Roses for KTLA's Stephanie Edwards

There’ll be no rain on the upcoming Tournament of Roses Parade for former KTLA-TV host Stephanie Edwards -- at least, not figuratively.

Edwards, the veteran broadcaster who was removed from the station’s coverage of the New Year’s Day event two years ago after co-hosting for more than 25 years, will return to her familiar role on Jan. 1, 2009, station executives announced Tuesday.

“The people at the station thought it was a great idea, and Stephanie thought it was a great idea,” said station spokesman Paul Nichols.

She will be reunited with co-host Bob Eubanks for the parade.

KTLA was heavily criticized in 2005 when the then-63-year-old Edwards was replaced in the broadcast booth by KTLA Morning News co-anchor Michaela Pereira, who was much younger. Edwards was confined to a sideline role interviewing crowd members.

The controversy increased when she was soaked by rain during the parade. Edwards has not appeared on the broadcast since 2006.

Pereira will also participate in the broadcast in a yet-to-be-determined capacity, executives said.

-- Greg Braxton

KTLA's Stephanie Edwards and Bob Eubanks / KTLA

Comments

[Arlene]

Thanks so much for bringing Stephanie Edwards back to KTLA. The Rose Parade was so much more enjoyable since she has so much informtion to share on the parade. I am glad the people at KTLA finally woke up so we can enjoy the parade again. Keep her in the Rose Parade.

[Sam Chung]

I was so far out of the loop, I didn't even know they brought her back... until I tuned in this morning. I guess too many people complained and KTLA/Tribune finally gave in. MIchaela is okay... I do watch her on the Morning News, but giving Stephanie the Cold Boot in 2006 was just plain sad.

Thanks to Tribune for coming to their senses. I'd like them to bring Hal Fishman to the 10PM News, but I know they can't grant that wish.

Thank you KTLA.

[Rock]

Am glad to see that Stephanie Edwards has returned to co-host the Pasadena Rose Parade again. She is a knowledgeable, classy lady.

ATTN; KTLA Execs...Stephanie Edwards is your Bailout! Been watching HGTV coverage of the Rose Parade since she was dumped. Bring her back again next year, same spot, and maybe we'll switch back to KTLA next year.

P.S. HGTV (Home & Garden TV) is very interesting in describing the float flora and a great alternative to KTLA as a future boycott (if Edwards is dropped again).

[Rhonda Walker]

Hooray for Stephanie -- we really missed you! If someone in charge reads this, don't just make her contract a two year one, let her retire when she wants. Now, if we could just get the B2 Bomber opening back!!! The B2 flyover was a tribute to our nation and to Southern California's workforce and ingenuity.

[CARLYN HANSEN]

Like Burns and Allen and Lucy and Desi, our beloved Rose Parade Hosts Stephanie and Bob are back together again. As Ex-So-Californians, we miss certain things, so I couldn't believe my ears this morning as I tried to roll over and not watch KTLA to continue their punishment when my husband Bill said "Listen! It's Stephanie Edwards!" I popped up to listen and sure enough our girl was back in all her darling-ness! We love laughing to her funny witty comments! And as always love Bob! As one of the thousands who publically protested her cruel banishment I'm so glad WE THE PEOPLE prevailed!!! If you haven't seen the floats after the parade it is so worth the effort! We did it for several years and you'll all love it! Love ya Steph and Bob! Happy very Happy New Year to you both, cuz we all out here are extremely happy to open this year with you again!!

[Irene Forss]

I did not realize there was dissention about Stephanie Edwards in the past. The first time I saw her missing, the Rose Parade was never the same. I kept looking for her every year, and she was not there. Shame on anyone who was responsible for her not being there. Not knowing any reason as to why she wasn't there, I thought maybe she had an illness of some kind that prevented her being there with Eubanks. To me, the Rose Parade is not the real Rose Parade without her being there. Thank Heavens, Stephanie is BACK! Stay there, Stephanie. See you next year, and the years following!

[Bev & Mike]

We nearly had tears in our eyes when we flipped on the Parade this morning and heard the marvelous voice of Stephanie Edwards. It brought back memories of every New Years Day and truly gave the New Year a marvelous start. Welcome back, Stephanie! You embody everything that is joyous about a New Year!

[Debbie]

Stephanie Edwards and Bob Eubanks TOGETHER are part of the tradition of the Rose Parade.
It was shameful the way Stephanie was treated which caused us to tune out watching the Rose Parade on KTLA 5.
WELCOME BACK STEPHANIE ! ! ! !

[laurel moore]

Thank you KTLA for acknowledging your mistake and fixing it. The parade was enjoyable once again. Sorry Periera but things just were not the same without stephanie. This year was fabulous once again, don't mess with a good thing. Keep Stephanie for as long as you can and you will keep more viewers.

[David and Marcia]

Wecome back Stephanie Edwards! We have missed you.
The person or persons thinking that you could easily be replaced have been corrected!
Very long term fans,
David and Marcia

[Tina]

Stephanie was great this morning. I've also boycotted the KTLA broadcast for the past few years. I was so upset a few years ago when she was soaking out there in the rain. Welcome back Stephanie!

[K. Callahan]

With all the discouraging news in the world today, what an incredible surprise it was to see Stephanie Edwards back co-hosting the Rose Parade. Our family is enthusiastically watching the parade in its entirety (so upset last year that we couldn't watch it!) and so grateful to KTLA for realizing the outrage it created among viewers by replacing her. And the bonus was seeing Michaela what's-her-name in the stands, although we can't blame her for all this. Great job, KTLA!!

[Jennie in Hesperia, CA]

Well Stephanie finally stopped her wisecracking and actually gave the information about the floats and bands performing. Why did everyone forget that during the last couple of years before 2006 she stopped providing the information about the folks who made it to the parade. These bands work really hard and deserve to have the names mentioned. So I hope she keeps it up - otherwise bring back Michaela (she did a great job)

[Sandy in San Jacinto]

Aah...Rose Parade commentary as it should be done!

[wEE]

The near dead, or the kids who grew up in the 80's and 90's that only knew Stephanie Edwards as THE co-host for the Rose Parade

[Mark (Newport Beach)]

I was a letter writer also. They made a mistake. It took em 3 years to fix it, but it's great that they did. Who was the programming genius that moved her back then? Thanks KTLA. Our family will start watching again.............

[Rhen]

Having watched Steph and Bob for years, tuning in to not find Stephanie caused us to turn to another channel and wonder why such a decision was made. Stephanie exemplifies grace and intelligence and is one of the best on TV, should be on more shows, we miss seeing her more, is a great blend with Bob, and so things were set right for 2009 when we saw in the promos you had brought her back. Thank you, we are back watching the Rose Parade on Channel 5, writing this as we are watching. Happy New Year as you continue with this decision.

[Donna]

So glad Stephanie (a wonderful Godly woman) is back. I haven't watched the parade since they took her off. She is like family, the kind you look forward to seeing, that is. I was just fuming when they had her out in the bleachers and the rain. I had heard that Bob wanted it that way, and that he really isn't very easy to work with. Hope those are just bad rumors. I wonder if he tried to go to bat for her though? I know jobs are tough to keep. Thank you KTLA for at least fixing your mistake. Recovering your casting mind in 2009!!!!

[Sheri McClain]

Bravo, Stephanie!!! For my family, the Rose Parade is nothing without you and Bob behind the desk. In fact, as someone said, it was literally painful the last 2 years without you! Welcome back - we love you!!!

[Lou Ann Granger]

It was so wonderful to have Stephanie back co-hosting the parade this morning.

Happy New Year! All's well in the world again.