Trib launches 'TV Talk' with Rob Owen

It’s a good news day for TV lovers.

Nationally known TV writer Rob Owen will join Trib Total Media this month, providing readers the latest in local TV news and hand-picked recommendations on shows to watch on broadcast/cable networks and streaming services.

Owen, who spent 22 years at the Pittsburgh Post-­Gazette, said at-home entertainment options have gained even more significance during the pandemic.

“When there’s nothing going on in the community because of covid-19, people are looking for entertainment options, and where they’re looking is TV and especially streaming services,” Owen said. “I will do my best to point them in the direction of the good stuff across the television spectrum, whether it’s streaming, broadcast or cable.”

While the pandemic has upended the production of TV shows across the industry, Owen said streaming services, especially Netflix, have a pretty good stockpile of new and returning series. The major broadcast networks — NBC, ABC and CBS — have announced they are moving forward with their fall schedules, although some changes are inevitable. One remaining question is what will happen at Fox should the NFL scratch Thursday Night Football, he said.

“Rob truly is among the best in the business, and we are delighted to have him joining us here at Trib Total Media to provide our readers with the most insightful, comprehensive television news available anywhere in our market,” Executive Editor Susan McFarland said.

Owen’s work also appears in Variety, The Seattle Times and The Kansas City Star.

“Our readers are the winners because of the caliber of local and national television news Rob will deliver to them throughout the week,” Trib Total Media President and CEO Jennifer Bertetto said. “We encourage those readers to engage with him, send him questions and to let him know what interests them.”

Here’s what you can expect from the Trib’s expanded TV coverage:

Owen’s popular TV Q&A column will appear on TribLIVE on Wednesdays and in the Tribune-Review’s print edition on Sunday. Readers will have the opportunity to submit questions about local TV news anchors and personalities, local TV scheduling, network changes and the latest on their favorite shows.

In another weekly feature, Owen will review new series, interview actors, producers and industry insiders about the buzziest TV shows and events. He will keep readers up to date on renewed and canceled shows and what programs are being filmed in Western Pennsylvania.

On Sundays, Owen offers a viewing tip for the upcoming week.

Follow him at @RobOwenTV on Twitter and Facebook for links to his latest TribLIVE stories. Rob can be reached via email at TVQandA@gmail.com.