Dr. Oz off the air in Pennsylvania; WTAE bundles up

The Post-Gazette reported today, with Dr. Mehmet Oz running for the open U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Pat Toomey, his talk show is expected to be or already has been pulled from the airwaves in most TV markets that serve Pennsylvania cities or portions thereof. Depending on the outcome of the primary in 24 weeks, the move could be temporary or permanent.

The decision is necessary due to the FCC’s equal time rule for broadcast outlets. While one may argue that Oz isn’t really getting “free time” on air, his presence on screen could still be viewed as exposure to which an opponent would have an equal right. Similar restrictions were made for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fred Grandy, and even Ronald Reagan when they ran for their respective offices. In Grandy’s case for example, reruns of The Love Boat could not air in the Iowa district he represented in U.S. Congress.

Should Oz win and continue his pursuit for office after next spring’s primary, Sony Pictures Television is ready to fill time periods with a program called “The Good Dish” which is hosted by Oz’s daughter, Daphne – a chef, author and TV personality in her own right.

Local viewers have alerted PBRTV that the program has, in fact, been removed from WPGH-TV (53) until further notice.

WTAE-TV is gearing up for the 36th year of the Project Bundle-up Telethon this Friday, December 3. The telethon will run beginning at 5:00 a.m. and be carried out through the station’s regular programming and newscasts until 8:00 p.m. The public service was started in 1985 by legendary meteorologist Joe DeNardo in association with the Salvation Army. Current Chief Meteorologist Mike Harvey continues to carry the torch for the annual event.

Viewers who would like to make donations may call 855-660-ARMY or text “Bundleup” to 41444 between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Donations may also be made using WTAE.com or the station’s mobile app.