Evening News

Newman leads CBS' soap marketing
CBS has created an exec position in sudser marketing and tapped Michelle Newman to fill it. Newman will serve as VP of daytime programming and marketing, reporting to CBS daytime topper Barbara Bloom. She will head marketing efforts on behalf of the Eye's four soaps, as well as quizzer THE PRICE IS RIGHT. Newman will also work with Bloom on programming issues. Newman has been at CBS since 2003, serving as creative director for daytime on-air promotion. Before joining the Eye, she spent three years at ABC and four years at Fox cutting on-air promos.

RIPTIDE's Joe Penny cast as Ava's father on DAYS
DAYS OF OUR LIVES has hired prime-time veteran actor Joe Penny as Martino Vitali, Ava's father. He first airs May 2.

Former DAYS star Stanley Kamel dies at 65
Stanley Kamel, well known for playing Dr. Charles Kroger on the hit series MONK, has died. Kamel was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home on Tuesday. He was 65. The actor died of a heart attack. He played Eric Peters on DAYS OF OUR LIVES for four years from 1972 to 1976.

Red Wings receive a playoff reinforcement of soap opera proportions
The National Hockey League has lined up more than a dozen celebrity fans who will blog about hockey during this year's playoffs, about their favorite team or their love of hockey on the NHL website. The bloggers are meant to be "irreverent and candid" about their team and their love for hockey, said NHL spokeswoman Bernadette Mansur. This is the second year the NHL has recruited TV, music and film stars to blog during the playoffs. Thorsten Kaye of ALL MY CHILDREN will be following the Detroit Red Wings. Editor's Note: Go Predators!

VIDEO: Interview with GH cast
Laura Saltman talks with GENERAL HOSPITAL cast members to see if they can recall their first day on set and asks them what it has been like to be a part of such a long running show. Including are Kimberly McCullough, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Jacklyn Zeman and others.

Trace Atkins will guest on Y&R
Country singer Trace Atkins (who recently finished second on CELEBRITY APPRENTICE) will shoot a guest role on the CBS soap opera THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS today. The episode is slated to air May 2.