Roeper is Gene Siskel replacement

CHICAGO - Chicago Sun-Times syndicated columnist Richard Roeper, who as a young reporter sometimes filled in for Roger Ebert as a newspaper film critic, will permanently join Ebert reviewing movies on television.

Roeper will sit in the critic's chair opposite Ebert on a newly named "Ebert & Roeper and the Movies," Buena Vista Television said. Roeper has been among a rotating group of guest critics on the current show, "Roger Ebert & the Movies."

The show was renamed after the death last year of Ebert sidekick, Chicago Tribune movie critic Gene Siskel. The original "Sneak Previews" became "Siskel & Ebert" - both known for their thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down ratings system.