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Click Here 41 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, February 4, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend January 24, 2004 KOBI-TV brings Martha Stewart back to daytime By BILL VARBLE Mail Tribune Lifestyle maven Martha Stewart returns to the daytime lineup at Medford’s KOBI-TV beginning Feb. 2. KOBI spokeswoman Donna Rodriguez said "Martha Stewart Living" will air at noon Mondays through Fridays. The station had carried the show for several years but switched it to a 3 a.m. time slot in early November. Rodriguez said the switch was driven by low ratings for the show. "Some people thought we were taking her off the air because of her legal problems," she said. "That had nothing to do with it." Stewart, the force behind what was until recently a $1 billion empire of domestic "good things," is facing trial on charges of lying about a well-timed stock sale to avoid a loss of $51,000. She faces five counts including obstruction of justice and securities fraud, which could carry a long prison sentence. Stewart sold ImClone Systems stock on Dec. 27, 2001, on the eve of a negative government report about a highly touted ImClone cancer drug. The news sent the stock into a downward spiral. Stewart, a personal friend of ImClone founder Sam Waksal, has denied any wrongdoing. Advertisement Rodriguez said when the show was moved, viewers complained. "The ratings have never been strong," she said. "It has a small but loyal following." The show has received six Daytime Emmys over its 10 years on the air. The government’s case is expected to depend in large part on a former brokerage assistant who will provide details. Stewart claims she sold because she had an agreement with her broker to sell if the stock fell to $60. The most serious charge against Stewart is securities fraud. The charge alleges she deceived her own shareholders by declaring her innocence. That charge alone carries a prison sentence of 10 years. Rodriguez said she does not know what would happen to the show if Stewart goes to prison. "The providers have not given us any indication," she said. "We’re under contract to air the show until September. At that time we’ll figure out what her future is." At the Mail Tribune, which carries Stewart’s syndicated column, Editor Bob Hunter said the decision to keep it could be re-visited if Stewart is convicted. "It wouldn’t be fair to dump her before the trial’s over," Hunter said. "She could be found innocent. Once it’s over, that’s another story." Reach reporter Bill Varble at 776-4478 or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times