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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 16
Monday, April 16, 2007
Katrina losses spurred Roberts to write ‘Heart’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Robin Roberts, the personable “Good Morning America” co-anchor, has nothing but warm memories of her time in Atlanta nearly two decades ago, when she juggled two jobs: sports anchor at WAGA-TV and morning co-host on V-103 radio.
Rodney Ho / AJC Staff
“More people remember me from V-103,” Roberts told Buzz before a speech Saturday night to promote her inspirational book, “From the Heart” (Hyperion, $19.95), at the Margaret Mitchell House. “Even today, at Piedmont Park [where she had a book signing during the Dogwood Festival], people would say, ‘Mike Roberts in the morning, right?’ And I’d say this stupid thing, ‘Come on! Come on!’ “
The two Robertses are not related. Mike Roberts, who runs radio stations in Macon, was her co-host at the time.
Robin Roberts said her current show is a lot like her time at V-103: “It’s the same principle of winging it a lot.”
During her talk with the 150 or so attendees, she said Hurricane Katrina was her impetus for writing the book. Roberts grew up in Mississippi, and many family members lost homes in the hurricane.
“I wanted to bring attention to the Gulf Coast,” she said. “That’s the reason I wrote the book, despite being so low and feeling so much loss.”
The book is breezy and conversational, focused on her seven rules to live by. “My book publisher wanted nine, but my father always said, ‘Leave ‘em wanting more!’ “
OUT AT WSB
That was quick. Collins Spencer is out as morning and noon co-anchor at top-rated WSB-TV after just 18 months on the job.
Bill Hoffman, station general manager, declined to say why Spencer is gone but praised the man’s deep affinity for community service. (That’s similar to the way the “American Idol” judges praised Haley Scarnato’s legs, instead of her singing, before voters ousted her last week.)
Spencer, who couldn’t be reached for comment, had replaced Warren Savage, who suddenly quit in 2005 and last year was arrested twice for alleged drug possession. Spencer previously worked at CNN and Fox News.
DIFFERENT ‘FLAVOR’
If Don Imus had gone after the catty, desperate-for-attention women of VH1’s inexplicably popular series “Flavor of Love,” he’d probably still have a job.
Many black leaders have criticized the series, so VH1 is trying to balance the tables by taking 13 of those women to a facetious “charm school,” with comedian Mo’Nique as the headmistress.
Some of the women say they were embarrassed (in retrospect) about their nasty behavior on “Flavor of Love” and want to make amends. Others, Mo’Nique noted, simply want more TV time.
“It was worth it because it’s TV done in love,” Mo’Nique told Buzz last week during a break on the set of “The Better Man,” a movie she’s working on with Martin Lawrence. “You watch some women transform, grow up and mature.” Among the challenges: learning etiquette, doing community service and finding the right man. The winner gets $50,000.
HILLARY KNOWS VOTERS
Presidential contender Hillary Clinton gave a typical politician’s answer when asked during a radio call-in show Saturday in New Hampshire about Sanjaya Malakar, the “Idol” contestant known more for his hair than his vocals.
“That’s the best question I’ve been asked in a long time,” Clinton said. (Buzz hopes that’s not true!) “Well, you know, people can vote for whomever they want. That’s true in my election, and it’s true on ‘American Idol.’ “
HIGH FIVE
94.9/The Bull Top 5 April 8-14
1. Dierks Bentley, “Long Trip Alone”
2. Tim McGraw, “Last Dollar”
3. Kenny Chesney, “Beer in Mexico”
4. Billy Currington, “Good Directions”
5. Sugarland, “Settlin’ “
— Mediabase 24/7
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Bobby Vinton is 72. Singer Gerry Rafferty is 60. Actress Ellen Barkin is 53. Actor-comedian Martin Lawrence is 42. Actor Jon Cryer is 42.
QUOTABLE
“Last night on Fox News, host Sean Hannity said his opinion of the Don Imus scandal is that conservatives are going to be the victims of this. So Don Imus insults the Rutgers women’s basketball team, and who’s the victim? Rich white guys.”
— Jay Leno
“Carmen Electra has agreed to be the host of a TV show where women wrestle each other naked. The bad news is, the show is called ‘The View.’ “
— Conan O’Brien
RADIO BUZZ
Despite a weak signal, syndicated morning host and actor-comedian Steve Harvey has pulled in great ratings since he joined Grown Folks Radio 102.5 eight months ago. He’ll be doing a victory lap Friday morning in Atlanta at the Wesley Chapel Home Depot at 4325 New Snapfinger Woods Drive. Expect a big crowd.
Kiss 104.1 has let Sasha the Diva go from her midday DJ duties after five years. Though she enjoyed her time at Kiss, Sasha told Buzz that she wished the R&B station would take more chances. In the meantime, she wants to spend more of her energy acting, with plans to move to either New York or Los Angeles.
Contributing: news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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