Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 21, 2008 at 09:40:40:
Roeper to part ways with 'At the Movies' after 8 years
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper announced Sunday he is leaving the nationally syndicated show "At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper" after eight seasons.
In a statement, Roeper said: "Eight years ago this summer, it was my privilege to join Roger Ebert as the new co-host of 'Ebert & Roeper,' the sequel to the iconic movie-review franchise created by Roger and the late Gene Siskel.
"Over the last two seasons, as Roger has bravely coped with his medical issues, I've continued the show with a number of guest co-hosts, from celebrities such as Jay Leno, Harold Ramis and John Mellencamp, to critics such as A.O. Scott of the New York Times and Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune. It's never been the same without Roger, but I'm proud of the work we've done, and I'm grateful to all the co-hosts who stepped in - and to the viewers that stayed loyal to the show.
"Several months ago, Disney offered to extend my contract, which expires at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. I opted to wait. Much transpired after that behind the scenes, but an agreement was never reached, and we are all moving on.
"My last episode of 'At the Movies' will air the weekend of Aug. 16th-17th. I wish Disney the best of luck with their new show, whatever form it may take. In the meantime, it is my intention to proceed elsewhere with my ninth year as the co-host of a movie review show that honors the standards established by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert more than 30 years ago. I will be free to share the details on that program in the near future."
The show began in 1975 on WTTW-Channel 11, featuring Sun-Times movie critic Ebert and Chicago Tribune critic Siskel. It later became syndicated nationwide. Roeper joined the show in 2000, following Siskel's death in 1999 from a brain tumor.
(Sun-Times)