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The Insider

Nov 17, 2003  •  Post A Comment

OK, Insiderettes, grab your magnetic scheduling and personnel boards. Here’s what oddsmakers say about some key developments related to the January debut of Dennis Miller on CNBC’s prime-time lineup:
Most likely to get a thumbs up and a knowing nod from Miller aficionados is word that Eddie Feldmann (“The Dennis Miller Show,” “Dennis Miller Live”) is expected to be right-hand man to Mr. Miller, who will be executive producer of the hour. Emmy nominations are sure to follow.
The Insider would like to be the first to publicly nominate Mr. Miller as the sole host for next year’s News Emmys ceremony, which, as faithful readers know, is scheduled for telecast on the Discovery Times Channel. Mr. Miller’s take-no-prisoners view of news and politics would make the evening a hip happenin’.
In the meantime, CNBC has him penciled in at 9 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday with a midnight repeat that would also put him at 9 on the West Coast, where his show will originate from NBC Studios under the multiyear deal facilitated by his relationship with NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker. The odds favor “Special Report With Maria Bartiromo” (currently seen Mondays at 9 p.m.) and “Capital Report” (now seen at 9 Tuesday through Thursday) moving to 7 p.m.
The odds likewise point to “The News With Brian Williams” moving to 10 p.m., perhaps under the title of “The News on CNBC,” since NBC News announced last week that Mr. Williams would depart the show in January to focus on assignments that more directly relate to his transition to “Nightly News” anchor after the presidential elections.
The irony in this scenario, to some folks, is that after outperforming its lead-ins dramatically on CNBC, the unsung “News” is about to get its most promising lead-in ever after Mr. Williams’ nine-year tenure as its anchor ends.
BABY CURES COMMON COLD?
The Big Sniffle that cut a wide swath through the Big Apple last week didn’t keep CBS senior communications VP Dana McClintock from all his preparations for a brief paternity break, but it did raise the specter of his being kept out of the delivery room when his and wife Jenna’s second child was scheduled to arrive. But the stork brought more than one happy ending, and Mr. McClintock was indeed very present when Owen McClintock arrived at 12:12 p.m. Nov. 12, weighing in at 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 19 3/4 inches.