1.   A veteran NPR commentator, Karen Grigsby Bates, serves as his substitute host on Fridays.

2.   He will be the one to decide the issue of substitute hosts.

3.   On more neutral ground, such as when he was a CBS late night substitute host, the audience is less friendly.

4.   Until then, the station will use a series of substitute hosts.

5.   Tuesday, Bill Cosby is substitute host, and Thursday, Kathie Lee Gifford perks things up.