Comedian David Letterman, whose ”Ten Reasons” lists often enliven this space, could have a new network in his future. Published reports say the host of ”Late Night With David Letterman” on NBC may be ready to sign on with ABC. The New York Post said NBC might be willing to move the show to California from New York to mollify the star. NBC, which has Letterman under contract until late 1993, denied the Post report. New York-based Spy magazine went even further, saying ”sources close to the star say a secret deal has already been signed (with ABC).” As the saying goes, stay tuned.
CASEY ON A ROLL It`s been quite a week for Pennsylvania Gov. Robert Casey. On Tuesday his appointee to the U.S. Senate, Harris Wofford, upset former Gov. Dick Thornburgh to become the state`s first elected Democratic senator since 1962. Thursday, Casey was on national television, transcribing a portion of the U.S. Constitution during a live broadcast from Independence Hall on ”Good Morning America.” It was part of a nationwide observance of the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.
YOUNG WINNER While most of the Election Day attention in Washington state was focused on term limits, euthanasia and abortion, Cathy McDonald, 18 made news on her own. The recent high school graduate upset a 52-year-old incumbent to win a place on the Puyallup School Board. ”When I was in high school, kids were always talking and hoping people would see our views,” she said. ”I was hoping I could be the voice and bridge that communication gap.”
GEORGE WILL HONORED Who says you have to go to journalism school to win fame and fortune in the Fourth Estate? Commentator George Will, whose pre-press experience consisted of working for former Sen. Gordon Allott (R-Colo.) and rooting for the Cubs, has won the Walter Cronkite Award for excellence in journalism. The award is presented annually by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications at Arizona State. Will, a regular panelist on ”This Week with David Brinkley” and an essayist for Newsweek, won the 1977 Pulitzer Prize for commentary.
FRANK ZAPPA STRICKEN Rock legend Frank Zappa is battling prostate cancer, which caused him to miss a 50th birthday tribute in New York Thursday night. ”He is fighting successfully,” his daughter, Moon Unit, told a packed news conference Thursday. ”There are occasional periods where he is not feeling as well. Unfortunately, this is one.”