TELEVISION - April 21, 1993

ABC’s Right for Owls: ABC took the top spots in the TV and theatrical film fiction category of this year’s Owl Awards, which go to the producers of outstanding films, videos and TV programs on aging. The Sunday movie, “Last Wish,” a dramatization of Betty Rollins’ story of her relationship with her dying mother, was first, while an episode of “Roseanne” called “Ladies’ Choice” was second. CBS’ “Northern Exposure” got an honorary mention for an episode in which Maurice and Holling set out to bury an old hunting buddy. In announcing the awards, Joe Parkin, president of the Retirement Research Foundation, which sponsors the annual awards, had harsh words for Hollywood moviemakers, saying they continue to “ignore older actors and actresses and issues affecting seniors.” But television, he said, “is making significant strides in covering issues of importance to older adults.” Film critic Gene Siskel and columnist Ann Landers will present the bronze Owls and a total of $30,000 in cash prizes to the winning producers on May 19 in Chicago.