CBS Television City draws speculation about potential sale

FAIRFAX DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- For 35 years audiences were invited to guess what price was right on Bob Barker's iconic game show, which was staged at CBS Television City.[br /][br /]Now, the value of the 25-acre Fairfax District property is drawing speculation.[br /] [br /]The mid-century building hosted hit shows during TV's golden age. Now, many of its soundstages are leased out to shows outside CBS, including ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."[br /][br /]In business pages, there are reports that CBS is entertaining bids, to the dismay of preservation advocates such as Vintage LA blogger Alison Martino.[br /][br /]"Every show from 'All in the Family' to 'Carol Burnett' to 'Maude' to 'The Price is Right,' our childhood is in that building - in those walls, in that structure," Martino said.[br /][br /]Her post on the rumors drew 100,000 hits in under 24 hours. An agency reportedly involved in the pre-sale process did not respond to ABC7's request for comment.[br /][br /]But TV host Bob Barker said he's happy to make a suggestion.[br /][br /]"Keep it just like it is, pictures of me all around and nice things that have been written about me, kind of like a Bob Barker museum in the middle of whatever else they put there. Now that's a good idea," the 93-year old said with his signature humor.[/b][br /][br /]Next door to the CBS lot is the Grove and developer Rick Caruso is not spilling what he knows. A spokesman in a written statement said, "We look forward to working with the community and the city as this moves forward."[br /][br /]The area's City Councilman David Ryu said saving jobs is vital.[br /][br /]"This area is going through a huge renaissance, so there is a potential for the area to be reimagined," Ryu said.[br /][br /]Bids for the property could start at half a billion dollars. It's wishful thinking for Barker.[br /][br /]"Gadzooks, I was thinking of buying it. Now forget it," he said.