Baltimore happenings

["Robert Paine" <macandrew@prodigy.net>]

Slightly outside the scope of NY-NJ-PA-NE, word is that CBS-owned WJZ-TV 13
has parted ways with Sports Director John Buren. John had been with 'JZ
since '86 and, according to the Sun's Dave Folkenflik "provided an
irreverent presence at the station since his arrival in 1986"

He will be succeeded in late June by former WBAL-TV weekend sports anchor
Mark Viviano, also of CNN/SI. The decision to pull Buren  apparently came
after an article in the Sun (4/24) that disclosed the planned move.

Opinion - having lived here since '80, I found John Buren to be a refreshing
twist to sports. He was not impressed with himself or the fact he was
well-known, with the money-makers in sports. He called things truthfully,
which no doubt rubbed people the wrong way. John made sports interesting and
brought it to the level of the average person. No hype, no pseudo-sports
phraseology - just to the point and slightly hip. You'll notice I said he
would be succeeded...no one can replace his act. If he should end up in
Boston, I'll warn you now: your gain is Charm City's loss.

 (a slightly disappointed and somewhat disgruntled)
  Macandrew