European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 21, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Lbs Reynolds snuff out Cigar on a evening Shade a Iti a. A by los Ane Lestiges Washington Post a Quot puff lbs evening Shade is bowing to viewer a complaints about Burt Reynolds at joking a Cigar on the show in which he plays a. High school football coach. 1 says the network Quot the Issue of Wood newtons Reynolds smoking a Cigar has come up and been discussed and the Cigar smoking will he eliminated in future episodes although the character May still hold an unlighted Cigar. Please note however that some episodes had already been filmed and that those will go on the  says Reynolds Quot no one smokes at my House or in my cars a that a my policy. But having grown up in the South and having spent a lot of time around ath cites and coaches the Cigar seemed to be a natural prop. However in View of the fact that in a supposed to be setting an example the complaints Are duly noted and Well be getting rid of the Cigar  hitching Pott Well yes says hearts afire creator Linda Bloodworth Thomason some sponsors pulled out of the new series because of the sexy scenes Between stars John Ritter and Markie Post. And some viewers also complained if our mail was any indication. But All of that premarital passion will now be Between husband and wife when Post and Ritter get married in a special one hour episode monday. Bloodworth Thomason acknowledges the sponsor defection but an aide says she intended to have the couple marry this season anyway. Quot i actually welcomed the criticism Quot Bloodworth Thomason says Quot because i wanted to do a sexy half hour  and the Romance she adds concerned Quot the warmest part of the courtship. I just think that sitcoms Are pretty  the shows regular Slot is 8 30 . Est and Bloodworth Thomason adds Quot we re not on in the right time period. We re on at 7 30 in the Midwest. The truth is its not just the sexuality. I think its too sophisticated a show to be on in that time  Pablo wit vv11 Date Hoe it Vbk a sort the its truck oath Story its a matter that accompanies the larger tastes in the  of the fake report but the findings of the investigation clearly could be a determining Factor in the future of the one hour series. V its a Case where ratings May not be the Only usually deckling Point. If Public reaction indicates that the shows credibility is gone that might sink it. And it s something that is surely haunting Abc. Pot dateline Abc has been the networks first prime time weekly news series in years to show growing popularity after a number of other failed attempts. These Days third ranked Abc is desperate for shows that consistently draw  lbs has had 60 ski nuts for a Quarter can Tury and Abc is thriving with 20/20, Abc has been out of the running in this Arena. A and during its recent six year reign As the no. 1 network Abc seemingly gave Short shrift to news series that might dilute its ratings Lead. The Abc investigation will be the most closely watched in television since cd so 1980s in House probe that found that the network had violated its news practices in a documentary that was critical of former Vietnam commanding Gen. William Westmoreland. Survivor designing women has been through the Mill since its 1986 debut near cancellation a dispute Over Delta Burke who left not much recognition at the emmy awards. Even lbs did no to seem to give the series much respect until it was paired with Murphy Brown to build the networks potent monday night lineup. This season designing women was moved to fridays and in december comedian director David Steinberg was named executive producer to breathe new life into the series. A the writing is my major contribution Quot Steinberg says. Praising the cast he says Quot i write them All jewish and they come out Southern. A remarkable cast. I write everyone  Steinbergs redesigning of designing women will take place Over eight episodes. Its not the same old gang. Besides Burke Jean smart is also gone. Carrying on Are Dixie Carter Annie Potts Judith Ivey Jan Hooks Meshach Taylor and Alice Ghostley. Quot we re hearing that designing women is funny again a Steinberg says. And now head like to make that acceptance speech he Wasny table to give last year to the directors Guild As a nominee Quot All i wanted out of this town was the love and respect of the people i Bate Quot  and dueling Diane English creator of Murphy Brown and love a War has another sitcom in the works for lbs this fall. She says its about Brycle messengers in new York. Quot they tend to be out of High school Quot so the shows Central characters will be Between 17 and 21 years old plus one adult she says. A it will feature music. There a a bit of an mtg look to it. Its very colourful. The More packages the messengers deliver the More they  payoff lbs in dire Straits 18 months ago showed the results of its ratings comeback in its latest profit statement Parent company lbs inc. Earned $81 million in 1992. Too Latof too Latai David Letterman had this idea Mike Ditka As attorney general. King of of Krooni Abc entertainment reported that Michael Jackson a live interview with Oprah Winfrey feb. 10 was one of the most watched entertainment programs in to history a attracting some 90 million viewers in the United states alone. The 90-minute program from Jackson s ranch in California averaged a 39.3 National Nielsen Taring and a 56 percent audience share Between 9 30 and 11, reaching some 36.5 million to Homes in the us. Based on household delivery anyway that made it the fourth highest ranked entertainment show since 1960, behind Only cd so a a a finale in february 83 50.2 million household the a who shot j.r.?�?� Dallas episode on lbs in november �?T80 41i million and abcs the Day after in november 83 38.5 million. Comeback can has restored photographer Margaret Moth to duty. She will return shortly to the can Paris Bureau As an editor. Moths jaw was shattered by a snipers Bullet in Sarajevo in july. She has been recuperating in Dallas with family after months of treatment at the Mayo clinic in Rochester Minn. In december the International women a Media foundation honoured Moth with a 1992 Quot courage in journalism award. While Burt Reynolds feels the heal Over his character s smoking in get Enion Shade Markie Post and John Ritter Are leaving some rearm to a amp old in Leta re Ajlert