Kiran’s Christmas Wish: More F&FW Magic?

“I told [Santa] I just want a job. Lol!!” Shine Kiran’s future Santa? Within the span of only six days as Christmas drew imminently near, former FNC/CNN anchor Kiran Chetry clearly indicated that she is more than eager to return to the air. On December 16, she Tweeted a pic of herself, her kids, and St. Nick, saying, “Santa came to LYC! I told him I just want a job. Loll!!” A mere five days later, she Tweeted a fun food-face photo, declaring, “Making lunch for the kids. Moma need a job:).”

Apparently, Kiran does indeed need a job now (after her namaskaar to American Morning almost one year and half ago): And, her former employer FNC’s Programming SVP Bill Shine could certainly use her. Since Shine will lose his popular Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs in seven short days (at the end of this year), he needs someone who can seamlessly replace Dave on the curvy couch with co-hosts Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris. And, Kiran, certainly could: After all, she teamed with Aly (during her first F&FW stint) as the smart, sassy, and sexy duo that made men literally weak in the knees and made F&FW must-see TV during the early-to-mid 2000′s in the process. (Remember Kiran spanking Kelly Wright?)

Hopefully, 2013 will be a time for new beginnings–for FNC and Kiran. A time for Roger Ailes to forgive Kiran after her sojourn in the desert. And, a time for Bill Shine to give Kiran that “very special opportunity“ to team up with Aly again (and Clayton) to make more F&FW magic.

Tearful Briggs Leaves F&FW

Dave: “I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year.” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Clayton Morris dropped a bombshell this morning by announcing that co-host Dave Briggs is leaving their popular FNC morning weekend show. After the final half hour began with the “Shot of the Morning,” Clayton turned to Dave and their fellow co-anchor Alisyn Camerota, remarking, “I want to take a moment here because this is going to be the last time that the three of us…are going to be on the couch together. Looking down, Dave replied, “Wow! I didn’t expect you to say that: But, yeah, I am. I will be moving on.”

Tearing up, Dave continued, “I will miss the two of you more than I can speak. You’ve made me better and you’ve made the show better. You’ve been my work family!”

Growing emotional, too, Clayton interjected, stammering, “Likewise, man! It’s like a, like losing, you know, having a brother leave, you know, with a family and move on.”

Chiming in, Aly exclaimed, “We will miss you so much, Dave!”

Sentimentally, Dave stated, “I will miss you both! It’s been the best show, best job of my life. I will never have a job I enjoy more, no matter where I go.” Looking into the camera at his fans, he assuring stated, “But, you will see me. I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year but it’s been a wonderful experience here.”

As to Dave’s departure date, Aly explained, “Dave will be through here through the end of the year: But, I won’t be working during these shows.”

Sounding as if he may be leaving Fox News to boot, Dave declared, “But, I should say thanks to…Roger Ailes, and to Bill Shine, and Suzanne Scott, and some of the people who brought me here as well. And, all the producers who have helped me out for a couple of years. But, I just, I love you guys!” Then, as FNC meteorologist Rick Reichmuth appeared in a split screen shot, Dave added, “And, Rick, Rick has been my confidante and my office mate. And, you guys are, you’re my family: I’ve never had a work family….Damn, I’m gonna miss it!”

Nodding his head for emphasis, Rick replied, “We’re gonna miss you, Dave! But, you know, the good part is you’re not moving anywhere….This is Aly’s and this is my last day with you, Dave. So, it been wonderful to have you here: And, we will miss you a ton.”

So, where will Dave be? Before his big announcement, a Twitter follower asked, “What’s with the beard cutie?”: In answer to his avatar change, Dave cryptically Tweeted, “Explanation coming soon…”

Perhaps, much more telling, in the final segment of F&FW today, Aly gave Dave multiple pairs of hosiery as a parting present, saying, “So, Dave, I don’t know if your new co-anchor is gonna want to match her outfit to your socks: But, if so, I have gotten you some possibly anchor-friendly new socks to match with her outfits.” Seemingly, confirming that he will be co-hosting a new show with a new female co-host, he answered,”I think she’s gonna love them!”

Pleading with his fans for their continued loyalty in his future endeavor, Dave subsequently Tweeted, “I will miss our viewers almost as much as Clayton, Aly & Rick. I really appreciate every one of you and hope you stick w/me in 2013…”

Good luck, Dave!

[Author's aside: Notably, on this august occasion, Dave dutifully donned his connubial band today after approximately three weeks on F&FW sans it. Bravo, Brandi!]

Update: In the After the Show Show (via J$P), Aly more definitively verified Dave new gig, saying, “You new co-anchor is such a lucky woman!”

Update2: According to J$P, the “likely destination for @davebriggstv – NBC Sports Network.” Subsequently, he RT’d @SPORTSbyBROOKS: SbB has learned NBC Sports Network is planning a daily show hosted by @MichelleDBeadle & @davebriggstv.” As further evidence, he teased, “RT @MichelleDBeadle (yesterday): Cranked out promos for my new sports show and my last Access Hollywood of the year….”

Ailes’ Angel Aly: “Just Smoking Hot!”

Camerota, Aly Camerota. Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Alisyn Camerota went off on a secret assignment last week with her FNC colleague Ainsley Earhardt. After promising to provide clues to her Twitter followers, Aly Tweeted them airport and arrival pics (1, 2). Shortly thereafter, Aly sent them a video of herself and Ainz, revealing, “We’re here [in Austin] learning how to be action heroes at the very place that trains the stunt doubles for the James Bond movie”: Elaborating in the clip, Ainz added, “We’re going to be blowing up cars, shooting guns [and] jumping through rings of fire; it’s gonna be fun!

Proving Ainz’s point, Aly’s apparent assistant Tweeted her own inside shot, saying, “This looks way frightening @AlisynCamerota packing heat via.me/-7i442ue.” Adding to the intrigue, Aly Tweeted a photo of herself in training,  scaling a mock skyscraper in tandem with Ainz. Subsequently, she sent an action photo of herself with wind-blown tresses next to a roaring fire (with the caption “Just another typical day in the life of a news gal). To top it off, Aly Tweeted a “Charlie’s Angels” shot of herself and Ainz sexily posing with big guns in front of a raging inferno: Tantalizing her fans further in the caption, she wrote, “Stay tuned to find out what @ainsleyearhardt and I have been up to.”

Stay tuned indeed. Ailes’s Angels: Ainz and Aly Cat. Rowrrr!

[Author's aside: "Just smoking hot!" in the title of this article is derived from F&FW co-anchor Clayton Morris' apt description of Aly about two weeks ago. After a smoking segment promo, Clayton turned to Aly and racily remarked, "You smoke." When Aly chuckled, co-host Dave Briggs interjected, "She's just smoking!" Eying Aly, Clayton exclaimed, "She's just smoking hot!" F&FW - 11/25/12 (@ 9:00 a.m. ET)]

Ainsley’s “Back”: “What Did You Do to Me?”

Clayton: “My, my clothes are still on!” The Coolidge effect? Fox & Friends Weekend guest co-anchor Clayton Morris seemed to have a revived libido Sunday when sexy guest co-host Ainsley Earhardt filled in for F&FW regular co-anchor Alisyn Camerota. In fact, he turned rather rakish during an “Amazing Kreskin!” segment when Ainsley was asked to close her eyes for a card “test” by the famed mentalist.

As famed mentalist “Amazing Kreskin” promoted his new book, Conversations with Kreskin (with a foreword by FNC Prez Roger Ailes), he told of Ailes’ praise for his prowess with cards: Pulling out a deck, he asked Ainsley to close her eyes and to trust him. Smiling as she shut them, she replied, “I trust you.” Pointing to both Clayton and her other co-anchor Dave Briggs, she laughed, “I don’t trust these guys! I’m going to trust you. My life is in your hands.”

When Kreskin had executed his legerdemain for his test of Ainsley, he said, “I want you to open your eyes.” Grinning, Clayton chimed, “You can open you eyes now.” Joining the chorus, Dave commanded, “Open your eyes now. Open them!”

Looking down at her cleavage as she did so, a reddening Ainsley asked, “What did you do to me?” Beaming, Dave declared, “We didn’t touch you–at all!” As Dave put up his palms to assert his innocence, Clayton racily remarked, “My clothes are still on!” In response, Dave’s eyes widened in incredulity as he struggled vainly to maintain his composure: Meanwhile, a chuckling Ainsley blushed all the more. But, she smiled sweetly at her naughty lad Clayton.

Ainsley: back to the future with her bad boys on the weekend? Aly did debut her new do proudly on F&F weekday Monday.** And, as to Gretchen, the election is over.

*Fox & Friends – 11/28/12 (@ 8:26 a.m. ET)

**F&F - 11/19/12 (@ 6:01 a.m. ET)

Ainsley’s Bridal Shower: Updated!

[Earhardt's tiger revealed, infra.] Seventh heaven: Ainsley and six other Ailes’ angels celebrate a new beginning. Yesterday, Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt‘s hump day was extra special. The sweet Southern belle was honored with a bridal shower by her Fox News family and friends, including fellow FNC femmes, Patti Ann Brown, Heather Childers, Maria Molina, Janice Dean, Heather Nauert, and Anna Kooiman (photo).

Seemingly, the die is now cast: Ainsley’s bridal shower has been thrown. And, yesterday, Janice signaled her hearty approval to her Twitter followers with Tweets about the festive affair. In one missive, she sent a photo of Ainsley and the FNC femme fatales, writing, “From beautiful @ainsleyearhardt bridal show this afternoon @FoxFriendsFirst pic.twitter.com/sHeija7K. In another, she sent a pic of a radiant solo Ainsley sipping an apparent mimosa, proclaiming, “Beautiful bride to be! @ainsleyearhardt.” This morning, an appreciative Ansley laconically replied, “Janice – thanks for the tweet.”

Apparently, Ainsley was a wee bit overly eager last week when she alluded to her “husband.” Perhaps, she already felt secure in his arms at her “Home Sweet Home.” Cheers, Ainsley!

Update: Subsequent to the posting of the author’s article, Janice Tweeted, “A Bridal Shower for our beautiful @ainsleyearhardt @FoxFriendsFirst (plenty of pictures!) weather.blogs.foxnews.com/2012/09/27/ainsleys-bridal-shower. In her post, Janice shares fabulous photos of Ainsley, six more Ailes Angels, and other FNC colleagues partying at Sarabeth’s restaurant in Manhattan. To boot, she reveals the name of Ainsley’s hubby-to-be–Will Proctor (former Clemson quarterback).

Fox & Friends: Gretch a Goner?

Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson‘s future at Fox News is in question according to New York Magazine. NYM reported that one of its sources said that Gretchen and FNC are “haggling over her contract terms” and revealed that Gretchen wants her own FNC show but Fox suits are not keen on the idea. However, NYM indicated that one lead said that Gretchen and FNC had “reach[ed] a short-term accord that would keep her on the curvy couch with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade until the election [b]ut after November, it’s unclear.”

Over a month earlier, the author noted Gretchen’s uncertain future at Fox & Friends in a Carpe Diem article entitled, “Gretchen’s ‘Last Summer Vacation.’” After Gretchen decided to take her one “last summer vacation before kicking into high gear for the political conventions and the election,” he noted that F&F began not only to utilize its regular talent such as Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Alisyn Camerota and Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earnhardt but also to showcase significantly possible celebrity replacements, i.e., Olympian Dara Torres and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Yet, the writing was still not necessarily on the proverbial wall.

Now, it well may be. As Inside Cable News declared, “If there is a shred of truth to this [New York Magazine story], Carlson is on dangerous ground. Roger Ailes and FNC have a history of summarily dispatching talent whose dreams are bigger than FNC reality will tolerate (see: Chetry, Kiran).”

Wouldn’t that be ironic? Deliciously so–if Ailes finally forgave Gretchen’s nemesis, Kiran Chetry, for her “seminal sin” and welcomed the waiting beauty back into the FNC fold with that “very special opportunity.” After all, Aly is indispensable to F&F Weekend.

MacCallum & Hemmer: “Bride & Groom”?

America’s Newsroom’s beauty in black and her bad boy in tux. Single America’s Newsroom co-anchor Bill Hemmer and his recently “ringless” co-host Martha MacCallum a hot item? Intentionally or not, Bill may have stoked the rumor fires this morning when he mentioned his “big night” with Megyn last night and gave a “personal shout-out” to his FNC colleague Geraldo Rivera (who was the guest of honor at a NYC Open Gate fundraiser/cruise last night) and his wife Erica as AN concluded.* Subsequently, after producers had aired a photo of Geraldo and Erica together at the New York harbor dinner charity cruise (hosted by FNC head honcho Roger Ailes and his wife Beth for them and other FNC luminaries), they then showed an al fresco pic of Martha in her beautiful black dress and Bill in his black-tie tux posing together with the NY harbor in the background. When Bill saw the photo of the two of them beaming side-by-side, he chuckled and exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh! There’s the bride and groom!”

Perhaps, in an attempt to tamp down any resultant rumors, Martha immediately remarked, “I thought it was James Bond. It’s you, though, in a self-tied bow tie…. You took that great picture of Erica and Geraldo. And, I think you should, maybe, be available for weddings because that’s a beautiful shot of them.”

Martha, be careful for what you wish. Bill might just be available for a wedding. After all, he did once opine to his former AM co-host Megyn Kelly (as a guest on her America Live show in a pertinent discussion) that he did not see anything wrong with office romance if it did not interfere with the lovers’ work.

Bill, see what you have started!

*America’s Newsroom – 04/26/12 (@ 10:59 a.m. ET)

Martha’s Slip Shows: Roger’s High “Five”

MacCallum right: The Five, Shine’s summer show permanent. Today, Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes confirmed what America’s Newsroom co-anchor Martha MacCallum let slip six days ago as reported by Carpe Diem: I.e., Fox News viewers will “be watching [co-hosts Andrea Tantaros and Bob Beckel] over the course of a year on The Five.” According to Fox News Insider, Ailes announced that “The Five has been picked up as a scheduled program for [FNC's] 5 PM/ET time slot.

Once again, thanks for the tip, Martha, and, congrats, Five’rs!

H/t, J$P for the Tweet.

Roberts-Phillips’ Engagement: Off?

Roberts: “No plan for a wedding.” Is the thrill gone for FNC’s brand new senior national correspondent John Roberts and his “fiancee” CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillps? It certainly seems so. Today, the Huffington Post reported that “Roberts says he doesn’t call Phillips his fiancee and that they have no real plans to get married anytime soon.” Interestingly, around the same time that article posted (10:22 a.m.) during her program CNN Newsroom, Phillips Tweeted, “A columnist has 6 possible reasons why single ladies aren’t married… it’s harsh & we’re talkin’ bout it in 10 mins.”

Only ten months ago to the day, TVNewser announced the engagement of Roberts and Phillips. It reported how a romantic Roberts had proposed on bended knee during a round of golf on the final hole at Greenbriar Resort (West Virginia). Accompanying the article was a photo of the happy couple posing on that 18th green with champagne glasses in hand as Phillips joyfully sported her new engagement ring.

Today, the Huffington Post seemed to suggest a shift in Robert’s and Phillips’ status. In a phone call yesterday with HuffPo, Roberts discussed his relationship with Phillips (among other topics, e.g., Fox News, CNN, and Roger Ailes). As to Phillips and himself, Roberts revealed, “No plan for a wedding.” Elaborating, he declared, “I call her my wife, she refers to me as her husband….[A]t our age, fiancee just doesn’t sound right.” Perhaps, portentously, he added, “And, when you call somebody your sweetheart, eventually that gets old as well.” Nevertheless, Roberts said that he does expect that they’ll get married “at some point.”

While Roberts and Phillips’ “engagement” may seem tenuous at best, they do have a certain and concrete connection. I.e., while Phillips may not be Roberts’ wife anytime soon, she is the expectant mother of their twins. They are due March 21.

What’s “Happening Now”?

N’awlin’s Chocolate: a new morning flavor for FNC’s ice cream parlor? Something seemed slightly amiss today as Happening Now co-host Jane Skinner announced her sudden departure from the show while citing the, yes, “spend-more-time-with-the-family” reason. While her co-host Jon Scott was rather tearful and her colleague Janice Dean was exceedingly dolorous at the news, Jane remained studiedly stoic like a good soldier who had received her walking papers. And, maybe, she had.

One month ago today, InsideCableNews.com stated that FNC honcho Roger Ailes and his top FBN suits had “convened in a room [about a week earlier] to watch the network’s broadcast…to examine the programming in detail and see what was working and what might need changing or tweaking.” Apparently, Ailes and his top people may have looked at their golden goose FNC, too, and watched its most boring morning hour. Approximately two weeks later, Mediaite.com reported that Ailes was bringing back the sassy, sexy ebony beauty Arthel Neville (daughter of the founder of the Neville Bros.) back to FNC. Today, as to Jon’s new co-host, Mediaite.com mused, “Maybe a non-white anchor?”

Perhaps, Fox News SVP of Programming Bill Shine will use this opportunity to add some much overdue figurative and literal color to FNC’s most boring morning news show. As Carpe Diem readers may remember, the author has long felt that Happening Now needed a major shake-up. E.g., over six months ago, in an article entitled “Jon & Jane: Happening Not,” the author opined, “[T]he show with David Asman’s ‘tv twin’ and Roger Goodell’s gal seems to be an ill-conceived paean to America’s bourgeois best. After an entertaining and edgy Fox & Friends…FNC seems to have plopped the vanilla couple in the middle of the morning when the majority of their more adventurous audience is apt to roam….Bill [Shine], you surely need to do something to make Happening Now actually happen soon.” Even Jane seems to agree that she was not necessarily the most charismatic media figure on FNC: in an interview with Mediaite.com (after telling HN viewers good-bye), she stated, “I worked for five bosses before Roger, not one, including all of my professors at journalism school, said, ‘you have a personality, you should use it.’”

Hopefully, Shine will add some real color commentary to Happening Now–from a person of color. Over two years ago, the author similarly bemoaned the incredible lack of diversity on another FNC morning show in a May 4, 2008, post entitled, “Lily White F&F” to no avail. Hopefully, times have changed.

Skinner Skedaddles: Dean Dolorous

Adieu, audience! Happening Now co-host Jane Skinner shocked her viewers with a short, sweet farewell this morning. As her show was about to end, Jane remarked, “Before we go today, I want to take just one minute and nine seconds of your time to let everybody know this is my last day on the air at Fox….[I]t’s been a thrill to have been a part of this incredible success of this place over the past twelve years that I have been here.”* She continued, “However, my life in those twelve years has changed pretty significantly in wonderful ways, and they’ve created a lot of new responsibilities. I added a husband [NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell]….I have twin daughters….So, to do justice to this new life, I’ve decided to take a break from this business.”

Subsequently, as Jane thanked boss Roger Ailes, co-host Jon Scott, and colleague Janice Dean (the “Weather Machine”), Jon’s eyes began to well up with tears. Then, with a quivering voice, Jon replied, “We are going to miss you like oxygen….I had a little ‘heads up’ on this–very little ‘heads up–and I thought it was going to keep me from getting all emotional. But, it didn’t!” With tears beginning to stream down his face, Jon continued, “Your girls and your husband are very lucky that you’re making a decision like this because there aren’t many women in this business who would do what you’re doing. And, I really admire you for it.”

Meanwhile, out of nowhere, Janice leaned into the shot and planted a mournful kiss upon Jane’s cheek. After cupping Janice’s face affectionately in her hand, Jane declared, “They’re pretty amazing. And, we have a lot of opportunities in our life to do a lot of great things, and I just don’t want to miss out on ‘em. So, but, thank you everybody, and thanks everybody for watching. It’s been so much fun!”

Then, looking back at Janice who was clenching her hands tightly together and weeping greatly, a slightly uncomfortable Jane laughed, “Do not cry! Don’t cry!” Interjecting, Jon remarked, “Somebody get the Weather Machine a tissue. We got a hurricane erupting on stage here.” Jane answered, “Oh! The emotional Weather Machine. Now you know why I love her. See, everyone else loves her, too.”

Shortly thereafter, Jane stoically concluded, “But, anyway, thanks everybody for watching. And, we will see you down the road. We will see you at the Super Bowl, for sure….And, Jon’ll see you tomorrow!”

*Happening Now – 06/24/10 (@12:56 a.m. ET)

Update: Vid (courtesy of J$P)

A.M.: Alpha Male 2 Beta Boy?

Is CNN/USA prez Jon Klein cutting John Roberts in favor of Jim Acosta? As Campbell Brown departs from her eight o’clock “no-bias-no-bull” perch because of low ratings, Klein seems to be promoting AM co-hosts Roberts and Kiran Chetry’s “open marriage” with Acosta as Chetry’s current courter. Perhaps, he is trying to confect the perfect solution to cure both American Morning abysmal ratings and those of Campbell Brown. I.e., he may want to rejigger the AM format by sending the seasoned news veteran (and CB guest anchor) Roberts to a straight news substitute for CB and replace him with a younger version on AM.

However, such a move may imperil the CNN’s anemic morning news program even further, especially, if Klein replaces alpha male Roberts with a proverbial albeit talented eunuch. As viewers of AM know, Roberts is the MAN on AM. Even weatherstud Rob Marciano cedes the preeminent role to Roberts albeit with an occasional obligatory nip at his elder’s heels. Roberts is CNN’s real silver-haired rogue who loves the ladies, knows his facts, and can still effortlessly play it cool with his AM audience, guests, and co-horts. To boot, he can keep co-host Kiran Chetry in awe at the same time with ease. Without him, AM becomes merely a bevy of beauties, beta boys, and choral castratos.

Even though his departure may well leave AM in the lurch, Roberts would probably be the perfect fit for a CB substitute as the “voice of Olympus” who bellows the”impartial truth” from the throne at Ted Turner’s erstwhile crown jewel. CNN would get their version of “fair and balanced” news and Roberts could finally pontificate in the evening a la Uncle Walter. Not to mention, Roberts also has the hip MuchMusic veejay JD persona to potentially draw in the prized A25-54 demo.

Even if Klein does solve his CB problem with Roberts, he may exacerbate the aforementioned AM one, especially, if he picks Jim Acosta. Yes, Acosta is from the valued Hispanic demographic but he seems to lack the needed machismo as CNN colleague Carol Costello has indicated and Acosta has appeared to acknowledge. To make matters worse, potential co-host Kiran Chetry seems to patronize Acosta by maternally putting up with his incessant interruptions and inane ad libs while charitably comparing him to George Clooney.

If Klein sends Roberts packing to his CB replacement, he should turn to his stable of young stallions like Rob Marciano or T.J. Holmes. Both of those young bucks seem eager to take their place at the helm as ruddy, randy roues ready to regale Kiran and the AM audience. Of course, Kiran’s hubby might prefer the more sedate and effete Acota, but the AM audience would probably continue to decline with such a flaccid fellow.

When will Klein finally face reality? He needs to connect with his vast vibrant audience of the American Everyman rather than his preferred incestuous elitist Manhattan socialites (who tow the politically correct line and massage one another’s egos). If he would embrace the egalitarianism of FNC’s Roger Ailes, CNN/USA’s top suit might realize that he did not need to feign disdain at ratings but rather could actually appreciate them fully if he followed suit.

Ergo, Klein, talk with your audience not down to them. Raze the trappings of hubris that you have embraced and walk among the people. Do away with AM’s distancing desk and the imperious palaver: rather, pull up a few chairs and converse with your viewers intelligently but not pedantically. I.e., get off your high horse a la Marie Antoinette before you meet a similar fate.

Ailes’ Virgin Vixen?

Gerri Willis: CNN cloistered cutie to FBN femme fatale? Roger Ailes’ latest CNN snatch made her virgin appearance on Red Eye Saturday night. From the moment host Greg Gutfeld heralded her first appearance on RE, Gerri seemed timid, stiff, and stilted as she warily navigated RE‘s Kafkaesque labyrinth.

Further, the future Willis Report anchor inexplicably botched her chance to shine as to the big biz question of the day. When, during the RE “Halftime Report,” Andy Levy asked, “Gerri, what exactly happened with the stock market today?,” she, stating the obvious, replied, “It went down.”* As Andy motioned for more, Gerri simplistically answered, “It went down big time.” In response, Andy acerbically sniped, “Wow! I really want to demand Fox Business now.” Smiling abashedly, Gerri responded, “Oh, why am I here?” Subsequently, when Andy asked again, a flustered Gerri declared, “I was warned about this and I didn’t listen. I came anyway. And, now I am so mad at myself.”

At that moment, perhaps, Fox News and Fox Biz boss Roger Ailes had his own second thoughts about Gerri. When he announced her hiring, he stated, “Most of the CNN talent have been restrained from showing what they can do — we’re looking forward to providing Gerri with a platform at Fox Business to showcase her financial acumen and television expertise.” Maybe, Gerri is still finding her sea legs. Speaking of which, perhaps, next time Greg will give her the vaunted “leg chair” and Gerri can start to adapt  (a la Patti Ann Brown) to her new station on the U.S.S. Roger Ailes.

The transformation of this former Jon Klein girl-in-chains may take some time.

*Red Eye – 05/09/10 (12:32 a.m. ET).

[Editorial aside: As to Andy's saying "today" when speaking of the stock market decline, apparently, he was referring to RE's production date (Friday) not its airing one (Sunday)."]

Mistress Aly Returns

Clad to kill in in her short, sleeveless lilac dress, Fox & Friends co-anchor Alisyn Camerota returned to her right rightful place on the curvy couch. After leaving Fox & Friends Weekend in the hands of a more callow Ainsley Earhardt last Saturday and of a somewhat unsteady Courtney Friel the following Saturday, Aly reminded viewers why she is in the center seat. Skillfully and confidently, Aly took the wheel again with no need for the advice or approbation of her crew or passengers to keep the ship on a sure course.

As for Aly’s men, Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs, they once again could concentrate on fulfilling their roles and doing their duties. E.g., Clayton returned to his geeky best educating technophiles and Luddites on the latest gadget, the iPad, and Dave adroitly played the kindly sports dad to cute, clueless kids as he guided them through a March Madness segment. For the viewers, they needed only to sit back and to enjoy their cruise.

All was well on the U.S.S. Roger Ailes again today.

Ailes’ “Fun Girls” Return

Not only was Southern belle Ainsley Earhardt back on the curvy couch as a guest host Sunday but also Philly filly Courtney Friel returned surprisingly to her role as a regular. It was Roger Ailes version of the return of Andy Griffith’s “Fun Girls.”

As F&FW began yesterday, co-anchor Dave Briggs, with raised eyebrows for emphasis, warmly welcomed his former F&FW co-host Ainsley, saying, “We are happy to have you here.” Turning her eyes fully toward the sports guy, the South Carolina cutie replied, “Thank you. So good to be back! Thank you.” Subsequently, the ringless, short-skirted lovely seemed to relish her comeback as the cynosure of her former F&FW male colleagues and viewers.

Later, almost mid-show, Dave heralded the return of another F&FW cohort, Courtney Friel (another former Ainsley, Dave, and Clayton Morris F&FW era cast member, i.e., headline newsreader) as a regular. Introducing a Victoria Secret segment, Dave declared, “We want to welcome in a new addition of Fox & Friends Sunday: Each week, we’re going to bring you entertainment stories that matter and that you won’t see anywhere else.” Ainsley added, “Courtney Friel: she is here with the scoop today!” Confirming her new status after her report, Courtney remarked, “I’ll…see you here every Sunday in different places all over on different subjects.

The girls were back in town for a day. Apparently, with Bill Shine’s blessing, Courtney will stick around. As to Ainsley, she certainly seemed like she would not mind doing the same. Of course, Alisyn Camerota might have something to say about that again.

Dead Show Airing?

A.M.: R.I.P.? After noting that American Morning co-hosts John Roberts and Kiran Chetry have seldom been seen behind the AM desk together lately and that a host of substitute co-anchors have been paraded before the AM audience, last week Carpe Diem asked, “AM: Shake-up Looming?” Yesterday, TheWrap.com answered in the affirmative–or, at least, indicated that it appears to be in the works. According to media expert Dylan Stableford (former Mediabistro.com managing editor and contributor to Salon, New York, and Rolling Stone), an inside source indicated that “CNN is testing a concept that would include personalities with dueling political ideologies and opinions” for “a new morning show pilot.”

Apparently, CNN/US prez Jon Klein has finally taken the blinders off. After trying to revitalize American Morning’s anemic ratings three years ago by bringing in seasoned journalist John Roberts and Fox News’ rising star Kiran Chetry, Klein’s endeavor has met with dismal disappointment. In fact, based on TVbytheNumbers.com’s figures and the author’s calculations, the total viewer ratings of 2010 (1st quarter) are identical to those of 2007 (1st quarter). Even more troubling, TheWrap.com reports that Nielsen numbers show that AM has declined 30% in 2010 in both total viewers and the prized 25-54 demographic.

According to Stableford, it is unclear what the purported changes mean for Roberts or Chetry. In the last few weeks, Roberts has been temped for by T.J. Holmes, Jim Acosta, and Christine Romans whereas Chetry has been filled in for by Sara Sidner and Kate Bolduan. In doing so, Klein has seemed to substitute AM regulars for Roberts and new faces for Chetry. Perhaps, he will keep this part of his formula but acribe to a more provocative, zanier, and, yes, “Friendlier” approach. [N.B. Roger Ailes' Fox & Friends shellacked Klein's American Morning by 4:1 (overall viewers) and by 3:1 (25-34 demog) in the latest numbers (03/09/10)]

As to Roberts and Chetry’s respective futures, a Klein canning could actually inure to their benefit ultimately. Roberts would be in a position to stake his claim anew to Uncle Walter’s seat if the old Tiffany network does not renew Katie Couric’s costly contract. And, Chetry may finally find redemption with her many fans at the top-rating cable news network if she is but granted Ailes’ absolution.

[Author's aside: Since Chetry's absences have been fewer than those of Roberts, Klein may be considering whether to keep Chetry. If so, he could use the former Fox & Friends (First & Weekend) co-host to guide CNN's version of FNC's morning news juggernaut.]

Hat tip to J$P (Johnny Dollar’s Place).

FNC’s Musical Chairs?

For Martha MacCallum, Juliet Huddy, and Megyn Kelly, it sounds as if the music has begun. Strangely, Fox News seems to have anchor Martha MacCallum in every chair but her own on Live Desk this week. Monday it was Fox & Friends: Tuesday, Wednesday, and today, it’s America’s Newsroom.

Perhaps, FNC Senior Veep of Programming Bill Shine is taking advantage of the remainder of Megyn Kelly’s maternity leave this year (from America’s Newsroom) to see if he can adjust the roster to accommodate his returning star Juliet Huddy. Evidence of such a move may be Shine’s moving Martha this week to Fox & Friends Monday and then to America’s Newsroom Tuesday-today even though she is currently the Live Desk co-anchor. Filling in for Martha on LD Monday-Wednesday and returning Friday, has been re-signed Juliet Huddy. (Ailes’ new Energizer bunny Alisyn Camerota is scheduled to fill in on LD today.)

If Martha settles in well with co-anchor Bill Hemmer on AN and Juliet with co-host Trace Gallagher on LD, Shine would be able to free up his rising star Megyn Kelly to host her own show. As has been rumored, she could replace Greta van Susteren in the evenings if Greta does not re-up. On the other hand, Megyn could allow Shepard Smith to concentrate on just one show instead of the two that he hosts each week day (Studio B and the Fox Report): if she did that, she would be give women greater representation on a male-dominated afternoon and evening schedule. (Of eight shows, all of the anchors are men save one, Greta van Susteren, who hosts On the Record.)

When the music stops in January, look around and see if everyone has a chair, and, if so, where exactly they are seated.

Aly: Ailes’ New Bunny

With his Energizer bunny Megyn Kelly away on maternity leave, Roger Ailes seems to have picked Alisyn Camerota to fill in the void. Not only did Aly perform her duties on Fox & Friends Weekend last weekend but she also guest-hosted on American’s Newsroom this week and subbed as a Cultural Warrior on the O’Reilly Factor last night. According to her AN co-anchor Bill Hemmer, Aly will be on F&F as usual this weekend. Ailes has definitely upped her profile.

Today one began to wonder if FNC was trying to put a too serious newsperson spin on Aly. Instead of AN’s customary full-figure views as the show begins each hour, the cameraperson cropped Ms. Camerota from the waist up basically. Apparently, someone called the offending producer to account toward the end of the show: After 100 minutes without any real stem shots, the camera captured three in the last twenty minutes.

Aly: a real FNC journalist and a busy Ailes bunny to boot.

Prejean Deposed: Gretch Relieved?

Another day, a hotter honey! Apparently, Miss USA owner Donald Trump really did think that the former 2009 Miss California Carrie Prejean’s topless pics were just “fine”.* According to TMZ.com, Prejean claimed that she rejected Miss California USA pageant attempts last month to have her pose for Playboy semi-nude: Pageant panjandrum Keith Lewis countered that he was not touting them but merely presenting them to her for her consideration.** Citing contractual breaches, the Miss California USA pageant deposed Prejean and replaced her with runner-up Miss Malibu Jamie Farrell.***

In essence, aping his Apprentice avatar, the Donald essentially has said, “You’re fired!” After chivalrously saving the Christian damsel in distress, has he now thrown her mercilessly to the lions for entertainment’s sake? Or was she a non-compliant diva that just had to go?**** Regardless of the answer, P.T. Barnum would be proud of his Manhattan mogul avatar.

N.B. Fox & Friends fans, only about two weeks ago, Trump strongly suggested that FNC’s Roger Ailes would hire Prejean and stated that she “look[ed] very, very good together” with co-anchors Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on F&F. Now with his beauty queen’s ouster, he may have less to gain from the first 2009 Miss California USA’s replacing of 1989 Miss America Gretchen Carlson on the show.***** With her potential rival, Prejean “whatever,”****** apparently, on the outs, Gretch may be breathing a bit easier today.

UPDATE: The dethroned Miss California USA Carrie Prejean gave her first morning news interview to F&F. She received a sympathetic ear from both Fox & Friends co-anchors Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade. The other beauty queen on the set, Gretchen Carlson was conspicuously absent for that segment.

*http://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/dumb-bitch-trumps-queen/
**http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/10/carrie-prejean-playboy-miss-california-usa/
***http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/10/carrie-prejean-fired/
****http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525807,00.html
*****http://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/prejean-we-do-look-good-together/
******http://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/gretch-prejean-whatever/

Prejean: “We Do Look Good Together”

Will blond bombshell Miss California Carrie Prejean join Fox & Friends in the near future? Donald Trump seemed to think it was a capital idea. After his interview with F&F co-hosts Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade, and guest co-host Carrie Prejean, Trump declared, “Congratulations, Carrie: great job! The three of you look very, very good together!”

In fact, the trio appeared to second his assertion. Carrie eagerly responded, “We do look good together!” Steve nodded his agreement, and Brian concurred, “Absolutely!”

Trump would probably like nothing better than to have his Miss USA California replace a former Miss America (Gretchen Carlson) on Fox & Friends. Of Carrie’s appearance on F&F, Trump stated, “She’s doing well, I can tell you that.” He added, “Roger Ailes is a great genius, and I have a feeling that you’re going to see her a lot on Fox.” The Donald explained, “She’s got the IT factor; you know what the IT factor is; and she’s got it!”