Hiltzik: Kristen Welker’s tragic failure

When Chuck Todd announced in June that he would retire as host of “Meet the Press,” few people who take politics seriously breathed a sigh of relief: Todd’s insight-free, no-nonsense, both-sides-do-it horse race news approach. The NBC News publicity machine immediately touted Todd’s successor, Kristen Welker, as a tough, whip-smart journalist, “dogged” and adept at … Read more

Are you ready for some new ‘Monday Night Football’ music with Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg?

One of the best-known pop-rock anthems of the 1980s, featuring one of the era’s most iconic drum solos, has been updated this year, just in time to make sure NFL fans are ready for some “Monday Night Football.” Phil Collins’ 1981 hit “In the Air Tonight” was recreated by country star Chris Stapleton, rapper Snoop … Read more

ABC Adds ‘Monday Night Football’ Game as Strike Bench Entertainment Show

ABC is adding ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” games to its prime-time schedule because the ongoing dual entertainment industry strike will delay new scripted programming until next year. Games are usually broadcast only on ESPN’s cable channels, with occasional simulcasts and exclusive games on ABC, as both networks are owned by The Walt Disney Company. But … Read more

Katy Perry’s Russell Brand comments resurface amid sexual harassment allegations against comic

Katy Perry and Russell Brand divorced more than a decade ago, but the singer’s previous comments about the relationship have recently resurfaced. British comedian and actor Brandt was accused of rape, sexual assault and other abusive behavior over the weekend. Numerous women have alleged they were sexually assaulted by him between 2006 and 2013, according … Read more

Former MPAA General Counsel Fired in New York After Sexual Assault Arrest

Steven Fabrizio, former senior executive vice president and global general counsel of the Motion Picture Assn. of America, has been disbarred in New York, according to a database maintained by the state’s Unified Court System. Fabrizio, once a high-powered figure at the MPAA, was fired from the Hollywood studio lobbying firm in the summer of … Read more

‘Winning Time’ has been canceled by HBO after Season 2’s ratings nearly halved

After two seasons, HBO has canceled “Winning Time,” a sports drama that chronicled the Showtime era of the 1980s LA Lakers. The show aired its Season 2 finale Sunday evening and that episode will serve as its last, an HBO spokeswoman confirmed to The Times on Monday, declining to comment further on the reason for … Read more

Disneyland renovation plan gets environmental review

Walt Disney Co.’s long-term plan to upgrade and renovate its Anaheim theme park and resort has reached another milestone with the release of a report detailing how the project will affect the environment. Anaheim on Sept. 14 released a 17,000-page environmental impact report for DisneylandForward, which aims to squeeze more attractions, shops and restaurants into … Read more