WEEKEND TV : Madrid Peace Conference in Spotlight

As the Middle East peace conference enters its second phase in Madrid, the opening speeches and accusations made this week will be grist for the TV talk mill.

Both “Sunday Today” at 7 a.m. (4)(36)(39) and “Sunday Morning” at 8 a.m. (2)(8) will offer updates on the latest conference developments along with their regular features.

Meanwhile, at 9 a.m. Sunday on Channel 4, “The McLaughlin Group” takes a look at the peace talks along with a discussion of the hot Pennsylvania Senate race and the soaring national debt.

Speaking from Madrid, Secretary of State James Baker will analyze the conference to date on “Meet the Press,” 8:30 a.m. on Channels 4, 36, 39.

“This Week with David Brinkley,” 11:30 a.m. (7)(3), 11 a.m. (42) and 10:30 a.m. (10), will also tackle the peace talks with guests Kamel Abu Jaber, Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, and Yossi Ben Aharon, director of the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.

In matters closer to home, “America’s Best College Buys,” today at noon on Channel 2, offers suggestions to parents about how to finance their child’s college education.