundraising programming 24 hours a day.

“WQED board meetings are open to the public via Zoom and the schedule is on our website at https://wqed.org/about/board. Our annual audit is posted on our website at https://wqed.org/legal. The annual meeting of the board is scheduled for October 1 at 6pm and a Zoom link will be posted to our website.”

I tried to get a count of pledge days in 2020 vs. 2019 but was told, “We don’t count ‘days’ anymore, since it is not a good measure and we don’t always pledge all day. For example, WQED only pledges from 8 pm to 11 pm on weekdays during a typical pledge period, with more hours pledged on weekends. Sometimes only one program is pledged in a whole day. We count pledge programs and within those programs, the minutes of pledge breaks. WQED has pledged 20 percent less in 2020 than in 2019 and is planning to maintain that decrease in 2021. Most of the decrease has been in the 8pm-11pm weekday period.” 

Q: With sports, maybe, possibly, coming back, at some point, I was curious if you happen to know if there have been any developments regarding Comcast getting the ACC Network? I really don’t feel like switching providers.   

-MATTHEW VIA EMAIL

Rob: Alas, nothing new to report. There has been no change. There’s still no deal for Comcast to carry ACC Network.

###

Executive produced by Tracey Wigfield ("Great News," "30 Rock") says she loved the original as a fifth-grader and that the new show will both make fun of the original while also embracing it.

"Our show is set at Bayside [High School] in 2020," Wigfield said today during the TV critics summer 2020 virtual press tour. "But the fun things of our show is Bayside is sort of in this bubble that is like the Bayside you saw in the original ... There was a lot of fun for me tin getting to revisit this show I loved so much growing up." 

Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley Lauren reprise their roles from the original while Mark-Paul Gosselaar will guest star in a few episodes.

Wigfield says the show means a lot to the people who grew up with it, which they kept in mind while writing the new series.

"We want to poke fun at it in a way you only can if you deeply love something," she said. "But we don't want to be, like, 'Look how stupid it was.' That wasn't out intention."

Eight out of 10 episodes were filmed before the pandemic-forced production shutdown. Some actors are returning to production this week. No air date has been announced but barring any additional shutdowns, it seems likely the show will stream sometime this fall on Peacock.

Q: Will Steve Higgins return to Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show”?
-ANN, PITTSBURGH

Rob: Steve Higgins is still the announcer at the top of every “Tonight Show.” The show is currently abiding by social distancing protocols, so the on-set crew is limited until they can move into the next phase of production.

Q: What happened to "Lights Out" with David Spade on Comedy Central?  Is it coming back, or it is gone for good due to the Pandemic?

-JOE MOORE VIA EMAIL

Rob: “Lights Out” was canceled during the pandemic and won’t be back. But I wouldn’t blame the pandemic for the show’s cancellation. If the show had been successful before the pandemic, it would have been back.

Q: On the weekends, some of the stations reverse the times of the local and national news programs, with the local on at 6:30 and the national at 6:00. Curious about the reason for this. Thanks!

-SHARON, REGENT SQUARE

Rob: WTAE-TV does air national news at 6 and local news at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. KDKA-TV arranges its schedule this way on Sunday only.

My best guess is it’s an effort to change it up from what a rival or rivals may air at the same time. I put the question to KDKA-TV news director Kathy Hostetter and WTAE-TV news director Jim Parsons but neither one responded.

Q: Can you find out why John Wehner is not broadcasting any pirates games lately. They have Michael McKenry doing play by play now.

-ROSEANN VIA EMAIL

Rob: Per AT&T SportsNet, Wehner was on a scheduled V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.

If it sounds like a fictional story we’d dismiss as too far-fetched, well, “Love Fraud” proves that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. At a compact, four, one-hour episodes, “Love Fraud” hangs together much better than any of 2020’s popular docu-series. There’s barely any flab in these four hours as the story takes progressively weirder, more surprising turns.

Unlike many docu-series that attempt to piece together a story that’s already happened, filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (“Jesus Camp”) were along for the ride, chronicling events in real time. Some documentary purists will object to the degree of their involvement – the filmmakers, rather than the women, hire some of the private detectives in their efforts to track down Smith – but ultimately the end of the series justifies the means of getting there. Some amazing animation work helps with transitions and to fill a few narrative gaps along the way.

“Love Fraud” offers a story of female empowerment and within that the film introduces some authentic characters that producers present as-is without any sugarcoating. Sometimes that will make viewers chuckle (“You remember, ‘Melrose Place’? The Heather Locklear character? That was me: Professional on top, hooker on the bottom,” says one of Smith’s former finacees) and other times, particularly towards the end of episode two, “Love Fraud” proves surprisingly moving with a lovely, unexpected moment.