The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • Page 67

2003:01:14:14:42:01 Media diversity may be in danger; do we care? and in the to name afew. Even Warner Bros. TV Distribution President Dick Robertson who works for a little outfit called AOL Time Warner weighed in recently, pointing out that decision-making process on what the American public has been halved in terms of how many companies own TV stations. In comments to the FCC, USC Center for Communications Law Policy Executive Director Sandra Ortiz former 20th Century Fox executive said the once-hallowed concept of local media ownership has become rare as to be almost Take Los Angeles, where holdings include AM news-radio stations KFWB and KNX as well as KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV, which officially inaugurate their shared parentage next week. In addition to occupying the same Hollywood facility, field reporters are using microphones with a KCBS label on one side and KCAL on the other.

We still get hours of news between them, but with one team calling the shots, is that true diversity any more than other pairing KTTV and KCOP, KNBC and KMEX, or KTLA and the Los Angeles Times, both owned by the Tribune Executives say these arrangements provide greater news-gathering resources, but the primary incentive is not so much about blanketing Main Street as impressing Wall Street, leading to higher profit margins that benefit Viacom but not necessarily viewers. maximization has never been the sole point of U.S. communications Douglas Gomery, a professor in the College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, wrote last year, adding, there is less diversity of opinion and less diversity of news sources than in As a result, he argued, ownership limits are relevant and important than To cite one potential consequence, several academics indicted TV news coverage of last congressional elections as the worst in memory, both in terms of depth (one study found that the average candidate sound bite ran 9.5 seconds) and quantity. local broadcast news programs disappear or fail to meet their needs, the 1st Amendment rights are Ortiz stated. As for entertainment, again, is more better if simply more of the same? In cable, executives have enthused over or a fancy way of saying that sister channels recycle programs from the major networks.

So instead of creating compelling original fare, TNT runs the sprockets off movies the way independent TV stations once did, and the erstwhile Family Channel shifts from cut-rate programs under Fox to repeating ABC shows under Disney. Tackling assertion that market forces will promote the public interest, the reality is that those programs historically deemed most desirable to society political, public affairs and shows have always struggled amid the flashing lights of media square. Left on their own, educational programs will inevitably be chased into retreat, unless and are passed off as The most pragmatic question is whether the public actually cares. Advocates like Jeff Chester, of the Center for Digital Democracy, contend somewhat persuasively that interest in these issues would rise if people were better informed by the TV outlets whose corporate parents, ultimately, profit from their indifference. Either that or viewers are too content watching their 90 channels to bother.

For the most compelling warning of what might be to come, look no farther than radio, where the FCC virtually abandoned regulatory safeguards in the 1990s. Subsequent abuse of led to a single company, Clear Channel Communications, voraciously swallowing competitors its Blob-like powers of absorption helping fuel the switch to nationally syndicated hosts and formats at the expense of local voices and, yes, diversity. Powell and fellow Republicans hold a majority of seats on the commission, so opponents of a wide-open media frontier are mounting the equivalent of a desperate last stand. Whether they can awaken the townsfolk remains to be seen, but what does appear certain is that an official named Powell will greatly influence this country in 2003, and his dad just might, too. Brian column appears Wednesdays.

He can be reached at brian.lowry@latimes.com. Diversity, from Page E1 TELEVISION RADIO TIPS FOR TODAY 9-11 a.m.—Larry Airtalk: Corporate Greed and Political (9-10 a.m.); former boxer George Foreman (10-11 a.m.), KPCC-FM (89.3). 11 a.m.-3 p.m.—Charles Andrews: Tchaikovsky (Piano Concerto No. 1, pianist Van Cliburn, RCA Symphony Orchestra) p.m.), KUSC-FM (91.5). p.m.—The Treatment: Douglas McGrath KCRW-FM (89.9).

p.m., a.m.—The Third Man: Awoman asks Harry Lime (Orson Welles) to help one of his worst enemies (originally broadcast Aug. 17, 1951), KNX (1070). 10-11 p.m.—Arts in Review: Cast members from productions of Theresa and A.R. discuss L.A. theater.

KPFK-FM (90.7). DRAMA-COMEDY FAMILY 6-9 a.m.—Don Crabtree, KDIS (1110). 9-11 a.m.—Playhouse Disney, KDIS (1110). 11 a.m.-1 p.m.—B.B. Good, live from Walt Disney World Resort, KDIS (1110).

1-5 p.m.—DJ Web Fingors, live from Disneyland Park, KDIS (1110). 5-10 p.m.—Ernie KDIS (1110). 10 p.m.-3 a.m.—Sheryl Brooks, KDIS (1110). p.m., a.m.—Tales of the Texas Ranger con man finds a newly widowed woman (originally broadcast Jan. 13, 1953), KNX (1070).

CLASSICAL 8 a.m.-noon—Mornings With Rich Capparela: Scheidt American Brass Quintet) a.m.), KMZT-FM (105.1). p.m.—Masterpiece of the Day: Webern Pieces for Orchestra, Op. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), KMZT-FM (105.1). 2-3 p.m.—Cost-Conscious Classix: Handel organist Simon Prestin, Menuhin Festival Orchestra), KCSN-FM (88.5). 7-8 p.m.—Symphony at 7: Grieg Liebesverbot: Overture Phil- harmonia Orchestra), KMZT-FM (105.1).

7 SPORTS Sports 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, KFWB (980), KNX (1070). p.m.—Pro Basketball: Lakers at New Orleans Hornets, KLAC (570). 7-8 p.m.—Angels Clubhouse, KSPN (710). p.m.—Pro Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves at Clippers, KXTA (1150), KTNQ (1020). TALK-INTERVIEW 5-9 a.m.—Bill Handel, KFI (640).

5-9 a.m.—Don Imus, KPLS (830). a.m.—Jamie White and Danny Bonaduce, KYSR-FM (98.7). 6-9 a.m.—Mark Larson Larry Marino, KRLA (870). 6-10 a.m.—Mark and Brian, KLOS- FM (95.5). 9-11 a.m.—Bill KABC (790).

9 a.m.-noon, 6-8 p.m.—Dennis Prager, KRLA (870). 9 a.m.-noon—Rush Limbaugh (640). 9 a.m.-noon—Laura Ingraham, KPLS (830). 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m., p.m.—Al Rantel, KABC (790). 11 a.m.-noon—Sam Rubin, KLSX-FM (97.1).

11 a.m.-1 p.m.—Talk of the Nation, KPCC-FM (89.3). Noon-2 p.m.—George Putnam, KPLS (830). p.m.—Talk of the City With Kitty Felde: p.m.); p.m.), KPCC-FM (89.3). Radio By Scott Sandell Times Staff Writer Best Damn Sports Show Fox Sports Net even the best at being the worst. That distinction could go to any number of programs, like that have been dropped by executives as easily as the New York Jets were by the Oakland Raiders.

Instead, since premiering in July 2001, the sports-comedy show has expanded from one to two hours and become a fixture in nationwide sports empire. Whether in California or Tennessee, you cannot escape it. Tonight, on at 8 on FSN, because the Southern California operation have any pesky sporting events to clutter the schedule. As is apparent from the title, the guys on the show much care if they offend prudes with their language (interestingly enough, during in-game promos of the show in Nashville, the own play-by-play announcers refer to it as Best Bleep Sports Show or if they offend egghead grammarians with their punctuation deficiencies. They encourage viewers to crack open a cold one one of the relentlessly promoted sponsors, of course kick back with the jocks and, every once in a while, ogle the score-update babe.

This approach to sports talk a total abomination. In fact, on Monday night, the show managed to be fairly danged decent. Host Chris Rose kept the interviews moving along quickly, with help from the regular contributors former pro athletes John Salley, John Kruk, Michael Irvin and Farr minus the big loudmouth, actor Tom Arnold. absence seemed to the keep things focused on sports, with the all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Gary Carter topping a lengthy guest list. The odd man out was game-show mastermind Chuck Barris, who was touting a book and movie about his life.

Strangely enough, the show has become a regular stop on the Hollywood promotion circuit. This scheduled guests include Barris, Julia Stiles and William Shatner hawking various film and TV projects. show is no exception, as Ahmad Rashad and Oscar De La Hoya are slated to stop by and, oh yes, mention their forays into show biz. It could be at its backslapping but innocuous best, or at its crude worst; you just never know. But, given the dismal beginnings, that in and of itself is at least some progress.

TUNED IN Good at being the wacky Fox JUST Tom Arnold, left, Chris Rose, John Kruk, John Salley, Farr and Lisa Guerrero on the set. SERIES Look Jack Osbourne returns in a special appearance as himself on (8 p.m. WB). Disaster on ice: Scientist Susan Solomon employs modern tools and techniques to reconstruct the tragedy that befell Antarctic explorer Captain Robert F. Scott and his party in 1912 on of the (8 p.m.

KCET, KVCR). Versatile talent: Actor Ray Liotta is profiled on (8 p.m. Outside the White House: Toby (Richard Schiff) struggles to fill in for C.J. (Allison Janney), gone home to speak at her high school 20th reunion, where she has an encounter with a rich and handsome classmate (Matthew Modine), on West (9 p.m. NBC).

Murder case: When the body of one of two people running a private gambling operation is found in the trunk of a car, Briscoe and Green (Jerry Orbach, Jesse L. Martin) suspect the partner on (10 p.m. NBC). SERIES Smart weaponry: Forrest Sawyer takes an in-depth look at the future of warfare on Reports: The Next (7 p.m. MSNBC).

MOVIES Lightning strike: (6:25 a.m. Showtime) chronicles the Israeli 1976 raid on Entebbe airport to free terrorist-held hostages. Paris, 1785: Awoman (Hilary Swank) creates a scandal in an effort to regain her royal name in the 2001 drama Affair of the (12:30 p.m. Cinemax). Miraculous: Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft won Oscars for their portrayals of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan in Miracle (5 p.m.

TCM). SPORTS Tennis: The Australian Open (11 a.m. ESPN and 8 p.m. ESPN2). Pro Basketball: The Lakers take on the New Orleans Hornets (5:30 p.m.

KCAL). Highlights E16 CALENDAR LOSANGELESTIMES National Nielsen Viewership Here are the rankings for national prime- time network television last week (Jan. 6-12) as compiled by Nielsen Media Research. They are based on the average num- ber of people who watched a program from start to finish. Nielsen estimates there are 272.04 million potential viewers in the U.S.

age 2 and older. Viewership is listed in millions. Program Network View- ersProgram Network Viewers 1 CSICBS25.48 2 Football, Falcons at EaglesFOX24.93 3 FriendsNBC23.67 4 ERNBC21.52 5 Everybody Loves RaymondCBS19.70 6 Law OrderNBC19.55 7 Joe MillionaireFOX18.61 8 60 MinutesCBS17.61 9 CSI: MiamiCBS17.52 10 The BacheloretteABC17.44 11 ScrubsNBC17.18 12 Law Order: SVUNBC16.59 13 Without a TraceCBS16.34 14 Will GraceNBC16.25 15 Law Order: Criminal IntentNBC16.21 16 JAGCBS16.04 17 Still StandingCBS15.74 18 Fear FactorNBC15.12 19 Yes, DearCBS14.85 20 King of QueensCBS14.68 21 Choice Awards CBS14.66 22 The West WingNBC13.96 23 Judging AmyCBS13.95 24 Star Search 25 Star SearchCBS13.15 26 The GuardianCBS13.10 27 Good Morning MiamiNBC13.02 28 The SimpsonsFOX12.76 29 8Simples Rules 30 Crossing JordanNBC12.23 31 Mr. SterlingNBC12.19 32 FrasierNBC12.00 33 Third WatchNBC11.91 34 According to JimABC11.84 35 NYPD BlueABC11.67 36 BoomtownNBC11.44 37 George LopezABC10.96 38 EdNBC10.91 39 My Wife KidsABC10.87 40 King of the HillFOX10.84 41 American DreamsNBC10.75 42 HackCBS10.72 43 60 Minutes II (9 p.m.)CBS10.70 44 Celebrity Mole HawaiiABC10.65 45 AFC postgame show 46 Malcolm in the MiddleFOX10.36 47 Dateline NBC 48 Law Order: SVU 49 Dateline NBC 50 24FOX9.97 51 Boston PublicFOX9.86 52 Fun. Home Videos (8 p.m.)ABC9.78 53 48 Hours InvestigatesCBS9.64 54 Law Order: C.I.

55 AliasABC9.42 56 Life With BonnieABC9.17 57 48 Hours InvestigatesCBS9.12 58 That ShowFOX8.86 59 Hundred and One ABC8.72 61 Dateline NBC 62 Hidden HillsNBC8.59 63 That Show (8:30 p.m.)FOX8.37 64 The PracticeABC8.26 65 66 Top 15 Moments FOX8.16 67 Queens SupremeCBS8.11 68 Less Than PerfectABC8.05 69 The DistrictCBS7.74 70 Law Order 71 Touched by an AngelCBS7.62 72 Primetime ThursdayABC7.21 73 King of the Hill (7:30 p.m.)FOX7.02 74 Given 75 7th HeavenWB6.85 76 Andy 77 Whose Line Is It 78 Just Shoot MeNBC6.19 79 John DoeFOX6.17 80 of the 81 82 The AgencyCBS6.11 83 84 FuturamaFOX5.73 85 WWE 86 The Drew Carey ShowABC5.54 87 EverwoodWB5.44 88 CharmedWB5.40 89 Surreal LifeWB5.16 90 FastlaneFOX4.81 91 RebaWB4.75 92 GirlfriendsUPN4.42 93 One on OneUPN4.40 94 High School ReunionWB4.36 95 Abby UPN4.10 96 Buffy the Vampire SlayerUPN4.08 97 The ParkersUPN4.01 98 EnterpriseUPN3.99 99 The 100 Greetings From TucsonWB3.45 101 Birds of PreyWB3.26 102 What I like About YouWB3.09 103 Sabrina, the Teenage WitchWB3.08 Birds of Prey (8 p.m.)WB3.08 105 106 and 107 High School Reunion 108 The Twilight ZoneUPN2.70 109 Abby 110 Girlfriends Network Averages Here is the number of viewers (in millions) that each network averaged per hour of prime time, for last week and for the season. Network Last week Season To date CBS15.2712.69 NBC12.7611.78 FOX11.539.23 ABC8.6410.13 WB4.184.32 UPN3.913.80 Strong premieres for and Bachelo- garnered most of the buzz in television circles last week, but NFL football also provided significant boosts for Fox and CBS, based on viewing estimates issued Tuesdayby Nielsen Media Research. playoff game Saturday finished behind only Crime Scene the most-watched show nine out of 16 weeks this season. Posting its highest-rated week in nearly two years, CBS also benefited from a Sunday game that extended into prime time on the East Coast, lifting to a season high, though Choice still dropped compared with last year. Meanwhile, with Night over, Fox and NBC gained some ground there last week.

In addition to fast start, scored a season-high rating. NBC also drew solid premiere numbers for the political drama starring Josh Brolin, as well as the biggest audience for Order: Special Victims against unimpressive debut of made-for-TV movie Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. topped the cable charts with an estimated 5.7 million viewers for its prime- time showing, and began its second season with solid ratings, averaging 4.4 million. Lowry Playoffs give an assist to Fox, CBS The Wayne Brady Show Justin Timberlake; Trista Rehn; Willie Garson.

10 a.m. KCAL Oprah Winfrey Self-confidence. (R) 3 p.m. KABC Dr. Phil Growing old gracefully.

4 p.m. KNBC .7 p.m. KCET. Late Show With David Letterman Sandra Bullock; Marv Albert. 11:35 p.m.

KCBS The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Denzel Washington; Elton John. 11:35 p.m. KNBC The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn Comedian Jeff Cesario. 12:35 a.m. KCBS Late Night With Conan Sen.

Joseph Lieberman; Rosario Dawson. 12:35 a.m. KNBC Listings include talk shows that provide aguest list. Talk Shows SHOWTIMES FOR TODAY ONLY BARGAIN MATINEES IN www.laemmle.com SUNSET Sunset at Crescent Hts. NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (PG) 4:00 7:00 10:00 FAR FROM HEAVEN 2:05 4:45 7:25 10:00 PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (R) 2:40 5:05 7:30 9:55 LOVE LIZA (R) 2:55 5:20 7:45 10:10 THE QUIET AMERICAN (R) 2:25 4:50 7:20 9:50 Friday Saturday 12:15 am MOVERN CALLAR MANIACTS THE COCKETTES Saturday, Sunday Monday Morning 10:00 am TREMBLING BEFORE G-D MANIACTS THE COCKETTES Kino International Sat, Sun Mon 10am Fritz Lang's MUSIC HALL 9036 Wilshire MAX (R) 7:15 9:40 REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES THE LAST SUPPER 7:30 9:50 SUNSHINE STATE 13 CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ONE THING (R) 7:45 AUTO FOCUS (R) 9:55 CAMELOT THEATRES 2300 Baristo Road 760-325-6565 PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL For Tix Info www.psfilmfest.org (760)322-2930 MONICA 1332 2nd St.

FAR FROM HEAVEN 4:15 7:00 9:45 MAX (R) 4:35 7:25 10:05 FRIDA (R) 4:30 7:15 10:05 THE QUIET AMERICAN (R) 4:20 7:00 9:40 Friday Saturday 12:15 am MANIACTS Kino International Sat, Sun Mon 11 am DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST Directed by Robert Bresson Saturday, Sunday Monday VENICE: LOST FOUND MANIACTS PAN TADEUSZ directed by Andrzej Wajda 10:00 am GRANDE Figueroa at 3rd St. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 7:00 9:50 TWO WEEKS NOTICE 7:30 9:55 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS 8:35 GANGS OF NEW YORK (R) 8:45 VILLAGE TWIN 4711 Lakeview Canyon Road 818-889-8061 THE PIANIST (R) 7:00 NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (PG) 5:15 8:00 PASEO CAMARILLO 3 390 N. Lantana St. ABOUT SCHMIDT (R) 5:15 8:00 EVELYN (PG) 5:30 FRIDA (R) 7:45 NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (PG) 7:15 ROYAL 11523 Santa Monica Bl. TALK TO HER (R) 4:30 7:15 9:55 REGENT SHOWCASE www.regententertainment.com 614 N.

La Brea Ave. 323-934-2944 INTACTO (R) 5:00 8:00 TOWN CENTER 5 17200 Ventura FRIDA (R) 2:10 7:30 10:10 FAR FROM HEAVEN 2:10 7:30 10:10 LOVE LIZA (R) 2:25 7:15 9:40 NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (PG) 7:00 9:55 TALK TO HER (R) 2:10 7:30 10:10 FALLBROOK 7 6731 Fallbrook Ave 818-340-8710 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS 8:15 FAR FROM HEAVEN 2:10 7:30 10:00 CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 7:00 9:55 RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (PG) 2:40 7:30 9:55 GANGS OF NEW YORK (R) 8:00 SECRETARY (R) 2:25 7:15 9:40 TWO WEEKS NOTICE 2:30 7:30 10:00 FAIRFAX CINEMAS Beverly at Fairfax 323-655-4010 BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE (R) 4:05 7:00 9:55 RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (PG) 3:00 5:15 9:45 SHANGHAI GHETTO 5:00 EL CRIMEN DEL PADRE AMARO (R) 2:30 7:15 9:50 PLAYHOUSE 7 673 E. Colorado Blvd. FAR FROM HEAVEN 2:10 7:30 10:10 On 2 Screens TALK TO HER (R) 12:30 2:10 3:10 4:50 7:30 8:30 10:10 MAX (R) 2:35 7:45 10:10 RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (PG) 2:25 7:15 9:40 FRIDA (R) 2:10 7:30 10:10 NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (PG) 7:00 9:55 REGENCY LIDO THEATER Via Lido at Newport FAR FROM HEAVEN 5:30 7:45 REGENCY SOUTHCOAST CINEMAS Southcoast Hwy at Broadway TWO WEEKS NOTICE 5:30 7:40 9:45 CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 7:00 9:40.