Chevy Chase Reassures Fox TV Affiliates

Comedian Chevy Chase gave Fox television affiliates a sneak peak during the weekend at plans for his talk show that will enter the crowded late-night arena this fall.

Chase and other executives told affiliates meeting here that the show will rely heavily on comedy and will not be as dependent on celebrity guests as other talk shows. It is scheduled to air at 11 p.m. in most markets, which Fox executives said will give them a half-hour jump on the competition.

Chase’s appearance Sunday, in conjunction with the annual convention of the Assn. of Independent Television Stations, appeared to relieve some Fox affiliates, who have been concerned about whether his talk show was a certainty, especially in the wake of CBS’ recent signing of David Letterman.

Executive producer Steve Binder said he is not concerned about Chase’s chances in a jammed field of late-night talk shows starring Letterman, Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, Rush Limbaugh, Whoopi Goldberg and Jane Whitney. “Chevy will do very well, and we’re only concerned about making our show as good as it can be,” he said.

Binder said there would be an unstructured, spontaneous feel to the program, which will be taped before an audience. Chase, who is also a musician, will often play in the show’s house band, which is still being formed.

Producers are putting together a repertory group of writers who will also perform with Chase. They are also mulling over locations where the show will be taped.