Channel 36 delays start of show

4/28/2005

WUPW-TV, Channel 36, has scuttled the start of a public affairs program on Sunday to have been hosted by Bernadette Noe, saying the set for the show is not ready.

"The bottom line is they just couldn't get it done," Steve France, news director, said last night. The show has been rescheduled to begin in mid- September. While conceding the timing may look bad, the decision had nothing to do with an investigation of her husband, Tom Noe, into possible violations of campaign-finance laws, Mr. France said.

The delay was a joint decision involving Ms. Noe, former head of the Lucas County Republican Party, Mr. France, and the station's general manager, Ray Maselli, Mr. France said.

The set's desk, designed in a "V" shaped pattern and manufactured in Michigan, was to have been ready this week, he said. Starting the program now would not have given the show sufficient time to measure ratings for a May book the station uses to sell advertising.