Hemmer hits the 10 spot on CNN

CNN’s Bill Hemmer will get his own half-hour show under the massive, network-wide reorganization as CNN parent company Time Warner merges with AOL. Hemmer’s show will air at 10 p.m.

“The Starr Report” dubbed Hemmer “The Chad Lad” for making female hearts flutter during the Bush-Gore election mess.

CNN’s reorganization has also claimed “Showbiz Today” (4:30 p.m.). No word on the fate of “Showbiz” co-host Laurin Sydney. And, as The Post previously reported, CNN fashion maven Elsa Klensch is expected to get the boot.

CNN is using the merger as an excuse not to attend the TV Critics Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif.

‘Island’ breezes to impressive finish

Fox’s “Temptation Island” got off to a terrific start Wednesday, almost knocking off NBC’s “West Wing.”

“Temptation” notched 12 million households from 9 to 10 p.m., finishing second to “Wing,” which grabbed 13.3 million households. “Temptation” was up a whopping 155 percent over what the debut of “The Street” averaged last November.

“Temptation” also grabbed 16 million viewers – more than the debut of CBS’ “Survivor” last May.

Cindy CD sets sail in L.A. studio

Internet babe Cindy Margolis is recording a CD in Los Angeles with legendary music producer Michael Lloyd (“Coyote Ugly”).

Margolis, who hosts King World’s “Cindy Margolis Show,” is recording songs written specifically for her. Cindy was at the American Music Awards earlier this week when she warbled an a capella ditty for O Town – who promptly told her she should consider doing a CD.

Lloyd was standing nearby, and after hearing Cindy sing asked her to record the CD.

This just in . . .

* Ch. 2 sportscaster Gary Apple interviews Jet Wayne Chrebet and Giant Tiki Barber this Sunday (11:35 p.m.) on “Sports Wrap Live.” It’s Chrebet’s first interview since Al Groh resigned as Jets coach.

* Tom Brokaw talks with George W. Bush in his first extensive interview since becoming president-elect in a two-parter airing Sunday (8 p.m.) on “Dateline” and Monday on the “Nightly News.”