SALON'S TV PICKS FOR
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2, 1998
BY JOYCE MILLMAN

S P E C I A L S

Jane Pauley, Matt Lauer and Al Roker host Christmas in Rockefeller Center (8 p.m., NBC), the first time the annual lighting of New York City's biggest Christmas tree is televised nationally. Garth Brooks, Jewel, Babyface and Trisha Yearwood sing, Kristi Yamaguchi skates and the Rockettes dance. Charlie Brown rails against holiday commercialism, again, in the annual airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas (8 p.m., CBS). People of the Century (10 p.m., CBS) profiles the 20 most influential figures in business, industry and invention, including Henry Ford, Bill Gates and mobster Lucky Luciano (hey, crime is big business). Brian Wilson: Imagination (check local times, PBS) features the former Beach Boy in a May 1998 concert, as well as studio clips from the recording sessions for his recent album, "Imagination," and testimonials from fans like Elvis Costello, Sean Lennon and Jimmy Buffett. (Note: Although some PBS stations are airing "Brian Wilson: Imagination" tonight, most stations are running it on Dec. 9. Check local listings.)

S E R I E S

Hollywood leading lady of the '40s and '50s Susan Hayward is profiled on a new Biography (8 p.m. EST/9 PST, A&E). On Party of Five (9 p.m., Fox), Owen is jealous of the time Charlie spends with the new baby, Julia catches Ned in a lie and Bailey fears a business competitor.

S P O R T S

Hockey:
Red Wings at Avalanche (9 p.m., ESPN2)

T A L K
David Letterman (CBS) Michael Keaton (rerun)
Jay Leno (NBC) Melissa Joan Hart, Jeff Goldblum, Goo Goo Dolls
Politically Incorrect (ABC) Merrill Markoe, Brenda Blethyn
Tom Snyder (CBS) Warren Beatty, Tom Wolfe
Conan O'Brien (NBC) Fran Drescher, D.L. Hughley (rerun)
SALON | Dec. 2, 1998

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Blue Glow for Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998