Radetich returns to local TV scene

An energized Nina Radetich can't wait to rejoin the competitive local TV wars.

Watching from the sidelines has "lit the fire again," said Radetich, who joins Steve Wolford on the evening anchor desk at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday at KTNV-TV, Channel 13.

Not that she's been sitting around since leaving KVBC-TV, Channel 3 as co-anchor of the evening broadcasts.

A one-year, noncompete clause kept Radetich off camera but didn't prohibit her from working behind the scenes. She's been involved as a special projects producer since July.

She's excited that her KTNV schedule is "extremely conducive" to anchoring, reporting and "getting out and meeting people." She also will create Stay Fit Las Vegas, a wellness and fitness report.

She's part of Channel 13's new look that includes a months-old high-tech broadcast facility at 3355 S. Valley View Boulevard.

Add to the mix a new confidence at the ABC affiliate, owned by Milwaukee-based Journal Broadcast Group, that it has turned the corner and assembled its best news team in years after years at the bottom in the ratings battles.

News director Karin Movesian arrived about a year ago. So did chief investigative reporter Darcy Spears, after 12 years at KVBC. Tricia Kean moves from evening anchor to the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. broadcasts, while continuing her Contact 13 duties.

"We're the only station that's shown May-to-May growth at 11 p.m. and 4 to 7," said Jim Koonce, the station's promotion and marketing manager.

Radetich, who has been working in the market since 1996 when she joined KVBC as a reporter/weekend anchor, said she was sold on KTNV's ambitious plan.

"Channel 13's time is now and I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that," she said.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

It wasn't all sweetness and light Friday for Diddy's girl group Danity Kane. Two members of the pop group got physical backstage at the Palms before their concert at The Pearl last night. The tension was still evident when the group arrived at Privé Las Vegas (Planet Hollywood Resort) for their after-party. Dawn Richards, Aundrea Fimbres and Shannon Bex stayed on one side of the VIP Booth while Aubrey O'Day and D. Woods sat on the other posing for pictures with fans.

Correction: Tony Crivello's show, "The Sicilians," is on Fox Sports Radio KBAD-AM, 920.

SIGHTINGS

LeBron James, joining Nelly at the private after-party Friday in the Cherry suite at Nelly's weekend album debut party at Red Rock Resort. Jermaine Dupri and Chingy were among the celebrities who joined Nelly for the private bowling event at Red Rock Lanes. ... Brent Barrett, receiving an emotional curtain call Friday at his final performance as one of the rotating phantoms in "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular." Many fans threw long stem red roses on stage and his co-lead, Christine, delivered a tearful speech before Barrett received a bouquet of roses. ... Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin and family, staying in the Fantasy Tower at the Palms over the weekend. ... Steel Panther, formerly known as Metal Skool, made its debut Friday at Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch, for what is to be a Friday fixture. Joining them on stage were Scott Ian from Anthrax, the band L.A. Guns, guitarist Paul Cook from Meatloaf and UFC Fighter Josh Burkman. ... Sedrick Ellis, the New Orleans Saints' top draft pick this year, dining at Dos Caminos (Palazzo) on Friday. Also having dinner: the Edmonton Oilers' Ethan Moreau, Mathieu Roy and Raffi Torres, celebrating Roy's bachelor party. ... At Jet Nightclub (The Mirage) on Friday: Lauryn and Sirbrina from MTV's "A Shot at Love 2 with Tila Tequila." Also there: Indiana Pacers standout Jermaine O'Neal and former Philadelphia Eagles player Deshawn Stevenson. ... Star model Tori Praver, celebrating her birthday Friday night at The Bank Nightclub at Bellagio with family and friends including "Heroes" actor Milo Ventimiglia.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Can your charisma and vitality match the high standard set by Dick Cheney?" -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Questions on the Barack Obama running mate application.

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.