Stephanie Edwards Returning to KTLA Rose Parade Coverage
Over the past few years, some of the biggest traffic here at Laura's Miscellaneous Musings has been generated by an annual New Year's discussion regarding the disappearance of Stephanie Edwards from KTLA's Rose Parade coverage.
The station's firing of longtime host Stephanie in favor of a younger woman, while they retained Stephanie's colleague Bob Eubanks, was disappointing to those of us who have watched KTLA's excellent parade coverage over the span of many years.
You can follow some of the history of this controversy in posts dated January 2, 2006, December 29, 2006, and January 1, 2008. You can find further posts by clicking on these links.
Today comes most interesting news, via Al Lutz's Editor's Note at MiceAge: "Not Disney-related, but probably still of interest; KTLA's Rose Parade telecast this year will bring back Stephanie Edwards to co-host with Bob Eubanks. Two years ago they tried to replace Edwards with a younger morning show personality, humiliating the long-time veteran by relegating her to the bleachers in the soaking rain. But it became painfully clear the change was a mistake, as audiences missed the rather 'unique' banter between the two long-time hosts."
Many thanks to Irene for the tip.
The L.A. Times (click title of this post) confirms that Stephanie will return to the broadcast booth on January 1, 2009.
Kudos for KTLA for -- finally -- listening to its viewers and restoring Stephanie to the Rose Parade team.
Congratulations and welcome back, Stephanie!
Update: Welcome to readers of L.A. Observed!
Update: Welcome to readers of the L.A. Daily News blog Come On Feel the Nuys.
Thursday Update: KTLA told Stephanie: "Stephanie, if you need $50,000, you shall have $50,000."
Stephanie, who describes herself as "very moved and humbled," has certainly come out of this smelling like the proverbial rose. Good for her.
January 1, 2009 Update: Welcome to everyone looking for information on Stephanie Edwards returning to the KTLA broadcast booth. You can read an update posted today here.
posted by Laura @ 8:56 AM
7 Comments:
Smart move by KTLA (and they haven't made a lot of those lately). The show really lost a lot of personality the last couple of years.
Now if they could only fix that 10:00 p.m. newscast, huh? :)
Best wishes,
Laura
Thanks for doing the research I was unable to do this morning to back up Al's comment.
I'm loving reading all the comments on the LA Times story.
This story is making a lot of people very happy, myself included :)
WOW!!!! There is some good sense and listening to the people in the world!!! When the demotion of Stephanie to the sidelines occurred,I wrote a letter immediately and boycotted the Rose Parade, ending it as a tradition on New Year's Day. Imagine my surprise when someone turned it on this morning and I heard a voice that sounded like Stephanie. After a few minutes I realized it was Stephanie!!! Hurray!!! Happy New Year!!!! CeeCee
I am very disappointed that Edwards has returned. I always found her voice grating and her attitude annoying. I was pleased last year when Michaela Pereira replaced Edwards. Now that Edwards is back, it appears the older, more traditionalist crowd is happy. I for one will not tune in next year if Edwards is hosting.
Stephanie Edwards revolutionized morning television a million years ago because she had more on the ball than everyone in morning televison and has been patiently dealing with her inferiors all her life. She's the best. She comes off hokey sometimes because she's trying to control herself, and be a little bit dumb and goofy, otherwise she'd be blackballed completely by her inferior "superiors." If they just let her Do the Rose Parade coverage alone she'd be even better. She has to hold Eubank's hand, though, because I guess the bosses are convinced HE'S the smart one. HAHAHAHA. Boy are they wrong. jj solari
Does anyone know where I can get a recording of the parade?
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