Tom Snyder

Tom Snyder's mid-afternoon talk show on KABC-TV is being dropped on Sept. 8, when its one-hour time period will be taken over by the Chicago-based "Oprah Winfrey Show" that has proved a ratings hit for ABC-owned WLS-TV in the Windy City. Winfrey has drawn critical approval both for her off-beat brand of interviews and for her portrayal last year of the character Sofia in "The Color Purple," for which she was nominated for an Oscar. Her weekday series, to air from 3 to 4 p.m.

It's another afternoon in Los Angeles. On Channel 4, Phil Donahue is typically Donahueing. It's the full Phil. Roaming and foaming. Racing and pacing. Donahue has a coup. Appearing on his syndicated talk show are the parents of Baby Jesse, the nationally publicized California infant suffering from hypoplastic left-heart syndrome. By now, everyone knows that Baby Jesse desperately needs a heart donor.

What happened to "3-3-0"? That was one of the best shows on TV. It was interesting, informative and funny. Who wants to watch Tom Snyder? Melissa DeSantis, Cerritos

After only nine months as "senior correspondent" of "Entertainment Tonight," Rona Barrett said Friday that she is quitting the syndicated show-biz news program to "pursue other interests." Her resignation is effective on April 20. "To oversimplify things, she really wants to go out and do her own show," said Frank Kelly, a senior vice president at Paramount Television, a co-producer of the series and its weekend edition, "Entertainment This Week," which she also is leaving.

Thank you, KABC-TV, for putting Tom Snyder on at 3 p.m. weekdays and taking off "3-3-0." What an improvement! Snyder's show is interesting and very informative. I like the idea that the public can call in and participate in the conversation. Also, thanks to NBC for "The Cosby Show" and "Highway to Heaven," our favorite shows. Chris Cowell, Anaheim

KABC-TV's decision this week to stick with its local schedule instead of broadcasting a network drama for children about the problem of the homeless whipped up a whirlwind of protest and disappointment. The station reported receiving more than 50 telephone complaints, the producer of the children's drama accused the station of being irresponsible and the manager of an actress who paid $900 to publicize her appearance in the film said ABC should reimburse her.

Once upon a time there was Tom. There was Savannah Tom, and Atlanta Tom, and Philadelphia Tom. Later, there was Los Angeles Tom--big, booming and blustery, fixing his laser glare on viewers, becoming the feast of the town as anchorman for the 6 p.m. KNBC news and hosting NBC's late-late-night interview show "Tomorrow." Later, there was New York Tom, anchoring the 6 p.m.