ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

PEOPLE

Friendly Fire: “Friends” co-star Matthew Perry has asked the television academy to withdraw his name from consideration on this year’s Emmy Awards ballot, his publicist, Lisa Kasteler, said Wednesday. He took the action upon learning “that his publicist had made the mistake of submitting him in the best actor category rather than supporting actor as he and his co-stars have been for the last five years.” Kasteler said that “it is very important to Matthew and to me that the correct message be sent to his co-stars and the ‘Friends’ audience that he considers himself part of the ensemble.” The “Friends” cast recently banded together in negotiations that led to a deal that will pay each actor $750,000 per episode for the next two years.

TELEVISION

‘City of Angels’ Changes: Kevin Hooks, who directed a few episodes last season for CBS’ inner-city hospital drama “City of Angels,” has been named an executive producer for the series’ new season. Hooks, whose directing credits include “Passenger 57” and TNT’s “Glory and Honor,” is replacing Paris Barclay, one of the creators and a co-executive producer of the show, who is leaving to pursue other projects. Hooks will work alongside the drama’s other creator and executive producer, Steven Bochco.

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‘Blue’ Streak: ABC has renewed “NYPD Blue” for two more seasons, or through a ninth year of the cop drama. Despite assumptions that the show might be on its last legs, ratings were strong last season, averaging 15.6 million viewers per week. The program’s premiere will again be delayed next season, with the network to begin the fall with “Once and Again” in its time slot.

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Kidding Around: As expected, CBS will rely on Nickelodeon--a sister Viacom-owned network--to supply its Saturday morning children’s lineup in September, which will include “Little Bill,” the animated series created by Bill Cosby. The other Nick Jr. preschool shows that will be shown on CBS are “Blue’s Clues,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Little Bear,” “Franklin” and “Kipper.” CBS, the lowest-rated major network in Saturday morning, has committed to running Nick Jr. shows for at least three seasons.

THE ARTS

Classical Webcasts Ahead: The American Federation of Musicians and representatives of 66 of the nation’s most important orchestras, opera and ballet companies have reached a tentative agreement that would allow them to distribute work over the Internet. The pact includes the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. Ratification could come in the next few weeks and would cover compensation to musicians for performances made available on the Web, including live audio and downloadable recordings.

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MacArthur Honorees: Photographer Alfredo Jaar and choreographer Susan Marshall, both of New York City, are among the 25 recipients of $500,000 grants from the MacArthur Foundation.