Gretchen Out: Bitter?

Sues Roger Ailes: Her “lawyers…say Ailes is the ‘Bill Cosby of media.'” Wow! Former Fox & Friends co-host and anchor of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, Gretchen Carlson, is apparently not amused that her tenure is over: Reportedly, she is suing FNC honcho Roger Ailes for sexual harassment after her contract was not renewed.

According to the Daily Mail, Gretchen said that Ailes asked her to “turn around so he could view her posterior.” Furthermore, the NYT reported that Gretchen alleged that Ailes had eyed her in his office and called her sexy and “explicitly asked [her] in his office for a sexual relationship.”

In response, Gretchen’s former female FNC colleagues pushed back. “On the Record” anchor Greta van Susteren said that she has “‘absolutely never’ seen …Ailes act inappropriately toward women” and described Gretchen as “a very unhappy employee that lost her job” according to The Wrap. According to the same publication, hitting Gretchen even harder, “Justice with Judge Jeanine” anchor Jeanine Pirro declared, “I know know the man. I have been in a room with him. He has never said or done anything [inappropriate].”: Taking aim at her former FNC colleague, Jeanine added that the lawsuit was “absurd” and remarked, “I don’t know that she, the plaintiff [Gretchen], even has a friend in that building.” On a softer note FBN anchor Maria Bartiromo said, “It’s not in keeping with what I know, and my experience at Fox” according to Variety. Morever, The Five co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle chimed in (according to TVNewser), “Total disbelief. I’ve known Roger Ailes for 15 years and I have been treated with the utmost professionalism and respect: He’s been a fantastic mentor in television for me.” To boot, in her HuffPo article, former Fox & Friends First co-anchor Kiran Chetry, who had a self-proclaimed “parting [that] was ugly and public,” defended Ailes, saying, “Over the years at Fox, I met with Roger Ailes one-on-one many times and never once did Roger ever make me feel uncomfortable or put forth any sexual advances.”

According to the Hollywood Report, Ailes hit back hard at Gretchen, saying:

“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11-year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.”

Gretchen and her fellow femme fatale predecessor co-hosts on Fox & Friends have always been sexually empowered since the fun, flirty, racy, E. D. Hill made her debut in 1998: And, for those that embrace it, that is modern liberated feminism, women unashamed of their potent power of feminine pulchritude and seduction and are not afraid to embrace it. E.g., Gretchen seemed to tout this “new” feminism in her somewhat tempting “twerking” and awkward aping of “scandalous” Miley Cyrus on F&F. Also, naughty Fetchin’ Gretchen had her sultry take on sharing her momcave with Chris Wallace, nipple clips, and licked thighs on F&F (02/04/11). Not to mention Gretchen’s saucy flirtation with Chris Wallace when the Fox News Sunday host  exclaimed, “Let me just say…I was thinking how to clean this up. Gretchen, when you were wearing that cowboy hat and smoking that cigar you looked fetching.” (In response, Gretchen, re-enacted and accentuated her sultry cowboy/cigar look for Chris to which he responded, Oh, Mama! You should take that home for your husband tonight.”) Maybe, Ailes was having fun with that vibe from Gretchen–if in fact he said what he purportedly said.

Nevertheless, a woman or a man’s employment, advancement, etc. should never be predicated on her/his employer’s reaction to their employee’s sexual power. Nor, should the employee ever be subject to his/her unwanted advances.

Huddy & PAB: “Simply the Best”?

The girls are back in town! Former Fox & Friends First co-hosts Juliet Huddy and Patti Ann Browne opened their old show to the inimitable Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” this morning. As current F&FF co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Heather Childers took the holidays off, it was an amusing start to the day after Christmas for F&FF fans.

As the reader may recall, F&FF (this iteration) debuted almost two years ago (March 5, 2012) with Ainsley and Anna Kooiman at the helm (vid) as nine other rotating co-anchors (i.e., Heather C., Heather Nauert, PAB, Juliet, Arthel Neville, Jamie Colby, Julie Banderas, Dave Briggs, and Clayton Morris) stood at the ready for their shifts. However, on its one-year anniversary, Ainsley signaled that the F&FF co-hosts had been pared to four: She, the two Heathers, and PAB had survived the cut. Approximately, six months later, FNC whittled the number down to two, namely, Ainsley and Heather Childers: TV Newser rather charitably reported that FNC had chosen the two as the “permanent anchors” of F&FF.

But, today, Juliet and PAB had their revenge at Ainsley and Heather Childers’ expense as producers, wittingly or not, committed a lese-majeste, declaring the fresh Jersey girl and Red Eye‘s “notorious PAB” “simply the best [better than all the rest].” Of course, Ainz and Heather C. are scheduled to return to rule their roost soon. And, if the sages are right, she who laughs last laughs best.

F&FF: Ringing in the New Year with feline fireworks? If so, it should be fun! Rowrr!

Heather & Ainsley: F&FF Catfight Queens?

The other Heather and PAB scratched out! FNC chose the Carolina belles Heather Childers and Ainsley Earhardt to be the permanent co-hosts of Fox & Friends according to TVNewser. As to their former rotating fellow co-anchors, Heather Nauert has transitioned to be the quirky headline news reader on the new weekday Fox & Friends and Patti Ann Browne announced that she will do updates and hits and will guest anchor during the “dayside hours.”

Heather and Ainz can be proud of themselves: after all, they are the last ones standing from the originally proclaimed cast of ten (including not only their latest partners Heather N. and PAB but also FNC beauties Anna Kooiman, Juliet Huddy, Arthel Neville and Jamie Colby, and beasts Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris). Ainsley, especially, must feel giddy since she inaugurated this second version of the Fox & Friends First (with Anna) and is still heading the helm.

Unfortunately, the sapor of the show has changed from the time when Ainsley (and Anna) delivered on the promo to be a “shot of espresso” to rouse their viewers from their bed. Short skirts, flirty fun, and cheeky chats have given way too oft to more demure dress, insipid sobriety, and banal banter. Oops: from caffeine to decaf!

Congrats, Heather and Ainsley! Break a leg. And, spice it up!

[Author’s aside: “Catfight Queens”? Perhaps, if the ratings dip too much!]

Shannon Bream: Liberty Belle & Trump Beauty?

America’s News Headquarters anchor Shannon Bream: no small fry! The beautiful blond legal eagle that graduated from Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell’s Liberty College oft appears too demure, too modest, and too soft-spoken for FNC’s foxy fold of sassy, sexy, and brassy news babes. Her Fox News fans would not be shocked that the Florida native, who had interned in college on the Hill for Rep. Bill McCollum (R-FL), subsequently got her J.D. cum laude at Florida State University, became a corporate lawyer, and got the journalist bug that eventually led her to Fox News (a la FNC colleague Megyn Kelly). But, they might be quite surprised that their “conservative” cutie, the former Miss Shannon DePuy, in the interim, was furthermore not only a 1991 Top 10 Miss America finalist (Miss Virginia) but also a 1995 Top 12 Miss USA semi-finalist (Miss Florida).

Yes, the Southern belle has the brains to cover the Supreme Court beat. But, she also has the looks to sashay on the catwalk with the best of them–be they Bert Parks’ classic beauties (1991 Miss America Top 10 vid) or Donald Trump‘s chic chicks (Top 12 and swimsuit vids).

Bream: served to order!

H/t: Glamour (and TVNewser).

Fox & Friends First: Losing Sexy Fast

Your espresso? Try decaf instead. Sexy Fox & Friends First co-hosts Anna Kooiman and Ainsley Earhardt served up lukewarm decaf this morning instead of their promised “shot of espresso.” Gone were the tall chairs (and small computer tables) that showcased the lovelies’ legs: In their place was a large opaque table intended to do the very opposite. Furthermore, the gals ditched their short skirts for more dour apparel, i.e., just above-the-knee dresses for the few moments that they might be seen.

Perhaps, faint-hearted producers got spooked by a few mixed reviews and suddenly turned priggish. While cable news reviewers on Mediaite and Huffington Report did not note the actual debut of F&FF, TVNewser reported on it a la AP’s disinterested manner but news blog Chickaboomer and Carpe Diem noted the new sexy look of the show. Chicaboomer posted a seemingly subtle pan captioned “‘Fox & Friends First’ Skirting the Issues” with a pic of Ainsley and Anna in their short dresses and another such photo of Anna and FBN biz babe Lauren Simonetti. However, Carpe Diem gave the first show a rave review entitled “Fox & Friends First: Bringing Sexy Back!,” praising F&FF’s homage to its past glory.

Fox & Friends First: Losing sexy fast. Without that arousing promised shot of espresso from Anna and Ainsley, viewers may well decide to roll over and go back to sleep. As B. B. King might aptly say, “The thrill is gone.”

American Morning Toast?

Kiran Chetry out & Soledad O’Brien back in–for good? CNN appears to have bared its future plans for American Morning two months ago: on the day after AM announced that Kiran was leaving the show, it brought Soledad O’Brien in to fill in for her. At the time, the author surmised that the substitution seemed to be a strange and sadistic slap at Kiran who had replaced Soledad herself almost four years earlier–perhaps, from the very AM insider who had told Page 6 that “Kiran [was] dumb as a rock.” In hindsight, it appears that CNN may also have been showing its cards.

According to TVNewser, American Morning may be ending it current incarnation and transmogrifying into two shows (a two-hour one from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET and another from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.). Furthermore, TVNewser reported that the former American Morning anchor Soledad was being considered to host the second show and that TruTV anchor Ashleigh Banfield has been mentioned for the first one. Apparently, CNN is hoping that a mix of its old blood and new blood can jumpstart its program that has lagged behind as of August not only juggernaut FNC’s Fox & Friends but also MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” for five consecutive months.

Hopefully, the lovely ladies Soledad and Ashleigh can resurrect a moribund AM. Ever since the gorgeous, engaging Kiran Chetry left the show on July 29th on an awkward note, the show has gone from must-see HD to quick-scan low-def. Without her at the helm, AM‘s relatively plain and prosaic temporary co-hosts, Ali Velshi, Christine Romans, and Carol Costello, have gallantly tried to keep the listing ship afloat–to little avail.

Good luck, Soledad and Ashleigh!

Aly’s “Upskirt” Tease

Doocy: “Oh, finally, an item for TVNewser!” A naughty Fox & Friends guest co-host Alisyn Camerota spiced up the early morning for her co-hosts and fans yesterday. After reading a story on “upskirt bandits” who were stealing liquor from a Broward County, Florida, store by putting the bottles up their skirts, Aly wryly remarked, “Something tells me the police will find them soon. It’s hard to run with a bottle of champagne in your skirt.”* Then, she saucily added, “As I can tell you.”

Laughing, co-anchor Steve Doocy queried, “Are you speaking from experience?” Racily, Aly replied, “Yeah, of course!”

In response, a salty Doocy commented, “Alright, good to know. Thanks, Aly.” Ever game, Aly answered, “Yeah!”

Then, in a final playful retort, Doocy declared, “Oh, finally, an item for TVNewser!”

Not quite, Doocy. Nor did Mediaite catch you and Aly’s bawdy banter. However, Mediaite did run a critical column of your America’s Newsroom counterparts’ coverage of the story. (For its article and vid, link here.)

*Fox & Friends – 07/22/11 (@ 7:36 a.m. ET)

Kyra, John: “Welcome…to the World”

“Long road to get here.” CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips and “fiance” FNC senior national correspondent John Roberts make “absolutely beautiful little people” together. According to a People exclusive, the two celebrated the birth of twins, Sage Ann and Kellan Clay, just after midnight this morning. Both brother and sister weighed five pounds fifteen ounces and measured eighteen and half inches long.

People reported that the delighted duo issued a statement, saying, “It was amazing to welcome them to the world. It was a long road to get here, but they are absolutely beautiful little people.” (As to the “long road to get here,” the couple may have been alluding to Kyra’s possible in vitro pregnancy attempts and final success.) They added, “It’s incredible to be able to hold them in our arms and love them in person.”

Congratulations, Kyra and John!

H/t, TVNewser.

FOX Friel & CNN Hubby’s Tsunami Duel

F&F vs. AM: secret battle of the spouses! Cable news duo, FNC entertainment reporter Courtney Friel and her hubby CNN correspondent Carter Evans took off time from their Hawaiian vacation to report on the Japanese tsunami for their respective networks. As the waves approached Carter’s native Hawaii, the rival spouses vied for viewers as Courtney reported for Fox & Friends from Oahu and Carter likewise for American Morning.* While acquitting themselves well, neither spouse mentioned their “hated” connubial competitor by name.

*Fox & Friends (Courtney’s appearances) – 03/11/11 (6 o’clock hour link, supra; 7:53 a.m. ET; and 8:37 a.m. ET)

*American Morning (Carter’s appearances) – 03/11/11 (@ 7:30 a.m. ET & @ 8:28 a.m. ET)

Update: TVNewser‘s managing editor, Chris Ariens, echoes Carpe Diem’s story, supra–almost seven hours later. H/t? Nah. But, in his defense, it was the eighth of nine stories that he posted today and the weekend had already begun.

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.

Roberts: Going Rogue

From CNN’s “voice of God” to FNC’s “voice of Everyman”? Mediate.com reported today that CNN correspondent and recent American Morning co-anchor John Roberts is expected to jump ship to Fox News. Approximately, three weeks ago, CNN chief Ken Jautz stated that Roberts would be leaving AM and that CNN was “discussing an Atlanta-based reporting role for him.” However, exactly ten days ago, when Roberts bid AM adieu, he proclaimed that he was going to Atlanta (to be with his gravid fiancee, CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips) but he did not confirm that he would be working at CNN.

In fact, in retrospect, Roberts seems to have deftly avoided making that assertion to his American Morning audience in his final appearance on the program on Christmas Day. As AM ended (and before it segued to CNN Newsroom), AM guest co-host Carol Costello announced, “The American Morning show has to bid John Roberts adieu because we will miss you. You’re going on to bigger and better things in Atlanta.”* Without elaborating on her comment, Roberts ambiguously answered, “Well, I’m going on to a lot of things in Atlanta.” Immediately thereafter, steering the conversation strictly to family (vis-a-vis work), he continued, “Yes, my sweetheart is going to have twins in March. And, I don’t think I’d be long for this world if I didn’t go down to Atlanta to join her for that blessed occasion.”

Subsequently, when Roberts tossed to his fiancee, Kyra Phillips, the CNN Newsroom anchor kept the subject of Roberts’ departure to Atlanta restricted to its implications for their family. Smiling, Phillips commented, “Carol, you know I can’t do this all on my own”: Carressing her babies’ bump, she added, “Let me tell you, these little guys are kicking right there. They’re like ‘Where’s Dad? Where’s Dad? We want him here!'” Staying on message, John interjected, “Dad is coming down to Atlanta to be with Kyra and our new family which will be arriving very soon.”

Seemingly, not quite satisfied with John’s farewell to the AM audience, Costello appeared to try to reassure the viewers herself. To Roberts, she remarked, “You’ll still be working for CNN as well [and will] be covering really big stories for us and doing special reports and really fascinating stuff like that.” Without committing himself, John simply stated, “I’m looking forward to being down there. But, this, this, this lady [Phillips] right here is the one that is, is the main focus.”

At least, as to Roberts’ CNN colloquy with Costello.

Update 1: According to the Huffington Post, FNC “officially announced” that Roberts would depart CNN to become an FNC senior national correspondent, citing FNC veep Michael Clemente who stated that FNC was “excited to welcome John to FOX News.”

Update 2: TVNewser reported that Roberts made the move to FNC because of Roberts’ regard for Roger Ailes as a “brilliant broadcaster and consummately loyal boss” and the opportunity to “play for a winning team.” [Keenly, TVNewser noted that “loyalty is a particularly sensitive issue for Roberts referring to Roberts’ recent axing from American Morning by new CNN chief Ken Jautz and to his being “passed over” by CBS in 2006 for Dan Rather’s CBS Evening News anchor seat in favor of Katie Couric.]

Christine Romans Delivers

On the $$$$$? Not quite. Actually, CNN biz beauty and American Morning contributor Christine Romans gave birth early to her third child last night according to TVNewser. (Her due date had been July 14 as of last Friday.) TVNewser further reported that Christine’s new son, Edward Arthur, weighed in at 9 lbs. 10 oz.

Christine, time to uncork that bottle of wine? Cheers!

[H/t to J$P for a “heads up.”]

Domenica: “Spanked” & Spurned?

Davis leaves FNC home: Appears back on NBC’s stoop.* Meteorologist Domenica Davis has left Fox News and was seen this Friday on NBC’s Early Today according to TVNewser. The Mediabistro.com blog further reported Domenica was “filling in” but not a NBC News or MSNBC staffer. (N.B. As of today, Domenica’s bio remains on FNC’s website.) Citing TVEyes, it added that Domenica was last spotted on Fox News on May 17.

Readers of Carpe Diem should not have been overly surprised by the news of Domenica’s departure. Merely a month before she disappeared from Fox News’ airways, Domenica appeared to have been disciplined by FNC Senior VP of Programming Bill Shine for a sexually suggestive Sapphic “spanking” jest that she made on Fox & Friends Weekend. In that instance, on April 17 (Saturday), while substituting for Rick Reichmuth, Domenica made the salacious joke about herself and co-anchor Alisyn Camerota and later laughed about fearing getting in trouble for further bawdy banter. However, the very next day (Sunday), her fears seemed to have been realized forthwith: she did not return to F&FW to temp for Rick and her absence was not even acknowledged by F&FW’s co-hosts. (In fact, her apparent punishment appeared all the more patent when F&FW had no meteorologist in for Rick and simply had no regular weather segments that day.)

Hopefully, Domenica’s departure is not a portent of things to come. Fox News’ dynamic, colorful, and sexy personalities need not be muzzled. Rather, they can be trusted with a freer rein to relate to their colleagues, Bill. And, to their audience.

Good luck, Domenica. You’ll be missed!

*Before being hired by FNC, Domenica worked at NBC affiliates in Baltimore (WBAL-TV) and in Louisville, KY (WAVE-TV).

Update: As of July 14, Domenica Davis was hired as a meteorologist by NBC to work at its affiliate WNBC, “4 New York,” according to TVNewser. If the reader would like to see Domenica in action at her new home, s/he may link here.

Jenna Happening Now

Fox Business News babe Jenna Lee has been chosen to replace the departed Jane Skinner as co-host Fox of News’ Happening Now effective July 12 (Monday) according to TVNewser.* Ben Stein’s favorite money honey, the “heart-stoppingly beautiful, ultrayoung and cute Jenna,” is no stranger to HN as a contributor and has exhibited there her sassy, sexy side that may bode well for HN. Even though Jenna does not provide much needed literal color to Fox News’ morning co-host palette, hopefully, Jenna will add a new vivid, vibrant hue to FNC’s most boring morning show.

Good luck, Jenna!

*Benzinga.com‘s Jason Raznick broke the bare-bones story as to Jenna’s apparent selection.

John “Traps” Kyra

American Morning co-host John Roberts and CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips are now engaged according to TVNewser. After almost one and a half years of dating, John popped the question to his comely CNN colleague at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Apparently, as the two lovebirds were about to conclude a round of golf, Kyra approached the flag and noticed a card affixed to the pin (with the engagement ring hidden in the hole). Romantically, John got down on bended knee and asked for her hand in marriage with two Greenbrier staff members at the ready to pour the celebratory champagne if Kyra answered yes. She did.

Congratulations, John and Kyra.

H/t TVNewser.

[Both John and Kyra have been married before. For a look back at when their courtship first began, cf. John Hush-Hush on Question about KP (National Post) and New York Magazine’s CNN Anchors Kyra Phillips and John Roberts Secretly Dating? [Updated] (New York Magazine Daily Intel).]

F&F’s A(ly)-Team

Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Alisyn Camerota once again showed that she is first femme on F&F’s real A-Team. As she did last year when Pope Benedict XVI arrived and this year during the Barack Obama inaugural coverage, Aly took the center seat on the latest F&F special, the Ted Kennedy funeral edition.* Not surprisingly, she performed par excellence.

Yesterday, go-to-cable-news-blog TVNewser, apparently, assumed that F&F co-host Gretchen Carlson would join her weekday co-anchor Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade as usual.** However, it was not to be. In fact, F&FW co-anchors Dave Briggs, Clayton Morris, and Alisyn Tweeted otherwise.*** E.g., after Clayton said that Brian and Steve would be in for the Kennedy funeral coverage, he obliquely commented, “Gretchen had a prior commitment.”

Today on F&FW, Steve simply said, “That’s why Brian and I are here this morning for Dave and Clayton with our special coverage of the [Kennedy] funeral, mass, and burial….” Conspicuously, he made no mention of Gretchen’s absence. Perhaps, he realized that he need not do so.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/ff-a-team/

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/ffs-real-a-team/

**http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/obits/kennedy_funeral_coverage_cable_network_plans_129534.asp

***http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

***http://twitter.com/claytonmorris

***http://twitter.com/alyatfox

---

Tomorrow’s A-Team: Aly or Gretch?

TVNewser said, “Gretch.” Aly appears to aver, “Me!” Which Fox & Friends fox will co-host F&F Saturday’s special Kennedy funeral edition tomorrow with the A-Team boys? At 7:36 a.m. today, TVNewser reported Gretchen Carlson would be joining Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade.* However, about 10:00 a.m., F&FW’s Alisyn Camerota seemed to indicate that it would be she, not Gretchen. She Tweeted, “Sitting in my morning planning meeting, hammering out tomorrow’s show. Tune in at 7am…“

Who will it be? There certainly is precedent for Aly co-anchoring special editions with Brian and Steve on F&FW. When Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States last year, she excelled on the curvy couch betwixt the two on F&F Saturday.**

As Aly said, “Tune in at 7 a.m.” tomorrow to see for sure.

UPDATE: F&FW co-host Dave Briggs appears to disclose that it will indeed be Aly tomorrow. At approximately 6:40 p.m. ET, he Tweeted, “@sdoocy & @kilmeade filling in tomorrow.” N.B. Dave made no mention of Gretch’s doing likewise.***

UPDATE2: It’s Aly! Clayton Tweeted, “Steve and Brian are in tomorrow for Kennedy funeral coverage. Gretchen had a prior commitment.”**** Aly confirmed, “See you [Twitter followers & F&FW fans] bright and early tomorrow…”*****

*http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/obits/kennedy_funeral_coverage_cable_network_plans_129534.asp

**https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/ff-a-team/

***http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

****http://twitter.com/claytonmorris

*****http://twitter.com/alyatfox

Prejean Promises: Sweet Nothings?

Was Miss California Carrie Prejean just whispering sweet nothings in the ear of Roger Ailes? Did her purported promises mean nothing? I.e., is she going to be a no-show guest host on Fox & Friends next Wednesday?

In Washington Whispers (U.S. News & World Report), Paul Bedard had stated that she had finalized a deal with F&F to fill in for co-host Gretchen Carlson on May 27.* Nevertheless, today TVNewser indicated Fox insiders said that the Miss USA runner-up’s people had cancelled her appearance in an e-mail Friday but that subsequent negotiations continued throughout the weekend: However, it added that a FNC spokesperson had confirmed that Prejean would “absolutely still [be] hosting.”**

Carrie may well stand up CNN’s Larry King for his show the night after her 22nd birthday with impunity.*** However, she will not be able to stiff her stalwart FNC supporters in such a fashion. After standing by their favorite pinup and her pageant patron Donald Trump, they will not be amused nor very understanding if their loyalty is not returned.

http://www.usnews.com/mobile/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/5/14/miss-california-on-cable-news-fox–friends-gives-carrie-prejean-her-chance.html

**http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/is_carrie_prejean_trying_to_back_out_of_her_fox_news_hosting_stint_116679.asp

***http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/14/carrie-prejean-miss-calif_n_203780.html

Roberts: On KP Duty

After a year of being back on the single circuit, American Morning’s silver-haired alpha male John Roberts is seemingly ready to settle down again. According to TVNewser sources, AM’s “explorer” extraordinaire is now paired with, no, not his “TV wife” Kiran Chetry, but with her AM substitute Kyra Phillips based in Atlanta. Reportedly, the CNN anchors have been dating since December and have become rather close lately. According to TVNewser tipsters, Kyra met Roberts’ children in Toronto last weekend when Roberts was inducted was into the Canadian Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame and Roberts is planning to meet Kyra’s clan on a family vacation out West.

Apparently, CNN’s Roberts and Kyra are insuring that Hotlanta lives up to its name.

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/cnn/the_news_about_cnn_anchors_john_roberts_and_kyra_phillips_111509.asp

CNN Colder: Eccleston, De La Cruz Out

Sorry, Rush Limbaugh crew and People’s Sexiest Weatherman, CNN just got colder! According to TVNewser, hotties Jennifer Eccleston and Veronica De La Cruz have left the cable news channel.  Jennifer, the blonde beauty and Limbaugh crew fave (while at FNC) actually departed CNN in August.  Veronica, Rob Marciano’s rumored squeeze and American Morning webgirl, has left the building, too.

Brrrrr! Turn up the heat, Kiran!

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/cnn/de_la_cruz_and_eccleston_depart_cnn_102685.asp