SHORT TAKES : ‘House Party’ Rebuilt Sans Sand

The NBC-Group W show “House Party With Steve Doocy” has a new executive producer to “give it a more serious direction.”

Betsy Alexander Braverman has replaced Barry Sand as the show moves from “entertainment-information” to an increased emphasis on the information. Sand, who specializes in comedy, said he “decided to move on” and that the parting was amiable. “House Party” has only a few weeks left on its initial 13-week commitment. Ratings for the daytime show have been poor.