
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, November 1, 1993                   TAG: 9311010077
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RON BROWN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WSET `GOOFED' OVER MOVIE

The general manager of ABC-TV affiliate WSET (Channel 13) said his promotion department "goofed" in not notifying viewers that the station planned to pre-empt a "Columbo" movie Sunday night.

A worker in the station's news department said the station received about 100 calls shortly after the film "The Other Side Of The Mountain" began instead of "Columbo."

General Manager Jerry Heilman said the station had known for about two weeks that it planned not to air "Columbo."

"I think we goofed in not getting the word out," Heilman said.

Heilman said the station occasionally pre-empts network shows to put on a "family film" package. This time, the station apparently forgot to notify local newspapers and TV Guide of its plans.

One viewer who called the newspaper said she thought the station's actions were "irresponsible."

"They have put the most boring excuse for movie on in its place," she said.

She wouldn't give her name.

"I can't give you my name," she said. "I'm working. I'm not supposed to be watching television."

by CNB