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Fountain to leave WTVT, start business
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Published: November 4, 2009
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Anchor Kathy Fountain says she is leaving WTVT, Channel 13, at the end of the year.
The longtime 5 p.m. news anchor and host of the midday "Your Turn" talk/interview segment on Fox 13 says she is leaving to start her own therapy practice.
Fountain, who has an advanced degree in mental health counseling, says she specializes in infertility counseling and plans to make that her full-time focus.
"I've had a great run here at 13 but I find the health field challenging and rewarding. I feel like now is the time to make the move," she says.
Fountain, 59, joined WTVT in May 1985. The Lakeland native worked with the late Ernie Lee on "Breakfast Beat" and soon became anchor of the 5 p.m. newscast. She continues on that program with co-anchor Denise White.
From 1989 to 1995, she was host of "The Kathy Fountain Show," which featured local and national guests, celebrity interviews and topical issues.
Bill Schneider, vice president and general manager of WTVT, said Fountain will be missed but he is excited for her. "She is the consummate professional and she set the standard with her work and passion," he said.
He said no decision has been made about the future of "Your Turn."
Fountain is married to former WTVT anchor Frank Robertson, who retired in June after 21 years at the station. She says he is teaching college courses, serving on several boards of directors and pursuing voiceover work.
JOHNNY M: Turner Classic Movies remembers a gifted songwriter in "Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me," a documentary debuting at 8 tonight.
Clint Eastwood produced this profile of the gap-toothed composer from Savannah, Ga. He created some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, including "Moon River" and "The Days of Wine and Roses."
Nov. 18 marks the 100th anniversary of Mercer's birth.
"The Dream's on Me" includes footage of singers Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney and Barbra Streisand interpreting Mercer songs.
A companion album, "Johnny Mercer 'The Dream's on Me': A Celebration of His Music" been released with recordings by many of these singers and others.
TCM is airing movies featuring Mercer's work each Wednesday in November. Four movies for which Mercer won Oscars for best song will air on his birthday: "The Harvey Girls" (1946), "Here Comes the Groom" (1951), "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) and "Days of Wine and Roses" (1962).
VIDBITS: To promote the 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street," Big Bird will be a guest on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" tonight. And Elmo stops by NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday. The 40th season of the PBS kids show begins Tuesday.
•ABC is bringing back "Scrubs" for its ninth season Dec. 1 with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. On Dec. 8, ABC returns the comedy "Better Off Ted" to air on Tuesdays following "Scrubs."
•Watch Bill Cosby receive the 12th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a pre-taped special on PBS at 8 tonight (WEDU, Channel 3). A roster of top comics including Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock pays tribute. The special includes clips of his career highlights from stand-up appearances to his groundbreaking role on "I Spy."
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