John King to replace Lou Dobbs on CNN
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Veteran U.S. broadcast journalist John King has been tapped to replace outgoing CNN anchor Lou Dobbs starting early next year, the news network said Thursday.
Dobbs, who recently has been criticized for his coverage of immigration issues, announced Wednesday he is leaving CNN.
The network said King, who is the anchor of its "State of the Union" Sunday program, will serve as host of a new, as-yet-unnamed weekday political program to air in Dobbs's former time slot of 7 p.m. ET in early 2010.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity, at this busy and consequential time, to have a platform to discuss and explore the big issues of our time," King said in a statement released Thursday by CNN.
"The program will reflect what CNN is all about: straight facts from our anchors and the widest range of opinions from across the political spectrum," added Jonathan Klein, president of CNN/U.S. "John has enthralled CNN viewers with his vast political knowledge, and he has spent the past year reporting from beyond the Beltway on pressing policy issues and the real people they impact. Every night, he'll share his passion and his insights about what is really going on in Washington and across America."
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Radcliffe rep denies pot-smoking report
LONDON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Daniel Radcliffe's spokeswoman denied a newspaper report claiming the 20-year-old British actor was spotted smoking marijuana at a London party.
Radcliffe is best known for his portrayal of the titular wizard in the "Harry Potter" film franchise.
"Daniel does smoke the occasional roll-up cigarette, but he was not doing anything more than this," Radcliffe's publicist told the BBC Friday. "We categorically deny the allegations regarding Daniel Radcliffe published in today's Daily Mirror. We are considering our position and will be taking all necessary action in relation to such allegations."
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'Paranormal Activity' to cross $100M mark
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The $15,000 thriller "Paranormal Activity" is poised to cross the $100 million milestone after only five weekends in U.S. theaters, Paramount Pictures said.
As of Friday, the movie will also become the top-grossing R-rated thriller of the past decade, the studio said.
"Paranormal Activity" began its theatrical life with midnight-only screenings in 12 college towns across the United States and quickly developed into a nationwide hit, with fans visiting the ParanormalMovie.com Web site and demanding the film be brought to their city.
After more than 1 million such requests, Paramount said it expanded the film nationally where it has been playing to packed theaters ever since.
"What is truly amazing about 'Paranormal Activity' is the depth of commitment from fans who demanded to see it," Paramount Pictures Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brad Grey said in a statement. "Adam Goodman, our head of production, believed in the film and championed it from the very first screening. This box-office milestone is also a testament to Oren Peli's considerable talents as a filmmaker. All of us at Paramount are proud to have been involved with his revolutionary project."
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Report: 'Dollhouse' to end this season
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Joss Whedon's latest U.S. science-fiction series, "Dollhouse," will finish its second season but won't return for a third, sources told TVGuide.com.
The writer, director and producer previously created the series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel" and "Firefly," which, like "Dollhouse," had small but devoted followings. "Buffy" ran from 1997-2003, "Angel" ran from 1999-2004 and "Firefly" was canceled after just 11 episodes in 2002.
TVGuide.com said Fox took "Dollhouse" off its schedule for November sweeps this season after four episodes.
Starring Eliza Dushku, the show reportedly is expected to return Dec. 4 and run until its series finale is broadcast Jan. 22.
"I don't have a lot to say. I'm extremely proud of the people I've worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you'll agree in the coming months. I'm grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again," Whedon said on his fan Web site. "I'm off to pursue Internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I've read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you'll know what my next project is. But for now there's a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear."
