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Funny to see that everyone on here almost universally pans KABC's switch to WABC music. I agree, but I can't help but wonder whether we might all have thought differently had they made these changes 10-15 years ago when CBS was similarly standardizing around the WCBS look. The WABC cut of Eyewitness News has become so recognizable with WABC for us that it feels wrong to hear it in Southern California. But, it's probably one of those things that doesn't matter a whole lot at this point. Most viewers are only watching for 5-10 minutes at a time at most, so who cares what the open music sounds like these days.

The race is usually blacked out live locally.

The 1999 WABC cut might not be the perfect choice for KABC, but I think it’s a lot better than what they had been using.

It’s still surreal that they’ve adopted this theme.

I think they will (use the entire space). Based off the orange signage promoting the street side studio, my guess would be that the morning/streaming newscasts will move here. Plus, if designed properly, there should be enough room for an AR weather center/space as well.

What is the issue? So no one can comment on a thread that hasn't been active in a while? And I think my comment fits because many people in this thread have discussed the hesitancy to break up the Dick Wolf blocks as an obstacle to slashing 10pm. I'm just mentioning that they have. So I see no issue with what I've commented.

They have two reporters on site, and perhaps they are reporting for other affiliates. Regardless, it is a story with major implications for the economy, and we're not that far away that sending a couple of reporters to provide coverage is an issue. They can take the national stuff, but there's value in having a recognized part of the team there early on.

Former WRTV news anchor Tanya Sumner (neé Spencer), who later became a town council member in the Indianapolis suburb of Whitestown after leaving journalism, has died at 53 from complications from a rare form of colon cancer she was diagnosed with in November 2022. https://deadline.com/2024/05/tanya-sumner-dead-news-anchor-indianapolis-abc-affiliate-wrtv-1235941409/

I’m guessing it’s not just branding concerns that caused the end of Eyewitness News.

Yeah it's a done deal. They've adopted WABC's style. I guess to be fair KABC's outgoing theme (New Generation 2) that was customized for them by the Gari Media Group was in use since 2012 so just over 10 years. Original Eyewitness News New Generation Theme (2008 - 2012) Eyewitness News New Generation 3 or 4? (2012 to 2024) The final days of their outgoing theme: Would've been so fitting to see them keep these light blue colors and the music for their new package. That would've really make them stand out more. They were also the first station to adopt the original NG theme. In 2008 during the "going HD" era. WABC chose to stick with Series 4 theme they've kept their music since September 1998 (25+ years). Which is why it's so odd to see palm trees associated with the Series 4 variation in the new KABC open it, seems out of place. If an average joe doesn't pay attention they can easily be mistaken for WABC: In my opinion the Series 4 theme should've been exclusive to the New York market to solidify both stations unique identity. The outgoing more upbeat lighter NG theme was more suited for the more chill Los Angeles market. But I digress! I guess I just really miss their outgoing NG cuts and theme lol . They seem to be having issues with the audio though this morning the closing cut didn't play. Above is the morning show clips from FATV with the WABC theme. The graphics also just don't match the light blue nature of the set, they should've just kept the background more of a light blue as well, overall I think KABC rollout of this look is the most lackluster of them all.