HOLLYWOOD — Funnyman Andy Richter, who spent seven years as Conan O'Brien's "Late Night" second banana before leaving in 2000 to headline his own (short-lived) prime-time series, is returning to the fold.

Richter will be the announcer on "The Tonight Show" when O'Brien takes over as host June 1, NBC said yesterday. Richter also will perform in comedy segments but not in his previous sidekick duties, a network spokesman said.

"We have a proven chemistry that will be an incredible asset to 'The Tonight Show,' " O'Brien said. "I'm looking forward to working with Andy on a daily basis again, particularly since he owes me $300."

GOSSIP QUEEN LIZ SMITH BOOTED

NEW YORK — The New York Post is parting ways with gossip columnist Liz Smith. The 86-year-old Smith says the Post declined to renew her $125,000 annual contract because of economic woes.

The syndicated gossiper says she's had a column in a New York City newspaper for the past 33 years. Her column also was published in Newsday until 2005.

Smith said yesterday that she's sorry "that I wasn't valuable enough for them to keep on."

Her last Post column will be published tomorrow.

SPIDER-MAN TO PLAY BROADWAY

NEW YORK — Spider-Man has conquered the movies. Now, with a little help from Julie Taymor and U2, it's Broadway's turn.

"Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark" will open next Feb. 18 at the Hilton Theatre, its producers announced yesterday.

Preview performances begin Jan. 16.

The musical, directed by Taymor, will feature a score by Bono and The Edge, both of U2. Taymor was the creative force behind "The Lion King," the Disney musical now in its second decade on Broadway. She will co-write the "Spider-Man" book with Glen Berger.

The story will include the comic book hero's origins as well as new material.

There was no official word on casting, although Evan Rachel Wood has said she will play Mary Jane, the love interest of Peter Parker.

RECORDING ARTISTS WANT RADIO FEES

WASHINGTON — Sheryl Crow, will.i.am, Herbie Hancock and other entertainers are asking Congress to force radio stations to pay them when their music is broadcast.

The musicians appeared yesterday on Capitol Hill on behalf of the musicFirst Coalition to push legislation that would require radio stations to pay them royalties.

Satellite radio, Internet radio and cable TV music channels pay fees to performers and musicians, along with songwriter royalties. But commercial AM and FM radio stations do not.

The National Association of Broadcasters opposes the fee for performers. It says it puts thousands of radio jobs at risk. The association also points out that radio stations drive listeners to buy music.