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CBS Television Distribution will give rapper Serch, who performed under the name MC Serch, a four-week test run as a talk show host on Tribune TV stations.
The test will begin Jan. 6, 2014, with the show appearing in eight TV market, announced Thursday by Maureen FitzPatrick, CTD’s executive vp programming and development, and Sean Compton, Tribune’s president of programming and entertainment.
Ethan Nelson, formerly with ABC News, will serve as executive producer of the New York-based talk show, which will feature stories about real people. Nelson produced the first season of Katie Couric’s syndicated show, Katie.
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“Serch [will] use his street smarts and unconventional background to help guests grapple with and resolve their problems,” according to the announcement.
“Serch has such an interesting, unique life story that makes him relatable to a wide audience,” FitzPatrick said. “He connects with different communities, has a message to share about taking personal responsibility for your life choices and is on a mission to help people change their lives.”
“Serch is a natural fit for Tribune’s daytime lineup,” said Compton, “and through our strong partnership with CBS Television Distribution, we are confident we will build a successful talk franchise.”
Serch will be seen for the test on WPIX, New York; KTLA, Los Angeles; WPHL, Philadelphia; KDAF, Dallas; WDCW, Washington, D.C.; WSFL, Miami; WXIN, Indianapolis; and KSWB, San Diego.
Serch is a native New Yorker who grew up in an orthodox Jewish neighborhood. He was influenced by the hip-hop culture and became one of the first white rappers as part of the group 3rd Bass before starting a solo career.
He recorded three albums with 3rd Bass and scored two hit singles on his 1992 solo album. After retiring from performing to spend time with his wife and three children, he continued to cultivate new talent, helping to launch Nas. He executive produced the rapper’s first two albums.
He executive produced projects for other artists as well, included OC, Non Phixion and Boss. He was also a consultant on the soundtrack for the movie Zebrahead (1992), and was featured in Spike Lee‘s 2000 movie Bamboozled.
In 2003, Serch moved to Detroit where he was the first non-black DJ on urban radio station WJLB-FM. He also hosted VH1’s The (White) Rapper Show in 2007. He currently runs the marketing company Serchlite Multimedia.
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