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Fox, Debmar-Mercury Roll Out Preview of ‘Wendy Williams Show’

Apr 21, 2008  •  Post A Comment

In the latest move to develop hits for the ever-evolving television syndication business, Fox Television Stations and Debmar-Mercury will co-produce a six-week preview of “The Wendy Williams Show” starting July 14.
Among stations on board for the series, set to hit national syndication in fall 2009, will be the Fox-owned stations in New York (WNYW-TV), Los Angeles (KTTV-TV), Dallas (KDFW-TV) and Detroit (WJBK-TV).
“For stations anxious to buy a proven performer, rather than pie in the sky, this show will allow them to get a look at concrete ratings results rather than empty promises when making their fall 2009 programming decisions” said Ira Bernstein, co-president of Debmar-Mercury.
“The Wendy Williams Show,” is a daily, one-hour entertainment talk show starring New York DJ, syndicated radio host and TV personality Wendy Williams. The strip will be broadcast live from New York, featuring Ms. Williams’ commentary on celebrity gossip and news events, as well as “interviews, fashion and advice segments” in which Williams will help audiences tackle their personal issues involving sex, relationships, money and dating.
“It’s clear that the traditional syndication model is no longer functional, particularly for daytime product, and I believe what we’re doing with Debmar-Mercury is a syndication blueprint for the future,” said Frank Cicha, senior VP of programming at Fox Television Stations. “Wendy is a compelling talent with an extremely loyal fan base, and this opportunity comes to us within a deal structure that allows both sides to minimize risk, yet share the rewards if the program is the hit we know it can be.”
Veteran talk show producer Rob Dauber, formerly co-executive producer of “Martha” and supervising producer of “Oprah Winfrey” and “Rosie O’Donnell,” will serve as executive producer of “The Wendy Williams Show” along with Ms. Williams and her husband-manager, Kevin Hunter.
“Wendy has been a winner in every medium she has chosen,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-President Mort Marcus. “When we decided the time was right for a different kind of TV talk show that would instantly appeal to stations and viewers, we knew the Queen of Radio would be the perfect choice and approached her.”

4 Comments

  1. I love Wendy Williams, she tells it like it is, no holding back (much like a Jewish mother) I wish her the best of luck. Love you Wendy!!!!!!!

  2. Wendy I wish you the very best for your new show it is for certain that this show is doom if you dont clean up up your getto audience and your big mouth its going get you in a lot of trouble . Good Luck

  3. Flava Flav II. They don’t mind showing the most ignorant of us, do they? Shouldn’t they be concerned about Wendy and her husbands sexual harrasment suit?

  4. wendy is the bomb. all sistas can relate to her and follow her inuendo. its about time. DO IT WENDY !

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