Monday, January 30, 2006
Beck Says His HLN Program Won’t Just be Politics
Source: Los Angeles Times After reaching its highest ratings ever last year with a new lineup of topical, personality-driven prime-time programs, CNN Headline News has declared the experiment a success and is adding another provocative talk show host to the mix: Glenn Beck, a syndicated radio personality with a decidedly rightward bent.Beginning in April, Beck — whose popular radio show, “The Glenn Beck Program,” is broadcast on more than 200 U.S. stations — will host an hourlong program for the CNN sister channel on “water-cooler” topics. The Philadelphia-based broadcaster recently moved his radio show to New York to be able to do the daily cable program.
Although Beck is best known as a conservative talk show host, network executives said the show would not be devoted to politics, but rather would cover a range of issues, including world events and pop culture.
“We did not set out to do a political show or a show from any political point of view or ideology,” said Ken Jautz, executive vice president of CNN Worldwide, who runs the channel. “We set out to find an entertaining, engaging talk show host, and his brand of humor and lighthearted approach was one we liked.
“We like to think of this as Glenn conducting a conversation, not a confrontation,” Jautz added. “We want a cordial atmosphere. It’s not hot; it’s not aggressive.” MORE
# posted by ATN @ 10:13 PM 
