‘Primetime’ shift

David Doss is stepping down as executive producer of ABC’s “Primetime.”

“No doubt this probably seems a bit sudden . . . But I am now in discussions about what I’ll be doing next,” Doss said in an e-mail to staffers. “And of course I’ll let you know when I make a decision.”

Doss, who’s been working without a contract since November, is leaving “by mutual agreement” after failing to reach a contract agreement, say insiders – and is weighing other options at ABC. “He’s not out the door,” said one source.

Robert Lange will become acting executive producer of “Primetime” until a replacement for Doss is found. “Good Morning America” EP Shelley Ross is one rumored possibility.

Doss, who had a previous tenure at ABC, rejoined the network in 2000 after executive-producing Tom Brokaw’s “NBC Nightly News” for nearly five years.

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Bruce Morrow, better known as WCBS FM’s “Cousin Brucie,” is gearing up to host this year’s Variety – The Children’s Charity telethon, airing Sunday (noon-5 p.m.) on PAX (Ch. 31).

“We’ve raised millions of dollars and the people will see where the money goes,” says Brucie. “One of our major commitments is to Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s pediatric cancer center, but we service dozens of organizations throughout the tri- state area.”

Co-hosting with Brucie will be Ch. 2’s Ernie Anastos and Ch. 5’s Rosanna Scotto, with performances from Chubby Checker, Neil Sedaka and Michael Amonte and appearances from Jerry Orbach, Rudy Giuliani, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. George Pataki “and a bevy of other beauties,” says Brucie.

Last, but not least:

* Ch. 4 airs tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (11 a.m.- 3 p.m.). Nancy O’Dell, Pat O’Brien co-host.

* Lenny Clarke (“It’s All Relative”) at Caroline’s tomorrow through Sunday.

* Telemundo has moved into the Fort Lee, N.J. building formerly occupied by CNBC (now in new digs).

* Tonight (10:30) on YES: UNC head coach Dean Smith on NCAA hoops.