Tales from the ‘Newsroom’; a history of ransom; Bob Hope of ‘The Road’; turn the world beat around
Sunday
“Fear and Favor in the Newsroom” / 2 p.m. KCET
Any aspiring journalists out there? Perhaps this documentary will push you toward a definitive decision. “Fear and Favor,” narrated by author Studs Turkel, features interviews with reporters whose work was at odds with the vested interests of their respective organizations. At 3 p.m., “Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press” profiles the “incorruptible” muckraker who covered top stories of the 20th century.
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“Kidnap!” / 5 and 9 p.m. A&E;
History is dotted with instances in which the rich and famous were the targets of avaricious kidnappers. Two of the most infamous examples involve the abductions of the Lindbergh baby and socialite Patty Hearst, cases that gripped the nation and provoked sensational coverage from a ravenous media. In this two-hour documentary, the stories behind such controversial crimes are related by the FBI, Scotland Yard and negotiation experts as well as journalists and the victims themselves.
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“National Memorial Day Concert” / 7:30 p.m. KCET
The annual PBS telecast “remembers the great sacrifices that were made by so many in the name of liberty,” says executive producer Jerry Colbert. World War II veteran Ossie Davis hosts the 90-minute special held on the Capitol lawn, where participants include Richard Dreyfuss, Colin Powell, Charles Durning, Maureen McGovern, Leslie Uggams and Jack Jones. In one segment, Dreyfuss reads “In Flanders Fields,” the poignant war poem written by John McCrae.
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“The Wall” / 8 p.m. Showtime
Memorial Day is also observed with this fictional trilogy involving objects left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In “The Pencil Holder,” Edward James Olmos plays the father of a boy caught in the grip of a dying soldier. A woman (Ruby Dee) gives her grandson (Savion Glover) a family heirloom as he departs for Vietnam in “The Badge.” And a cynical wheeler-dealer (Frank Whaley) is impressed by the unselfishness of a good Samaritan (Michael DeLorenzo) in “The Player.”
Monday
“Cancer Wars” / 10 p.m. KCET
Cancer was a prominent topic for key characters on “Murphy Brown,” “NYPD Blue” and “Party of Five” during the just-concluded TV season. Now PBS chronicles the ongoing battle against this disease, calling it a story of “social and scientific dynamics” that unfolds in labs and clinics as well as Congress, corporate boardrooms and the White House. The four-part documentary, which opens with a report charting developments that transpired between the 1940s and ‘60s, continues on June 1 and June 5 from 9 to 11 p.m.
Tuesday
“Bob Hope: The Road to the Top” / 7 p.m. AMC
American Movie Classics thanks the show biz legend for six decades of fond memories. Whoopi Goldberg narrates the one-hour retrospective saluting the comic (born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England), who celebrates his 95th birthday on Friday. A mix of interviews, clips and archival footage recount his success at every level of entertainment--from vaudeville and radio to movies and TV--as well as his humanitarian efforts for the USO. The tribute is followed at 8 p.m. by a screening of Hope’s Hollywood debut in “The Big Broadcast of 1938.”
Wednesday
“Great Performances” / 8:30 p.m. KCET
International stars step to center stage in “Variety and Virtuosity: American Ballet Theatre Now,” a 90-minute salute to ABT favorites. Introduced by Natalia Makarova, the PBS program features both classical works and contemporary pieces performed by celebrated dancers such as Julio Bocca, Angel Corella, Alessandra Ferri, Paloma Herrera, Robert Hill and Julie Kent. Included are backstage visits with several of the principals, who share thoughts on partners, choreographers and the artistry of their work.
Thursday
“The 1998 World Music Awards” / 9 p.m. ABC
Given the mix of illustrious pop stars and renowned emcees, one would think this sixth annual special singing the praises of top-selling artists was a natural for the May ratings sweeps. As usual, however, that’s not the case. Co-hosts Gloria Estefan, Jason Priestley and Daisy Fuentes bring on Hanson, LeAnn Rimes, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Savage Garden, All Saints, Aqua and No Doubt, who perform for an audience that includes Prince Albert of Monaco. Mariah Carey opens and closes the two-hour show with songs from “Butterfly.”