TV show to be put on hiatus

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 | 10:47 a.m.

NEW YORK -- With its star facing a possible prison sentence, the "Martha Stewart Living" television show will be put on hiatus after the current season winds up, the show's producers announced today.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. also announced related staff cuts within the television business segment, and said it will post a restructuring charge of up to $2 million in the second quarter.

Production of the award-winning syndicated television show, distributed by King World Productions, will continue for the remainder of the 11th season, through September.

"I am deeply sorry that it has become necessary for the show to go on hiatus until my personal legal situation is resolved," Stewart said. "I hope to resume our close collaboration just as soon as I am able to do so."

Shares in Martha Stewart Living fell 15 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $9.14 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

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