Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Highlights

This morning at 10, C-SPAN will televise live the oral arguments in Fox Television Stations v. the Federal Communications Commission before the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York. Fox will challenge the FCC ruling that comments by Cher and Nicole Richie during Billboard Music Awards shows in 2002 and 2003, respectively, violated indecency rules. The proceedings also will air live on C-SPAN Radio (WCSP, 90.1 FM). In prime time, on a new episode of "King of Queens" (Channel 9 at 8), Doug adopts a stray dog in hope of winning his neighbors' respect.

ABC has axed "Show Me the Money" and "Day Break" and replaced them with two moldy fill-ins: back-to-back holiday-themed repeats of "George Lopez" (Channel 7 at 8 and 8:30) plus a holiday repeat of "According to Jim" (Channel 7 at 9). Yet another Christmas episode of "George Lopez" follows at 9:30.

The third installment of the new game show "Identity" (Channel 4 at 8) is followed by a "Dateline" (Channel 4 at 9) report on the 1997 execution-style killing of four people at a manufacturing plant in Polk County, Fla.

The CW airs a condensed version of the second season of the British "Next Top Model" (Channel 50 at 8). The two-hour show introduces British cover girl Lisa Snowdon and international model Paula Hamilton as judges, along with returning judge Jonathan Phang. The British model wannabes are surprised with intense photo shoots and tough competitions.

PBS's "Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" (Channel 26 at 8) features the renowned chorus performing its annual holiday concert from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, with Renee Fleming and British actress Claire Bloom. Selections include "What Child Is This?," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Joy to the World."

On Episode 2 of "One Punk Under God" (Sundance Channel at 9), Jay Bakker struggles with whether to accept gay and transgender people into his alternative ministry.

Richard Roeper and the Blind Boys of Alabama appear on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (Channel 4, 11:35), and Renee Zellweger and music group Taking Back Sunday are on "Late Show With David Letterman" (Channel 9, 11:35).

-- John Maynard