KIRO-TV general manager to retire

John Woodin will depart Seattle's CBS affiliate, KIRO-TV, next month after nine years as the station's vice president and general manager. His next adventure is retirement, a company spokeswoman said.

Woodin will be replaced by Eric Lerner, a former KING-TV news director who is currently general manager of ABC affiliate KFSN-TV in Fresno, Calif. Lerner starts at KIRO on April 24.

Woodin led the Cox-owned KIRO through an ownership change and return to CBS affiliation during his tenure. KIRO had previously been a UPN affiliate under the ownership of A.H. Belo Corp.

"It is with a lot of sadness I leave the people of KIRO Television," Woodin said in a statement this week. "They are among the best I've ever worked with in 33 years in the business."

On the plus side, he added, "I'll never have to look at a rating book again."

Pamela Sitt, Seattle Times staff reporter

Pearl Jam at the Gorge and on "SNL"

Pearl Jam announced today the second leg of its U.S. tour, which includes a July 22 "An Evening with Pearl Jam" show at the Gorge, the final night of the tour. Tickets will go on sale to members of the band's fan organization, Ten Club, at 10 a.m. tomorrow on the band's Web site, www.pearljam.com. The public on-sale date has not been announced.

The band's upcoming album, "Pearl Jam," its debut on Clive Davis' J Records label, is set for release May 2. It can be pre-ordered on the Web site, and those orders will include a bonus live CD.

Also according to the Web site, Pearl Jam will play April 15 on "Saturday Night Live."

Patrick MacDonald, Seattle Times staff reporter