04.01.05 Special Edition: With failing ratings proving a daunting challenge, Sylvester Stallone’s boxing-themed reality television show has come up with a novel way to try to pull a rabbit from a hat.

Normally played something like a combative version of The Apprentice, the 'Surprise Contender' program pits two fighters against one another while the victorious fighter continues on to the next round or episode. This week's episode taping will take The Contender in a new direction, with the episode playing more like Celebrity Boxing.

The episode will feature FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, and an 'as yet to be named' FOX newscaster. Says Blakey, “I am so tired of those supposed news people reporting on aviation. They don’t even know the difference between an accident and an incident. I can’t wait to get into the ring with whomever FOX sends.”

On the FOX News side, a spokesperson (who declined to be named), read from a prepared statement. “All we try to do is report the news. We do the best we can. Ms. Blakey is taking this far too personally. Still, FOX will have a newscaster in the ring with her, even if we have to threaten to fire someone to get them there. Sean Hannity might be a good match.”

Administrator Blakey, who has been criticized for her lack of a pilot’s license, nevertheless is protective of the agency and industry she administers. Blakey has made it known that she has little patience for the lack of knowledge the FOX newscasters (among others) have on the subject of aviation. She has already pummeled one FOX newscaster, symbolically, as reported on Feb 28, 2005 in an ANN Klyde Morris news article.

ANN caught up with Blakey at her favorite gym, a few blocks North of FAA headquarters in Washington, DC. Blakey, while getting in a little practice with a punching bag (and demonstrating an impressive left jab), stated that, “They can tell the difference between a Toyota and a Ford... but forget it with a 747 and 777. I’ll teach these guys a lesson in the ring.” She then continued to wallop the punching bag.

Contender creator Stallone is confident in the wide viewership potential for the special episode, “I think this has the potential of being the highest rated reality show... ever.”

If the ratings prove successful, a follow-up episode is already in the planning stages, featuring AOPA President Phil Boyer versus Chicago Mayor Daley.

Winner takes Meigs.

FMI: www.surprisecontender.com