04-20-04 Gary Papa Announces Cancer Diagnosis 04-20-04 Former KYW Reporter Running For Mayor 04-20-04 Newtown Officials Bill NBC10 For Pedophile Sting 04-20-04 WCAU's Braxton Demoted On the Air by Laura Nachman Bucks County Courier Times "Action News" viewers learned on the Tuesday 6 p.m. news that WPVI sports director Gary Papa has prostate cancer. Viewers got their first sign that there was something different about Papa, when after the first block of news, the camera cut to news anchor Jim Gardner, weather anchor Dave Roberts, and Papa with what looked like a shaved head. After the commercial break, the three anchors were sitting at the desk, and Gardner announced "We have some family business to discuss." Gardner went on to explain that Papa was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Papa, who has been with "Action News" since 1981 said that he was diagnosed in August and has begun chemotherapy treatment, which led to the loss of his hair. "Besides this, I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life," Papa said. With his voice cracking, Papa praised Gardner and Roberts. He added that he began at WPVI almost 23 years ago to this day, April 15th, 1981, and intends to work another 23 years there. After returning from a break, Papa gave a sports report. He introduced Scott Palmer, who interviewed Phillies general manager Ed Wade at Citizens Bank Park. After the interview, Wade gave his best wishes to Papa, and Palmer threw it back to "his good friend" Papa. Papa finished the sportscast as Gardner joked that Papa now looked like St. Joe's head basketball coach Phil Martelli's son. Papa, who is married and has two children will continue to work while receiving treatments. Posted 4/20/04 Channel Surfing by Laura Nachman Bucks County Courier Times Think you can sing better than "American Idol's" John Stevens? You get your chance to prove it when the syndicated show "McDonald's Presents Gimme the Mike" comes to Philadelphia this summer on UPN 57. There will be three open auditions beginning with the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street in Philadelphia Monday, April 26. The next will be at McFadden's at Citizen's Bank Park on April 28, followed by the Plymouth Meeting Mall on May 1. Contestants must be 18-years-old and not have a recording contract or professional representation. Auditions are from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. "Gimme The Mike," premieres June 20 on UPN 57. Paul Deanno of sister station KYW hosts. WCAU weekday morning news anchor Steve Levy is scheduled to return to the air after suffering from Shingles since mid-March. Marple Township Commissioners announced on the Marple community cable channel last week that WCAU is trying to make amends for renting a house in neighboring Newtown Township to lure internet pedophiles for a story during February sweeps. As part of the agreement between the two parties, WCAU will air a story about the Color Guard at the Broomall Fire Department in the future. Posted 4/20/04

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