TV & VIDEO - April 6, 1988

Before briefing a room full of publicists about the new syndicated “USA Today: The Television Show,” producer Steve Friedman told reporters in New York on Tuesday that it is not “a traditional news show.” He also introduced the half-hour program’s four principals--former ABC News morning anchor Edie Magnus, the show’s “Front Page” anchor; ex-ABC staffer Kenneth Walker, its “Money” matters anchor; ex-NBC Sportsman Bill Macatee, its sports anchor, and ex-NBC News reporter Robin Young, anchor of the show’s life style or “Life” section. The weeknight show has been sold to 118 stations, including KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, and premieres in September. Friedman, who said there also will be a one-hour weekend version of the show, called the new program a video “cousin” of the USA Today newspaper.