Paramount Goes to Court to Settle Dispute With ‘E.T.’ Host

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has set June 6 for a hearing on a bid by Paramount Television to prohibit “Entertainment Tonight” co-anchor John Tesh from taking the summer off in order to pursue his music career.

In addition to anchoring Paramount’s syndicated “E.T.” with Mary Hart, Tesh is a prolific composer and pianist with five albums and one concert video currently on the charts. For several months, he has been trying to negotiate a three-month leave of absence, beginning June 1.

“John’s been working for ‘E.T.’ almost 10 years. He’s very dedicated and loyal to ‘E.T.’ and Paramount,” said Tesh’s attorney, Chuck Kenworthy, who remains hopeful that a deal can be worked out. “We want to coordinate his schedule so John can continue to promote his music with a tour, write new music, finish a book about his life and spend some time at home.”

Paramount believes it has been more than accommodating with Tesh’s schedule, as evidenced by his flourishing music career. When it appeared to Paramount that Tesh would take the time off whether it was approved or not, the studio moved for a temporary restraining order. That request was turned down on Tuesday, but the matter will be taken up again on June 6.

“We are fully supportive of John Tesh’s dual careers in broadcasting and music,” the studio said in a statement. “However, his first obligation is to ‘Entertainment Tonight.’ We are not able to grant him a three-month leave from the show, as his co-anchoring position is critical to our affiliates and viewers. We hope he will honor his contractual obligation to us.”

Last year, Tesh signed a four-year deal with Paramount. His latest album, “John Tesh Live at Red Rocks,” last week ranked No. 2 on Billboard’s New-Age chart, and his concert video of the same name recently topped the music video chart.