programming. He is considered a pioneer for on-air television critics, providing both positive and negative reviews for his own network. In a 1979 interview, then NBC President Fred Silverman stated of Hendren's work, "We hired him on one basis - that if we're going to have a critic, we're going to allow him to be a critic. If he doesn't like our shows, then he has every right to say it. What's the sense of having a critic if you shackle him?" The only restriction placed on Hendren was that he was not allowed to review any morning programming that was in direct competition with the Today Show. Hendren was replaced on the Today Show in 1980, in a move said to change its programming closer to its competitor Good Morning America. NBC went from on-air critic to gossip television critique which was performed by correspondents Jane Pauley and Tom Brokaw. Critics called the move a "loss for the series," with TV Guide stating, "those few minutes of his reviews may well have been NBC's finest hour." Hendren joined Entertainment Tonight as its original co-host in 1981. The show quickly took off, becoming a mainstay in 113 markets throughout the United States, including 29 out of the top 30. He hosted the show first with Tom Hallick and Marjorie Wallace (1981), then with Dixie Whatley (1982) and, finally with Mary Hart from 1982 through 1984. During his time at The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight, Hendren had a daily commentary that ran on KNBC news in Los Angeles. Entitled "Hendren At Large," it ran daily on KNBC and was also broadcast recorded on KRON-TV in San Francisco. The commentary won two Golden Mike awards as well as a 1982 L.A. Press Club award. After his KNBC and KRON contracts were up, Hendren left the stations to rejoin The Today Show as west coast editor and entertainment reporter, a role he continued until his departure from Entertainment Tonight. After his time at Entertainment Tonight, Hendren hosted the syndicated daily television show All About Us, part of LBS Communications' INDAY programming. He also hosted and co-executive produced the award-winning national public television program "BreakThrough: Television’s Journal of Science and Medicine," which aired on more than 200 stations and won 13 national awards in its first and only season. References External links Category:American television personalities Category:American male journalists Category:Living people Category:1945 births Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni