NBC Cold Shoulder for Hot Book [Read: Right of Center Screed Against Hollywood]

NY DAILY NEWS ^ | 2-23-04 | Lloyd Grove

[andrew]

The publicity campaign for "Hollywood, Interrupted" has apparently been interrupted.

Los Angeles writer Mark Ebner - co-author, with Andrew Breitbart, of the down-and-dirty indictment of the scandals and hypocrisies of Tinseltown celebs - told me NBC's "Today" and MSNBC's "Deborah Norville Tonight" canceled scheduled appearances because the book is just too hot.

Ebner said that within hours of the "Today" cancellation, Norville chimed in on a conference call between her producers and a PR type for his publisher, John Wiley & Sons. "I find this book offensive," she allegedly declared.

Ebner said Norville's producers indicated that publicizing "Hollywood, Interrupted" - which is Wiley's lead title this season, with a press run of 100,000 copies - would harm their ability to book Hollywood stars on the show.

But MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines insisted that an appearance by Ebner and Breitbart was only considered, not scheduled, and that Norville didn't take part in the call.

"That's bull!" Ebner retorted.

"Today" spokeswoman Lauren Kapp, meanwhile, confirmed that the authors had been scheduled months ago for next Wednesday's show, timed to the publication date, but noted that such bookings often fall out at the last minute.

"I don't blame them for being upset," Kapp said. "As everyone knows, the bookings are subject to change and they often do, because first and foremost, we're a news broadcast."

Ebner said he's skeptical of the "Today" show's explanation, and I hear that the "Today" folks were expecting a different book, not an ideologically conservative tome that Publishers Weekly panned as "a sour and joyless read."

But Ebner and his co-author saved most of their fire for Norville.

"She has no problem giving a platform to Enron whistleblowers or investigating the excesses of depravity in the lives of everyday Americans," said Breitbart. "But God forbid someone blew the whistle on her bread and butter - the sick Hollywood celebrity class."

Ebner, meanwhile, said: "She's a classic celebrity enabler. That, to me, is offensive."

[Miss Marple]

I have turned on Fox and am getting ready to make breakfaast. I will make sure my husband pays attention to your interview on Fox, and we will buy the book as well.

Good luck!

[mabelkitty]

Fox & Friends held your book up to the television at the top of the hour and gave major teasers on it on how juicy it is!

[lysie]

F&F at 7:00am speaking highly of your book. Looking forward to the segment. Congratulations and best of luck.

[lysie]

Looked good, Andrew....Mark.

FReepers are not only smart, but sooooo good looking.

[Guenevere]

Just saw your interview on FOX and it was Excellent!!

Well articulated and your euthusiam & sincere approach went far!

Will go buy the book today!!!!!!

[reformedliberal]

Andrew, it is Thursday morning and I just saw you guys on F&F. You were wonderful; energetic, authentic and positive!

Just wanted to tell you that F&F has more viewers, anyway.

The Anniston/Pitt/Jenna Bush episode was something I hadn't known, prior. Thanx for standing up for fairness and exposing these Hollywood haters.

[July 4th]

Nice job on Fox & Friends!

[Stentor]

Bump.

[Miss Marple]

Excellent job by both of you! I am glad you got in Jennifer Anniston's hateful comment. Boy, Steve and Brian REALLY wanted the dirt on Eddie Murphy! LOL!

I am buying this book as soon as I can!

[Quilla]

I heard Steve Doosey's tease about your interview and book this morning. I had to leave for the office before your appearance and am so glad I found this thread. Best of luck to you - I'll buy your book on my next bookstore run.

[Quilla]

The Anniston/Pitt/Jenna Bush episode was something I hadn't known, prior.

Would you please elaborate - I missed it! Thanks.

[andrew]

Boy, that sure was fun. My face is all painted up right now. They use a blowtorch to put on the pancake makeup. Was so much fun. The exec producer was unbelievably nice to us and gave Mark and me very sincere media pointers. We only touched the tip of the iceberg on the subject. Will be doing Laura Ingraham's show at 11:35am EST. If anyone is in Manhattan, Mark and I will be signing books at Borders at 461 Park Avenue at 57st Street from 6:30 - 7:30pm Thursday night. Thankis for the support.

[reformedliberal]

Since Andrew is obviously busy, here is what I saw/heard:

Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt came into where Jenna Bush was working as an intern (I did not catch the business; I assume in Hollywood) and Brad yelled at her:"Hey, Jenna! Want to go out in the truck and have a beer?" Then Anniston evidently had some choice expletives for GWB. All this in public where the girl was working as an unpaid intern.

Andrew, when you get a chance, you can elaborate/corect, as needed.

Oh, and at the end of the segment, Andrew (I htink) went up and gave Doucy a hug! It was great! Spontaneous and so energetic, it woke me up!!

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I do remember that the Aniston/Pitt comments were covered here, but as the authors refreshed my memory on "Fox and Friends", 9/11 happened and pushed the news of their stupidity aside.

[Quilla]

Thank you. Apparently Hollywood types have the most horrid of manners. I look forward to reading the book!

I imagine that Sean Hannity would love to have Andrew on either his radio program or Hannity and Colmes.

[Siamese Princess]

I've been eagerly awaiting this book and made a special trip yesterday evening to the Barnes & Noble and the Borders next door to it, Rt. 10 West, Livingston, NJ. I did not find it at Barnes & Noble but it was on the new books table at Borders. Borders seems to get new books a few days sooner than Barnes & Noble -- I assume they use a different distributor. It looks good and I'll buy a copy shortly!

My attitude towards members of the entertainment industry can be summed up in the words of the great radio talkshow host Bob Grant -- I DESPISE THEM! Good luck and God bless!

[maica]

From the unintended consequences dept: - perhaps appearing on Fox before the broadcast morning shows was a blessing in disquise. You did a great job, sleep deprivation notwithstanding, and now have more experience with the routine. You could have been sandbagged on one of the hostile-to-you shows.

[TomServo]

Saw you on F-n-F...lookin' good!!! Keep up the good work,..

[sarasota]

Saw you this morning on Fox. Loved your dialogue with the Friends. Keep up the good work. I'll do what I can to get your book out there.

[sarasota]

I'm phoning Borders right now to see if they have the book. If not, I'll order it.