MORNING REPORT - News from June 17, 2000

PEOPLE

Madonna Buys Home: After an altercation and an intrusion at her rented London home, Madonna has purchased a $15.87-million four-story residence in one of the city’s ritziest areas, Reuters reported Friday. Madonna, six months pregnant with the child of British film director Guy Ritchie (“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”), snapped up the Belgravia residence, a gray stone house around the corner from Knightsbridge, home to Harrods and other exclusive stores. Meanwhile, Ritchie was cautioned by police Thursday after admitting he had assaulted a fan outside the singer’s London home. A caution is a relatively minor charge indicating he will not be prosecuted but that the offense will remain on the record. Burglars broke into the premises when Madonna and Ritchie were attending the premiere of “The Next Best Thing,” stealing a bag from her gardener’s quarters but failing to gain entry to the house itself. Madonna put her Hollywood Hills home on the market earlier this month.

TELEVISION

PETA Blasts “Survivor”: Demonstrators from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals protested outside a CBS office in New York Friday, angry that contestants on the reality series “Survivor” roasted rats and ate them. “You have people who think it’s fun to trap rats, cut off their legs, skin them and eat them,” said RaeLeann Smith of PETA. “There’s nothing funny about that.” A CBS spokesman said “Survivor” participants were instructed not to harm creatures indigenous to the Pacific island, such as monkeys and lizards. “We have tremendous regard for PETA and its cause,” Chris Ender said. “However, we truly believe our viewers recognize that hunting and fishing as a means of sustenance has been acceptable since the dawn of time.”

FILM

Oscar Changes: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced significant changes for the 73rd annual Academy Awards. Beginning this year, a film can no longer appear on the Internet before its theatrical release and be eligible for an Oscar. This decision reflects the organization’s long-standing principle that theatrical motion-picture viewing remains distinct. In addition, the original song score will now be called “original musical,” the sound effects editing award will now be “the sound editing award,” new advertising restrictions will be placed on the documentary categories, and a less restrictive rule on subsequent-year eligibility for films submitted in the foreign-language film category was adopted.

MUSIC

McGraw Cries Foul: Country singer Tim McGraw said he was trying to protect his children when he intervened between New York police and fellow performer Kenny Chesney in a June 3 scuffle. McGraw and Chesney were arrested in Orchard Park, N.Y., after officers said Chesney took a police horse without permission from a backstage area. Police said McGraw attacked them when they tried to stop Chesney. “At no time did I throw any punches or put anyone in anything remotely resembling a choke hold,” McGraw said in a statement. “One of the officers pulled his nightstick and hit me at least three times on my leg.” He said he feared for the safety of his kids, who were playing nearby. McGraw was charged with felony assault, obstructing governmental administration, menacing and resisting arrest. A court hearing is set for July 18.

Pride Honored: Country legend Charley Pride has become the first black to be voted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. “In our culture we’re just ate up with what I call skin hang-ups,” the 62-year-old singer said Friday. “I’m glad I’m in the Hall of Fame. I’m glad I’m right next to people that I love--Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins, the whole bit. I don’t care if they’re pink.” Faron Young, a honky-tonk singing great, will also be inducted during the Country Music Assn. Awards on Oct. 4.

POP/ROCK

Shout It Out Loud: Some 850 lots containing items belonging to the rock band KISS will be sold to the public at “KISS the Auction,” June 24-25 on the Paramount Pictures lot. Co-sponsored by Butterfields and Gray Manning Auctions Inc., the auction will feature original KISS costumes--including platform boots--instruments, handwritten lyrics and other memorabilia. All of the items will be displayed today and Sunday at Butterfields in Hollywood.

QUICK TAKES

Nicole Sandler has been named program director of L.A. adult alternative station KACD/KBCD-FM (103.1). Sandler will retain her role as the station’s music director and afternoon deejay along with her new duties as program director. . . . Due to competition from last Wednesday’s Laker game, KCBS Channel 2 will repeat Wednesday’s installment of “Survivor” tonight at 9 p.m.