News Shorts

Fox cues up two new reality shows for summer
Changes are afoot at the Fox network, which is preparing to goose up its summer schedule with several new series and extra helpings of "Titus" and "Grounded for Life." The network that brought viewers "Temptation Island" has two new reality shows ready to roll. "Murder in Smalltown X" is an elimination-style game show that challenges 10 would-be detectives to solve a fictitious homicide. "Murder" will air Tuesdays, debuting at 8:30 p.m. on July 17 with a 90-minute episode, then moving to its regular 9 p.m. slot beginning July 24. The second reality show, "Love Cruise," will premiere in late summer or early September, possibly taking over "Murder’s" slot when that show finishes its run. Fox is also adding a new hour-long horror series, "Night Visions," which will debut with a two-hour episode Thurs., July 12, then air in the 9 p.m. hour in following weeks. "Titus" will keep its current berth, Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., throughout the summer, and will add an airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. "Grounded" will probably also air twice weekly several times over the summer.

Time Inc. shutters research center and FYI
The newly cost-conscious Time Inc.—a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner, as its employees won’t soon forget—is eliminating two of its beloved institutions. FYI, the in-house newsletter that was also the company’s fourth-oldest publication, has been folded, according to a report in the New York Daily News. Among those who’ve passed through FYI are Henry Muller, a former editor at large and managing editor of Time, and Hugh Delehanty, editor in chief of Modern Maturity. FYI will continue as an online newsletter. The company is also shutting down the Time Inc. Research Center, the massive library used by Time Inc. editors and writers—and occasionally by those on the outside who had connections. Time magazine and the Fortune/Money Group will establish their own, smaller research centers to meet their needs, according to a company memo posted on Jim Romanesko’s MediaNews web site.

Brit 'Big Bro' teacher may be out of a job
A contestant in the British version of "Big Brother" may receive an unpleasant jolt of reality soon, losing her job as a result of her actions on the sealed-house game show. Lisa Ellis, who goes by Penny on the show, was given leave from her job teaching English at a London girls’ school to compete on the program, but was admonished by headmaster Cauthar Tooley not to indulge in any compromising behavior. After learning that Ellis had snogged a fellow housemate while sunbathing, and then, in a separate incident, dropped her towel after exiting the show, Tooley has told reporters that she will consider whether Ellis violated the school’s code of conduct. If she did, she may be dismissed. Tooley says her decision may hinge on whether Ellis lost her towel by accident or on purpose.

Feds peer into H'wood Reporter scribe's doings
It looks like George Christy’s shady dealings at the Hollywood Reporter have become a matter for the feds. A grand jury investigation into charges that Christy fraudulently claimed health and pension benefits as a member of the Screen Actors Guild has reportedly been opened. Christy has been accused of accepting credit for bit acting roles in movies he never actually appeared in, then using those credits to qualify for benefits from the actors’ union. He allegedly accepted the screen credits, along with free office space and other valuable gifts, from filmmakers in return for favorable coverage. Christy’s column, "The Great Life," was suspended indefinitely last week by the paper.

Out at BET, Smiley finds work on TV and radio
Tavis Smiley is back with a vengeance. Two months after his abrupt dismissal from Black Entertainment Television, Smiley has issued a statement announcing deals with ABC, CNN and National Public Radio. The television deals involve regular contributions to existing programs, including "Good Morning America" on ABC and "Inside Politics" on CNN. Over on the radio dial, NPR will develop a one-hour morning show hosted by Smiley that's set to be a blend of news, interviews and features aimed at an African-American audience. While NPR has officially announced the radio deal, the TV deals have yet to be publicly announced by the networks involved. Smiley's release also spoke of a commitment he has with ABC Radio for a daily commentary piece called "The Smiley Report," intended for urban contemporary stations, and regular commentary on "The Tom Joyner Show." Smiley was the host of a BET talk show for five years before being fired in March for conducting an interview with Symbionese Liberation Army fugitive Sara Jane Olson for a segment on "PrimeTime Live" without first offering it to BET.

TV critics: 'Sopranos' is the berries
The critics have spoken, and what they’ve said, to no one’s surprise, is that they really, really like "The Sopranos." The HBO mob drama led all series in nominations for this year’s Television Critics Association Awards, garnering four, including outstanding drama and program of the year. Leads James Gandolfini and Edie Falco also wrangled acting achievement nods for themselves. "Gilmore Girls," the WB’s mother-daughter drama, also impressed the critics, with nominations for program of the year, best drama and new program of the year. Other shows in competition for best drama include fellow rookie "CSI," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The West Wing," while "Ed," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Malcolm in the Middle," "The Job" and "Sex in the City" will battle it out for best comedy series.

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