Names and faces

— Robin Roberts made her return to ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday, five months to the day after receiving a bone marrow transplant and a year since she started feeling symptoms of the ailment that has sidelined her since August. Roberts looked thin and didn’t wear a wig to cover her hair loss. She wore a wide smile in taking her seat next to co-host George Stephanopoulos on TV’s top-rated morning show. “I have been waiting 174 days to say this,” Roberts said. “Good morning, America.” Most of Wednesday’s show turned into a celebration of her return as she’s recovering from MDS, a blood and bone-marrow disease. President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and basketball star Magic Johnson all sent taped greetings. Bottles of hand sanitizers were kept nearby for people who come into regular contact with Roberts, who must try to avoid touching others as her immune system builds back up. The plan is for Roberts to work two or three days a week initially and her health will be closely monitored, said Tom Cibrowski, the show’s senior executive producer. Roberts said after the show that she wasn’t tired and was working on adrenaline. But the bright studio lights affected her eyesight. She said she started having trouble seeing the teleprompters midway through the show. She has a tough schedule her first week back. She’s expected to co-host the show today and perhaps Friday, tape an interview Friday with first lady Michelle Obama and fly to California. She’ll participate in Oscars coverage and make an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s post-Oscars show. Even her doctor, Gail Roboz, while clearing Roberts’ return, said, “We didn’t exactly have in mind an interview with Michelle Obama and the Oscars this weekend.”

Late night talk-show host and comedian ConanO’Brien has been chosen by the White House Correspondents’ Association as the featured act for its annual dinner April 27. Association President Ed Henry called O’Brien “one of television’s most innovative and influential talents.” The association dinner is traditionally attended by the president and first lady, government officials and journalists. Proceeds finance scholarships and awards that recognize journalism excellence.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 02/21/2013

Upcoming Events