WGBH cuts 'Art Close Up'
`Art Close Up," a series of monthly WGBH specials that focused on the creative endeavor, is the latest casualty of the current poor funding climate for the arts. The series, which began in January, got the ax shortly before the close of the public television station's fiscal year, Aug. 31.
"Arts Close Up" was a revamped version of "Greater Boston Arts," which had garnered a slew of awards, including 29 New England Emmys, since it began in 1995.
Series producer Stephanie Stewart saw the series as a way to make art accessible to viewers. "What we're trying to do," Stewart said when the series premiered, "is translate for a general audience the language used by contemporary artists so we can make it clear what they're doing. In doing so, we want to answer the question of what is the value of art or creativity in society."
Among the artists shown doing their work were now deceased Russian puppeteer Igor Fokin, choreographer Twyla Tharp, photographers Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, and sculptor Pat Keck.
Lucy Sholley, director of media relations for WGBH, said the decision was difficult, and made strictly for budgetary reasons.
"Securing funding for arts programming has been an ongoing challenge, particularly as state and local arts resources have become increasingly scarce," she said. "Since local programming is dependent on WGBH's limited discretionary resources, we were faced with very difficult choices in this area. We are disappointed to have to make this decision."
Trump hired as Emmy presenter
Sure, the 56th annual Primetime Emmys on Sept. 19 were going to be pretty special anyway, but now they're going to have the self-professed star power of reality television's No. 1 attraction. Donald Trump leads the latest round of confirmed Emmy presenters.
Trump will be joined by "Arrested Development" star Jason Bateman, "Scrubs" and "Garden State" frontman Zach Braff, Amber Tamblyn, Jon Stewart, and Teri Hatcher.
Stewart is a previous Emmy winner and is up for two more awards for his Comedy Central hit "The Daily Show," while Tamblyn is experiencing primetime Emmy jitters for the first time with a nomination for "Joan of Arcadia."
Thanks to his executive producing responsibilities on NBC's "The Apprentice," Trump is also up for his very first Emmy. The second season of "The Apprentice" premieres tonight.
Although Bateman isn't personally up for an award, the actor's struggling but adored Fox comedy is looking for a boost from its Emmy nominations, including a nod for outstanding comedy series. At least "Development" has managed to earn Emmy recognition, which is more than Braff can say for "Scrubs," which has been regularly shunned by the Academy despite a passionate fan base.
Garry Shandling is hosting the show for ABC.
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Globe on NECN
Here's what's happening on "Around the Globe" today on NECN:
9:30 a.m.: "Talk of New England" 12:30 p.m.: "Globe at Home" -- Scott Thurston from the Globe sports department with an NFL preview. 4 p.m.: "Around the Globe" 6:30 p.m.: "New England Business Day" 8 p.m.: "NewsNight" Schedule is subject to change.Talk of the dial
4 p.m. WBIX-AM (1060) -- "Market Wrap." Guest: Neil Hennessy, president and portfolio manager of Hennessy Funds, analyzes the day on Wall Street.
2 p.m. WBNW-AM (1120) -- "PM Magazine." Guests: Elizabeth Warren, author of "The Two Income Trap"; George Muzea, market analyst; Mina Femino, principal, Ascend Hypnosis.
Other radio highlights
9 a.m. WCRB-FM (102.5) -- Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5; Haydn's Symphony No. 85; Stanford's English Variations.
