WFFT-TV, Channel 55, has hired a new news director and anchor for its “WFFT Local News First at 10,” it was announced Wednesday in a news release.
Dan Ball will replace Jim Blue, who is leaving for a job in Ohio. Blue’s last day on-air is Friday; Ball will be on the air by the end of the month.
Ball, a native of Archbold, Ohio, has nearly 20 years of broadcasting experience. Ball started his broadcasting career as a combat journalist, working for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Since then, Ball has worked around the country in markets such as Grand Rapids, Mich.; Philadelphia; Fresno, Calif.; and Las Vegas.
Baby No. 2 arrives
Elton John and David Furnish say they have become parents for a second time.
The couple say they are “overwhelmed with happiness” at the birth of Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John.
John’s spokeswoman Fran Curtis confirmed an announcement on the singer’s website that the baby was born Friday in Los Angeles.
‘An insider’s look’
Former Miss Alabama USA Katherine Webb will serve as a correspondent for “Inside Edition” leading up to next month’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.
The girlfriend of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, Webb became a star when ESPN’s cameras lingered on her during the Crimson Tide’s rout of Notre Dame on Jan. 7 and announcer Brent Musburger commented on her looks.
Webb says she’ll “give fans an insider’s look at what goes on as the teams prepare to battle and as the fans get ready to cheer on their favorites.”
Kucinich contributes
Former Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich has signed on as a regular contributor to Fox News Channel.
The former Ohio congressman recently ended his congressional career. Fox said Wednesday that Kucinich will make his debut in his new role on “The O’Reilly Factor” tonight.
Happy birthday
Among celebrity birthdays today: Actress Betty White is 91. Actor James Earl Jones is 82. Talk-show host Maury Povich is 74. Singer Chris Montez is 71. Guitarist Mick Taylor is 65. Singer Steve Earle is 58. Actor-comedian Steve Harvey is 56. Singer Susanna Hoffs is 54. Actor Jim Carrey is 51. Actor Joshua Malina is 47. Musician Kid Rock is 42. Actor Freddy Rodriguez is 38. Actress Zooey Deschanel is 33. Singer Ray J is 32.