Las Vegas Weekly

August 2, 2009 · 12:01 PM

Marie Osmond’s talk show canceled due to lack of ad sales

By Don Chareunsy

Marie Osmond performs at the Flamingo.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor

Broadcast & Cable news wire reported this weekend that Program Partners’ talk show Marie, featuring entertainer Marie Osmond and scheduled to launch Sept. 14, has been canceled.

The one-hour talk show from the Strip had been cleared in more than 80 percent of markets, but stations had been pulling offers in recent weeks, according to sources. One official said he had never seen this happen to such a big name host and with clearance in so many markets.

However, with few distributors able to secure contracts with TV stations in this difficult economy, Program Partners could not make Marie’s economic model work after months of efforts.

Photo: Denise Truscello

Marie Osmond shows off a pair of her Las Vegas-themed dolls.

“We acknowledge with gratitude the many stations, advertisers and marketing partners who have been totally enthusiastic and incredibly patient with us as we worked hard to maintain solid footing for this project,” said Program Partners’ Ritch Colbert in a statement. “Our belief in Marie’s creative vision for a new kind of talk show is unshakable, but in the end, the marketplace this year was simply unyielding.”

“I want to express my deep appreciation for the faithful support and dedication shown by the numerous stations,” Marie said. “It was my sincere desire to return their enthusiastic responses by producing an exceptional talk show for their fall schedules. … This project, under proper conditions, still remains a strong passion of mine.”

Marie and brother Donny currently perform five shows a week at the Flamingo, and their contract was recently renewed for two years, as VDLX reported last week.

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