Media turn cameras on CES

When it comes to the International Consumer Electronics Show, what happens in Vegas never stays in Vegas.

That's especially true of the 2008 edition of CES, which opens a four-day run today at the Las Vegas and Sands Expo convention centers.

Dozens of media outlets converge on Las Vegas to cover CES. But NBC will be doing Vegas in an especially big way this week.

Brian Williams anchors the network's flagship "NBC Nightly News" live from the convention center floor at 3:30 p.m. today, with additional coverage from correspondent George Lewis.

And "Today" show stalwart Al Roker is scheduled to showcase, among other innovations, a remote-control automobile. He'll also join Frank Pellegrino Jr. of Rao's for a cooking segment -- and "Access Hollywood" co-host Nancy O'Dell for a segment focusing on celebrities on hand for CES product launches and parties.

"Access" CES: Speaking of "Access Hollywood," the NBC-produced showbiz roundup and cable's MSNBC also plan extensive CES coverage.

After all, "technology is so much a part of what everyone does," notes "Access" executive producer Rob Silverstein. "Naturally, people want to see what's next, what's cool and what's happening."

That includes what's happening with such celebrities as Kevin Costner, Michael Douglas and Yoko Ono, all of whom are scheduled to be at the show.

MSNBC, meanwhile, will be at CES through Wednesday, presenting daily coverage and taping an episode of the weekly "Your Business" program.

"It's so interesting for the audience to see what's new," says "Your Business" host JJ Ramberg. "Technology is such a big part of running a business."

G4 on the floor: Also at CES, the G4 cable channel -- which focuses on technology and gaming -- hits CES for two days of coverage airing tonight and Tuesday.

Exploring CES offers "a kid-in-a-candy-store feeling," notes "Attack of the Show" host Kevin Pereira, who joins co-host Olivia Munn to anchor G4's coverage. "Everyone's excited" to check out the latest gadgets and gizmos that, come late 2008, will be on everyone's holiday gift lists.

As for what those gadgets and gizmos might be, Pereira expects two things to predominate: "wireless" technology and "portability."

Room to zoom: Mazda hits Glitter Gulch this week for a TV commercial that's expected to feature the Fremont Street Experience's Viva Vision canopy. The shoot also is expected to shut down Casino Center Drive, between the Golden Nugget and Fremont hotels, on Tuesday night.

Carol Cling's Shooting Stars column appears Mondays. Contact her at (702) 383-0272 or e-mail her at ccling@reviewjournal.com.