Sam Rubin suspension

RonFineman.com says that KTLA suspended entertainment reporter Sam Rubin yesterday for making derogatory comments about the new set on "The Morning Show." It would be at least the third suspension for Rubin, says Fineman, who recounts the history:

Rubin's first suspension came in 1998, over some on air comments about Assistant News Director John Fisher. The last time Rubin was suspended was two years ago, over some critical comments he made about KABC General Manager Arnie Kleiner. I believe this suspension, like the last one, is unfair and unwise. It has become quite obvious, KTLA is a station with a lot of problems, and poor leadership has to be near the top of the list.

According to the website, the suspension is for a week. Rubin was replaced on today's show by Zorianna Kit, says Fineman, whose latest posting also has some critical comments about her. She is the former People magazine and Hollywood Reporter writer who was hired in October. It's her first on-air job and she has not been up to major media market standards, the website observes. Fineman also reports that KTLA weekend anchor Marta Waller is about to be replaced by a former Miss USA, Lu Parker.

Incidentally, Fineman predicted back on September 27, during the controversy over CBS airing a fake document about George W. Bush, that Dan Rather would pretty much do what he announced today: "I think this screw-up was so monumental, Rather should resign. But I don't think he will....not right away. My prediction is that around the end of the year, he'll announce his intention to retire in March, which would make 24 years in the anchor chair." March it is.