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TV Media Weekly | May 21 - 27, 2016 By Adam Thomlison TV Media Q: Why did "Antiques Road- show" drop Mark L. Walberg? A: He's still there, he's just in the background. It was part of an over- haul the show did for the new sea- son, in part to attract and secure what one producer called its "next generation of viewers." When the show premiered its 20th season earlier this year, Wal- berg's face was absent. However, his voice was not. Though he used to serve as the on-air host of the show, since way back in 2002, he now only provides voiceovers at the beginning of each episode. The reason his role was cut back had nothing to do with him, said executive producer Marsha Bem- ko, but rather with what they were having him do. The overhaul included dropping the segments that took place away from the antiques show set, when the show would come to the peo- ple instead of the other way around. These "field pieces" weren't popular with the audience, Bemko said in an interview with AVClub.com. "Although there are some peo- ple who like those field segments, we know that, for the most part, our audience would rather see more appraisals. We've made an effort to satisfy that hunger." That is to say that Walberg's segments were dropped to give the viewer more appraisals per hour — a refocus on the show's core business, in a sense. But Bemko insisted that there were no plans to further cut Wal- berg out. "We've kept Mark as our host. ... He's still on our title sequence credits. He's still very much associ- ated with the show. But he's not on set anymore." It should be noted that we're talking about the U.S. version of the show. It's a PBS institution — it has frequently been the network's top-rated show since its premiere in 1997. However, it's a youngster compared to the original, British "Antiques Roadshow," which pre- miered in 1979 and is now airing its 38th season. Have a question? Email us at questions@tvtabloid.com. Please include your name and town. Hollywood Q&A By Andrew Warren TV Media P repare to be star-struck. Twelve accomplished cooks have assembled for the 12th season of "Food Network Star," the titu- lar network's star factory, pre- miering Sunday, May 22. Each of the dozen hopefuls has one goal and one goal alone: avoid elimination and land the ultimate prize. And what a prize it is! The winner of "Food Network Star" gets to host his or her own TV show, re- sulting in instant fame, fortune and culinary recognition. It's not easy, though. Not only do they have to prove their culinary know-how, but they have to do so beneath the harsh glare of spotlights, under the watchful eye of dozens of cameras and in front of loud and distracted live audiences. In short, they're put through all of the pressures that any TV host has to deal with on a con- stant basis. Some freeze up and stumble in the spotlight. Others take to it naturally. For one contestant, though, this is all old hat. This season, the traditional 12 potential stars are becoming 13 — a baker's dozen. That ex- tra hopeful will be fresh from his or her victory in "Comeback Kitchen," a fight that's been raging for the past three weeks. "Comeback Kitchen" brought back seven former "Food Net- work Star" finalists for a sec- ond shot at stardom, with the winner earning that extra 13th spot. The newcomers won't want to take that extra wannabe lightly: he or she is sure to be riding high after the big "Come- back Kitchen" win, and totally used to the lights, cameras and pressures of starring on TV. Luckily, two TV pros are on hand to mentor the infant stars and help them each develop their own unique on-screen per- sonality. Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis return this season to coach the contestants, giving them advice and criticism, and helping them deal with the high-pressure competition. It's just the sort of help that they need with the stakes so high, and with an experienced extra contestant in their midst. Season 12 of "Food Network Star" premieres Sunday, May 22, on Food Network. Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay host "Food Network Star" Star power 'Food Network Star' returns with more delicious drama 10 | Cooking this week Robin Hood Muffler 2 x 2.5" Noah's Ark 2 x 2" Barkers B&K 1 x 3" Main Street United Methodist 1 x 2" FREE MEAL EVERY SUNDAY AT 5PM! 830 S. Main St., Kokomo www.msumc.info • 457.8248 www.kokomotribune.com/obituaries Obituaries KOKOMO TRIBUNE Signing a guestbook allows the family to know their loved one touched your life. LET THEM KNOW YOU CARE.

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