EDITOR’S NOTE: Today we introduce a new column, Media Buzz, a successor to TV Talk. The column’s author, Deb Acord, should be familiar to Gazette readers. Acord has written for Out There, Life and just about every other section of the paper, and we’re thrilled to have her back, giving her take on the broadcasting scene. — Warren Epstein

Actress Lily Tomlin once said, “If you read a lot of books, you’re considered well-read. But if you watch a lot of TV, you’re not considered well-viewed.”

Sorry, Lily, but I consider myself very well-viewed. My remote gets quite the workout as I zip from my favorite reality shows to cooking shows to the local news.

I’m also well-listened, and find myself sampling from all over the local radio dial.

In my new position as the media columnist for The Gazette, I hope to share my passion for all things broadcasting. Like my predecessor, Paul Kavanaugh, I’ll be keeping you up on what’s happening inside local stations.

I’ll give you the skinny about who’s beating whom in the latest ratings war. I’ll tell you about which anchor just put a foot in his mouth and is desperately trying to yank it out.

And I’ll weigh in on what’s happening, from time to time, with our favorite network shows.

Look for my stories in real time at ColoradoSprings.com.

But I also want my new Media Buzz to be about you. What do you think about the local stations or the new network TV series? What’s your take on Sweeps Month stunts or Lisa Lyden’s latest hairstyle?

Please friend me on Facebook (facebook/Gazette Deb Acord and on facebook/coloradosprings.com) , follow me on Twitter (@csmediabuzz) and we’ll keep the conversation lively.

Media madness

TheFakeKOAA, a spoof on KOAA, the local NBC affiliate, made its debut a few weeks ago on Twitter.  Then, the Colorado Springs Independent noticed TheFakeKOAA and reported on its fakeness.

Then, MediaBistro noticed the Indy commenting on FakeKOAA and commented on that. 

Who’s behind the site that skewers the media and Colorado Springs in general?  I don’t know, but I go to it whenever I want a laugh.  Samples:

“We’ll be watching @GleeonFox with the rest of America and will not tweet or answer phone calls to newsroom. Plan ur shootings accordingly.”

“Headed to Monument on reports of a mom dealing with screaming children at Target.”

“BREAKING NEWS: Woman shot through the heart, but you’re to blame, CSPD confirms.”

“BREAKING NEWS: Woman “trapped” in glass case of emotion at N Carefree and Powerless Blvds.”

And this one:  “Who’s behind @TheFakeKOAA? Hint: the call is coming from inside the house.”

‘Idol’ steps up

“American Idol” has made the rounds of many of the largest cities in the U.S. This time around, its producers are trying something different, heading to a place where the rich and famous congregate — Aspen.

The Aspen Times newspaper has reported that “Idol” will hold a round of auditions Oct. 5 and 6 at a local hotel.

The 11th season of the show is scheduled to start Jan. 22, after the NFC Championship game on Fox.

The format will be the same, with host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

Other cities on this year’s audition schedule include Pittsburgh, Portland, Ore., and San Diego.

CSPD Blue

In the mid-1990s, Homicide Lt. Joe Kenda’s name appeared regularly in The Gazette.  He often was the spokesman for the police department on homicides and was frequently asked to explain the motives of killers and the background of their victims.

Now, more than 15 years later, Kenda is being called on to explain homicides again, in a new Investigation Discovery (ID) six-part series.  “Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda,” premieres Oct. 25.

During his tenure, Kenda and his team solved 387 homicide investigations, resulting in a 92 percent solve rate, according to ID.

ID president Henry Schleiff praised his new star, saying “A television critic once characterized the fictional detective Andy Sipowicz as the moral center of ‘NYPD Blue.’ Now, ID does one better with the real deal.”

Big haul

The third annual “Cat Country Cares For Kids” concert and charity auction at Cowboys brought in more than $20,000 for the Rocky Mountain Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Six Nashville-based country performers were featured at the event organized by Cat Country 95.1 (KATC FM).

Artists featured were Phil Vassar, Craig Morgan, Steve Holy, Bret Eldredge, Jason Jones and Hunter Hayes.  More than 1,000 tickets were purchased in two weeks, making this year’s event the fastest sell-out in its history.

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