DAVE PRICE To Replace BOB BARKER On PRICE IS RIGHT

(From New York Newsday -- By Verne Gay)

Is DAVE PRICE the next host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT?

Let's just take that little question mark away and make this official.

DAVE PRICE WILL be the next host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT.

Since BOB BARKER announced his retirement from the show on Halloween -- he'll leave the longest running daytime show in history next June -- there's been speculation that weatherguy Price will be anointed his replacement.

CBS has deflected the speculation, calling it premature (or at least to PAGE SIX, which first reported the Price-to-"Price" rumors back in early November.)

But a source says it's definite.

Price will continue to be one of THE EARLY SHOW anchors -- no surprise because he just signed a new contract and is considered a key to the morning show's success -- but he'll also pre-tape PRICE IS RIGHT episodes from Los Angeles. He'll handle The Early Show from Monday through Thursday, then fly to the coast for the game show tapings on Friday.

The arrangement sounds awkward but is hardly unprecedented -- MEREDITH VIEIRA missed last week's TODAY hosting duties while she wrapped up her season commitment to WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE.