Paying their Bill
Billy Bush has inked a new, multi-year deal that will keep him co-hosting “Access Hol lywood” for the forseeable future. Bush – described by high-octane executive pro ducer Rob Silverstein as “a pure moment machine” – began his “AH” career in 2002 as an in- your-face cor respondent – which didn’t always go over well in Holly wood.
“I swung for the fences, which is part of my personal ity,” says Bush, who’s been co- anchoring with Nancy O’Dell since 2004. “I was definitely a cowboy . . . I did kind of come into the party through the front door rather loudly.
“But I’ve definitely settled in as I’ve gotten a little older. I’m not interested in hurting people’s feelings anymore,” says Bush, 35. “So the cowboy act is gone.”
Bush says one of his priori ties is to “raise the level of this game,” referring to the entertainment newsmaga zines. “I think [‘AH’] gets a bad rap for entertainment- speak. There’s so much ve neer and shellac that it’s em barrassing,” he says. “I want to pull this show away from those other shows.”
Last, but not least:
* “Desperate House wives” opened strongly Sun day: 19 million viewers and a winning 7.4 (adults 18-49).
* Tonight:Oli via New ton- John live at Ch. 21 for the pre miere of her “Live from Syd ney!” con cert; BET premieres “Sunday Best” (8 p.m.) and “Exalted!” (9 p.m.).
* Tavis Smiley hosts his PBS show here this week. Guests include Ken Burns, Ruby Dee, Phylicia Rashad.
* Brian Balthazar (“Today” staffer) also an up- and-coming stand-up comic.
* “CW11 News Closeup” (Marvin Scott) celebrates 15 years this Sunday.