Times Square Gossip

Tavis Smiley On GMA ABC NEWS -- Tavis Smiley fires back at sexual harassment allegations: 'PBS made a huge mistake'. Talk-show host Tavis Smiley defended himself again against sexual harassment allegations today on "Good Morning America," saying, "PBS made a huge mistake here." PBS suspended the distribution of his eponymous talk show earlier this month after an investigation, noting "multiple, credible allegations," the network confirmed to ABC News in a statement. During a live sit-down interview, Smiley, 53, reiterated that "I've never groped, I've never coerced" women into sexual relations on his staff "in 30 years over six different networks." He added, "I celebrate and applaud these women who had the courage to come out," but he's concerned that because of the recent climate, "people end up being guilty simply by accusations." A PBS spokesp...

Christiane Amanpour New York, NY and Arlington, VA - PBS and WNET have announced that the acclaimed nightly global affairs interview program Amanpour will be presented on an interim basis to PBS stations nationwide. Amanpour on PBS willair on THIRTEEN, New York's PBS station , beginning Monday, December 4 and will roll out on PBS stations beginning December 11 at 11 pm (check local listings). The program will continue to air on CNN International weekdays at 2pm and 5pm Eastern. PBS is also finalizing plans for a second public affairs program to follow Amanpour on PBS in the 11:30pm half hour time slot, rounding out the hour, with a separate announcement to follow. Featuring conversations with global leaders and decision makers on the issues affecting the world today, " Amanpour on PBS adds to the long tradition of public affairs programming that has been a hallmark of public media for decades," says PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. ...

Holiday Inn Great Performances premieres Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn -- The Broadway Musical as part of the Broadway's Best lineup on PBS. The festive production from the Roundabout Theatre Company premiered Friday, November 24th, and available to stream the following day via pbs.org/gperf.  Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of Broadway-as well as his fiancé dance partner Lila-to settle down at an old farmhouse in Connecticut ... but life just isn't the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim's luck takes a turn for the better when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a seasonal inn with show-stopping performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim's best friend, Ted, tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? Songs incl...

  **** THE GLORIOUS CORNER By: G. H. Harding **** LL Cool J JIMI LIVES --- A pioneering electric guitarist, Jimi Hendrix (Nov. 27, 1942-Sept. 18, 1970) had only four years of mainstream exposure and recognition, but his influential music and riveting stage presence left an enduring legacy. Thirteen’s American Masters series traces the gone-too-soon guitar great’s remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Seattle, through his stint as a U.S. Army paratrooper, unknown sideman to R&B stars such as Little Richard, Joey Dee and the Isley Brothers, and his discovery and ultimate international stardom. American Masters: Jimi Hendrix – Hear My Train A Comin’ premieres nationally Tuesday, November 5, 2013, 9 – 11 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings or pbs.org/americanmasters ). The same day, Experience Hendrix and Legacy Recordings, will release the expanded home video edition of the American Masters documentary, with never-be...

**** TELEVISION HITS **** Ryan Seacrest Emmy Award-winning radio personality, television host and producer Ryan Seacrest has signed on to narrate the third season of Pioneers of Television, PBS’ Emmy-nominated series that brings to life the stories of television’s most beloved stars. PIONEERS OF TELEVISION returns to PBS on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 8:00 p.m. ET and runs through February 5. The new season’s four episodes are “Funny Ladies” (January 15), “Primetime Soaps” (January 22), “Superheroes” (January 29), and “Miniseries” (February 5). Stars featured in PIONEERS include Carol Burnett, Lynda Carter, Joan Collins, Diahann Carroll, Richard Chamberlain, Patrick Duffy, Lou Ferrigno, Tina Fey, Louis Gossett Jr., Larry Hagman, Cloris Leachman, Joan Rivers, Leslie Uggams, Rachel Ward, Adam West and Betty White, among many others. In Pioneers of Television more than 100 stars bring their stories to life, telling backstage tales of America’s favo...