Oprah Dedicates Program to Her Late Dog

Host faces mammoth task as show begins tonight, writes Brian Stelter

(NEWSER) - Tonight, Piers Morgan takes over Larry King’s time slot—but he won’t take on King’s style. Morgan is "in many ways the anti-King," writes Brian Stelter for the New York Times : "obnoxious, obsessively prepared, and eager to tape his interviews in advance as often as he can"—so clips can get as much buzz as possible. One example of his brasher approach: In an interview to air Tuesday, he asks Howard Stern if he’s "just a domesticated little pussycat" who’s "physically impaired." Stern, ready to talk, replied, "I’m not sure how much you can get into this. CNN’s a little uptight." Morgan's response? "Let’s try it." More»

10th anniversary show set for today 'focused too much on the killers'

(NEWSER) - Oprah Winfrey canceled an episode of her show commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Columbine shootings, set to air today, the New York Post reports. “After reviewing it, I thought it focused too much on the killers,” Winfrey said of the scrapped show in a Facebook posting. “Today, hold a thought for the Columbine community.” More»

(NEWSER) - Though Oprah Winfrey lost one of her new puppies to disease, a second is “holding steady for now,” a rep tells the Chicago Tribune. Ivan, one of the cocker spaniels Winfrey adopted earlier this month and showcased on her TV program, died of the highly contagious parvovirus. Littermate Sadie is undergoing treatment and in stable condition. More»

Talk-show host's holiday goodie bag will be unusually downscale this year

(NEWSER) - Oprah’s favorite things this year are cheap, cheap, cheap, Us Magazine reports. The TV host, who usually gives away pricey items on an annual holiday show, will bow to the economy and push affordable stocking-stuffers instead. The Nov. 26 airing also includes DIY tips, with viewers meeting “a mom who shows us how to create a one-of-a-kind treasure that comes straight from the heart.” More»

Talk show, news commentator, even reality program among possible post-politics offers

(NEWSER) - Even if she doesn't end up in Washington, Sarah Palin could still find a presence in the lower 48, the Hollywood Reporter notes. Media higher-ups, salivating at the thought of ratings bumps that Palin appearances gave Saturday Night Live and CBS News, would love to offer her a backup career—with talk shows, news commentary or even a reality gig among the possible pitches. More»