NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Publicist: Kasem kids worry about body status

LOS ANGELES

A publicist for Casey Kasem’s daughter says the late radio personality’s children are working with law enforcement after a report that Kasem’s wife is making arrangements to have Kasem’s body flown to Europe.

Danny Deraney, a publicist for Kasem’s daughter Kerri, told The Associated Press in an email Tuesday that Kasem’s children are discussing their next steps with authorities.

Kasem, the radio host of “American Top 40,” died June 15 at a hospital in Gig Harbor, Wash. He was 82 and suffering from dementia.

His death followed a lengthy battle over his care among his wife, Jean Kasem, and his three adult children from his first marriage.

TMZ reported that Jean Kasem is trying to have Kasem’s body flown to Europe, perhaps Oslo, Norway, from Montreal. Teruyuki Olsen, a lawyer for Kasem’s wife, said he had no comment.

Sharks keep hold on TV viewers’ attention

LOS ANGELES

The popularity of “Sharknado” may have had a splash-over effect on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, which the channel said debuted with its highest-rated night ever in 27 years of telecasts.

More than 3.6 million prime-time viewers tuned in Sunday for a line-up that included “Air Jaws: Fins of Fury,” according to Nielsen company figures Tuesday.

Viewers’ appetites appear to have been whetted by SyFy’s July airing of the campy “Sharknado 2: The Second One” — or maybe it’s the other way around, Discovery Channel president and general manager Eileen Neill said.

For the week of Aug. 4-10, the top 10 shows, their networks and viewerships: “America’s Got Talent” (Wednesday, 9 p.m.), NBC, 10.1 million; “America’s Got Talent” (Tuesday), NBC, 9 million; “60 Minutes,” CBS, 8.2 million; “NCIS,” CBS, 7.9 million; CMA Music Festival, ABC, 7.3 million; “Under the Dome,” CBS, 6.8 million; “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS, 6.5 million; “Big Brother” (Wednesday), CBS, 6.5 million; “Big Brother” (Thursday), CBS, 6.1 million; “America’s Got Talent” (Wednesday, 8 p.m.), NBC, 6.1 million.

Associated Press