J-Lo, Britney may challenge Oprah
By David Bauder
Associated Press
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Both are kicking around the idea of launching syndicated talk shows that would begin airing in fall 2004, according to experts in that market.
In both cases, the stars are lending their names to projects but wouldn't commit to full-time involvement, much like Barbara Walters, who only appears certain days on "The View," said Bill Carroll, who follows the syndication market for the Katz Television Group, a media buying firm.
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest is beginning an entertainment-oriented show for late afternoons in January, aiming for viewers who have outgrown MTV's "Total Request Live," Carroll said.
Watching the response to Seacrest's show in the marketplace, television companies realized there was room for other daytime programming that would reach a younger audience than Oprah Winfrey or Dr. Phil McGraw, he said.
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A spokesman for Universal Domestic Television, which is reportedly considering the show, wouldn't comment recently.
Spears would be executive producer of her show and occasionally appear on videotaped segments, according to an executive at one of the companies that's been pitched the idea, and who requested anonymity.
The show would be a combination newsmagazine and talk show focusing on modern lifestyles, the executive said.
The California agent who is pitching the show didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Potential talk shows starring Jules Asner of E! Entertainment Television and Los Angeles radio personality Jamie White also are in the works, Carroll said.
