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Abuckman

Why Ellen Degeneres is a Great Choice For ‘Idol’

Anyone who is complaining about the decision to add Ellen DeGeneres as the fourth judge on “American Idol” doesn’t understand show business. It doesn’t matter whether or not Ellen is some kind of expert on singing, though, as an entertainment professional…

I Was There: Watching the Great Cronkite at Work

It was the 1980s and the old guys were still around. One of them, Walter Cronkite, had relinquished his CBS anchor chair to Dan Rather in 1981, but I got an opportunity to watch Cronkite work one day a couple…

Now he Belongs to the Ages: Michael’s Memorial Joins Select Group of Unforgettable Telecasts

It happens only a few times in a lifetime – when presidents die and state funerals are held, when a beloved princess is killed in a sudden accident, or when men walk on the moon. And now, the memorial service…

Jackson: Maybe Now He Can Rest in Peace

Can’t stop thinking about Michael Jackson today, like everybody else. Not much I can add, except for this. The second record album I ever owned was the Jackson Five’s ABC (the first was Alvin and the Chipmunks Sing the Beatles…

Jon & Kate: Buckman’s Take

I have warned many people over the years: If you see a group of reality-show producers approaching you, run away. If they’re coming up your sidewalk preparing to ring your doorbell, draw the curtains, turn out the lights and remain…

Conan is King? ‘Crowning’ Goes Against Tradition

It was shocking to see a press release from NBC this week with the headline “Conan the new king of late-night.” It was a ratings release, issued Thursday — the day each week when national Nielsens for the previous week’s…

Get Used to It: Conan’s Here to Stay

Some might not like Conan O’Brien’s nervous mannerisms and others might not care for his hair. Some might say he laughs a bit too much at his own jokes. Some might even accuse him of conspiring to push out Jay…

Edd Hall Recalls Glory Days with Jay Leno

Among those who were in the audience tonight for Jay Leno’s final “Tonight Show”: Edd Hall, Leno’s announcer for the first 12 of his 17 years as host of the NBC late-night show. Besides making the show’s introductory announcements, Hall,…