By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A second consecutive Action Auction shortfall means more pledge interruptions for WCET-TV viewers next month.

The 10-day Auction ended Saturday with more than $500,000 - but five figures short of the $600,000 goal, says Colleen Harris, Channel 48 marketing director.

"It's better than last year, but not where we need to be," she says.

Last year the Auction collected $480,000, or $120,000 under the goal, says Susan Howarth, Channel 48 president and CEO.

Additional pledge dates will be scheduled before the fiscal year ends June 30 to make up a $200,000 deficit from Auction and membership drives, Howarth says.

Channel 48 has enough money "to fund the important programs and services," Howarth says. But without additional revenues, she says, Channel 48 could drop some of its popular syndicated programs: Lawrence Welk, British comedies, movies and how-to shows.

Auction managers also may try to sell some expensive specialty items - paintings and a sculpture - on the eBay online auction site.

"Some other (TV) auctions have had some success on eBay," she says. "We're going to try some things and see what we can do."

Buffy's best: Before Sarah Michelle Gellar kicks her final butts on the May 20 Buffy the Vampire Slayer series finale, we want to know: What's your favorite all-time Buffy episode?

Tell us about your top two Buffy episodes by e-mail to jkiesewetter @enquirer.com, or fax to (513) 768-8330. Please include your name, suburb or neighborhood, age and daytime phone number.

TV today: Teenage Claire (Jennifer Freeman) plans to lose her virginity on My Wife and Kids (8 p.m., Channels 9, 2).

One of the final four goes home on American Idol (8:30 p.m., Channels 19, 45). (You can vote for your favorite at www.cincinnati.com, keyword "American Idol.")

Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) faces deportation on That '70s Show (8 p.m., Channels 19, 45).

Nathan Lane hosts Great Performances 30th Anniversary: A Celebration in Song (8 p.m., Channels 48, 16) featuring clips from Cats, The Producers, Fosse, Les Miserables, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Linda Ronstadt, Itzhak Perlman, Kathleen Battle, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion and Josh Groban.

The Bachelor goes on three dates before eliminating Jennifer, Kirsten or Tina (9 p.m., Channels 9, 2).

48 Hours Investigates looks at a 14-year-old student suspected of murdering an Atlanta baby (10 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

Talk shows: Today's guests from TV Data:

Regis and Kelly (9 a.m., Channel 9): Hugh Jackman, Paul Rudd.

Wayne Brady (10 a.m., Channel 9): David Boreanaz, Big Bird, John Edward, Kelly Hu, Billy Gilman.

The View (11 a.m., Channel 9): Matt Dillon.

Good Day Live (noon, Channel 64): Bernie Mac.

Caroline Rhea (3 p.m., Channel 19): Courtney Thorne-Smith, Margaret Colin.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com