‘Jericho’ wins reprieve

Los Angeles – “Jericho” fans who slammed CBS with protests over the drama’s cancellation have won the battle: It will return next season, the network said Wednesday.

It was an unusual display of viewer might since networks usually put ratings ahead of even the most passionate, well-organized fan base.

“Wow! Over the past few weeks you have put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support of a prime time television series,” CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said in a letter to “Jericho” boosters.

The letter was released to The Associated Press.

CBS is planning a campaign to reintroduce “Jericho,” including rerunning the show on CBS this summer, streaming episodes and clips online and releasing the first season on DVD on Sept. 25. The show’s return date and scheduling has yet to be determined.

CBS had to complete deals with cast members, including star Skeet Ulrich, before announcing its decision.

The show is set in the fictional town of Jericho, Kan. For a promotional event, North Lawrence changed its name for a day last summer to Jericho.

Trebek still having fun

Burbank, Calif. – The hoopla over Bob Barker retiring as host of “The Price Is Right” has Alex Trebek thinking about his own future.

The 66-year-old host of “Jeopardy!” is in his 23rd year presiding over the syndicated quiz show. Barker called it quits Wednesday at age 83 after 35 years of giving away cars and vacations.

“I don’t have anything to prove anymore, nor does Bob, although it is fun doing the show,” Trebek told The Associated Press. “That’s really what determines my longevity on ‘Jeopardy!’ – as long as I consider it a fun job to go to and I do.”

Trebek and Barker are both nominated for outstanding game-show host at the Daytime Emmys on June 15. Trebek won for the second time last year; Barker has 17 trophies, including a lifetime achievement award.

Trebek began his career in 1961 as a newscaster at the CBC in his native Canada. Four years later, he became a game-show host before moving to the United States in 1973 to host an NBC game show.

Richie fears going to jail

New York – Does Nicole Richie think she’s next?

Paris Hilton’s good buddy told David Letterman during a taping for his talk show on Wednesday that she’s worried about landing in the pokey, too.

“I’m just keeping my fingers crossed, and, you know, of course, I’m scared also, but, you know, I’m willing to face whatever consequences come my way, and I take responsibility for what I’ve done,” she said.

Richie, the 25-year-old daughter of pop singer Lionel Richie, pleaded not guilty in February to driving under the influence.

She was arrested Dec. 11 and volunteered she had smoked marijuana and taken the prescription painkiller Vicodin, but no drugs were found on her or in the car, police said.

Richie already had a 2003 misdemeanor DUI conviction. The California vehicle code says if convicted of DUI twice within 10 years, a person can be sentenced to between 90 days and a year in jail and have his or her driving privileges suspended.

During the “Late Show” taping, Letterman asked Richie, who acknowledged previous legal troubles, when she’ll learn her fate.

“Probably the end of this month,” she responded.