HOLLYWOOD - Sci Fi Channel is making some big "News," ordering a series about a journo who takes a job at a tabloid newspaper and finds out that the crazy stories it prints are true.
     "News From the Edge" is described as hourlong drama with comedic elements. Sci Fi has committed to 13 episodes.
     It was originally in consideration for a midseason slot at NBC, but the network officially passed on the series in October. Producer Greenblatt-Janollari Studio pitched it to other outlets; Sci Fi Channel was an immediate top contender.
     The cast and producing team for the "News From the Edge" pilot, which was shot in Vancouver and will serve as the series opener, are all on board for the series. Future episodes will begin production in San Diego Feb. 13. Chad Willet, Rena Sofer and Reno Wilson star in the series.
     "This is network quality, broadbased fun with some real smart science fiction as well. With the combination of the production value and cast, our thought was, 'Man we hope NBC passes,'" said Bonnie Hammer, Sci Fi's general manager and executive VP.
     Production on "News" is expected to be complete before the potential writers' and actors' strikes next summer. Sci Fi is aiming to air the show this summer, during one of its two nights of original programming.