September 16, 2009

CableFAX 2009 Program Awards: Best Show or Series/Regional

WINNER: "O", WHAT A NIGHT! WASHINGTON POST LIVE! COMCAST SPORTSNET

Nobody is a more unlikely subject of a CableFAX Program Award than Andy Ockershausen, who, at 80 years young, is going strong as an executive with Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Thing is, outspoken Andy predicted decades ago that this new thing called cable wouldn’t stick. Never mind. Philanthropic Andy now works for Comcast SportsNet, which gave him quite an 80th birthday party. The party ran on CSN’s Washington Post Live! series and grabbed impressive ratings. Actually, it was a roast, with some of Andy’s buddies, including Willard Scott, Maury Povich, John Riggins and Charles Gibson, noting that despite their years of friendship, they’re still not sure how to spell his last name. From the set of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, Tony Kornheiser blurted, "I thought Andy was dead!" But in the end, everyone reached the same conclusion: Andy’s years of philanthropy were far more important than one faulty prediction.

Honorable Mentions:

CenterStage, YES Network: You don’t normally see top names appearing on regional sports network interview shows, but host Michael Kay’s reputation has drawn celebs from Bill Russell, Dwayne Wade and Michael Phelps to Larry David, Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino.

Florida on a Tankful Holiday Roadtrip, Bright House Networks: Host Scott Fais based his show at Disney World, but he ventured in all directions to find unusual Sunshine State holiday attractions, even snow.

Prime Time Chicago, Comcast CN 100: It’s tough to tell this summary of Chicago-based music, theater, arts and food is a regional show, what with its slick video, expert reportage and multiple regional Emmys. When will DC get such a cool show?

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