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2 Pac After Dark

Here it is:

During the bridge collapse I found myself looking at Hearst's WBAL or turning to DC stations like WRC & WTTG because of the quality issues with the other three stations in Baltimore (CBS O&O, Scripps, Sinclair). It's crazy how much Scripps has fallen in such a short time that we could put them in the same sentence as Sinclair. Again, just looking at WPTV in the last 4-5 years is evidence. Scripps is quickly becoming a cheaper version what CBS O&Os often are --- coorperate and lacking local flavor.

With Dana Tyler's time at CBS2 coming to a close. Hopefully this isn't goodbye for Dana, assuming she decides to show up at one of the competing NYC stations (NBC4, FOX5, ABC7, or PIX11) for I believe she's got a few more years left in reporting news. Wishing Dana all the best.

Just watched the video- she noted her goodbye at the end was pre-taped which is understandable because she seemed quite emotional and this is clearly not what she wants- but it is the super harsh reality of the business. I do think Channel 2 could have done a better job saluting her and not a rushed piece for 8 minutes at the end of one newscast. She deserves better, but I think the reason she didn't get a longer send off is because she's being forced out and likely made this decision more last minute than expected. It also seems like she is not staying with the station in any capacity (unlike previous reports) which I really respect. She will go out with dignity and on a high note. I'm still in shock about all of this, though (as I'm sure Dana is too); and it is all quite unfortunate. I really wish Dana happiness in whatever she choses to do next.

This was a very nicely done tribute, but I am in shock that this was Dana's last day. We knew Dana (and Dick Brennan) were leaving the 6pm newscast, but she was supposed to remain with the station as a fill-in anchor and contributor. However, per an article in Newsday.com (paywalled), which cited a memo from GM Johnny Green, Dana thought about it and decided that today would be her last day. The Newsday.com article goes on to mention that several in the news industry believe this move is directly related to budget cuts at Paramount Global. Regardless of the reason, this feels like a pretty abrupt ending for someone who devoted nearly 34 years of her life and career to this station. The entire process, starting with a leaked internal memo announcing that Dana and DIck would be "transitioning" off the 6pm newscast, seems like it was completely mishandled.

April Fools?

As long as they dont have a "George Newman" or "Stanley Spadowski" on staff... ...us TV folks know what that means

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.

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/dana-tyler-cbs-anchor-signs-off/?fbclid=IwAR2PAyDtgfbEDj61HI8io1gKwyiFuBDdhGYbsIaM1Z50r86VgUOeixKYgNA_aem_AST1iRZOUrynRMN8zKJQHr7mJ6UNkgUlyTDb2yOwikyiNiw-BZJXa0iziqNPpHna-U8 Not seeing a video I’m sure it’ll be posted soon

Then there’s WRC in DC that has an hour-long 6pm into Nightly News. Like Atlanta, they also go up against Fox.

Bumping this up-- personally, IMO, if WWL in the Big Easy was to no longer be EWN (saddened that that Big Easy CBS station was to no longer be/is no longer EWN), then I think a better name for that news would have been News 4 Louisiana, or even News 4 New Orleans [that latter one would have given WWL, seemingly, a sort of WNBC/Big Apple flavor, because News 4 New York has been a long-running news handle in the Big Apple, first from 1980-95, and then from 2008-now]).

I would imagine that if that is the case, it would be in the purchase contract from Scripps. Scripps control of WPIX was always intended to be temporary until Nexstar found a way to purchase the station, directly or through its Mission beard. That is how the original contract was, that Nexstar could buy the station from Scripps. Not sure why Scripps agreed to being a short term caretaker but they did. Whether they maintained a right of first refusal should the station become available again is in the contract details which most of us probably are not privy too. The first question, after Nexstar exhausts any/all available appeals, is are they willing to part with the number of stations required to purchase WPIX directly? I would think many of the stations in smaller markets are direct/indirect duopolies (or more) and is Nexstar willing to give them up? and who could buy them? Sinclair and most likely Gray are probably in the same boat edging close to the cap (including the long obsolete UHF discount) considering WPIX is a DMA 1 station broadcasting on the VHF band.

WFMZ sent 2 reporters also, which I also thought was kind of unnecessary ... but I see the points you just made!

Wonder why other networks aren't interested? Like the USA network? They want more sports programming.

They went the ABC O&O route with their 10-day

I’ve been watching WBAL today (I don’t have any reason otherwise to watch Baltimore news). WBAL is a really good news operation. Polished reporters and some veterans who I can tell still know the art.

We can revisit this road forever but why the NBC brass broke up an iconic pairing? To this day I still don't know. I dont think it was ratings so it "must be the money" to quote Nelly lol. Its pretty telling that none of his anchor pairings after Sue (as great as Shiba and Sibila were) lasted long. Hopefully Natalie lasts long. As much as I love Chuck's straight non emotional/non editorial news persona, Sue's peronality made the pairing complete and livened him at times. She (and Roz Abrahms & Brenda Blackmon) should still be working today, if at least on the weekends. Back to Chuck, wishing him good health and I hope he takes the job to the end.

Last night during the 5 pm hour, they showed one of Chuck's long form reports (I miss those, it is what made News4 special in the 80s) where he reported on the B17 bombers, and found a person who flew with his dad, then allowed them to have a reunion. A touching story of the life of WW2 bombers and their post war lives. I assume we will see more of that tonight as well. They also seem to be making a concerted effort of including Sue Simmons, either mentioning her, stories with her and pieces of Chuck's interview with her. No matter how messy her departure was, you can never take away the great Chuck & Sue pairing and was a big part of Chuck's success & longevity.

Love that WNBC is dipping into the archives for Chuck! Take your daughter to work day (Mid 90s) Chuck and Sue dancing (1980s)

The problem with Scripps stations like Fox 4 Ft Myers removing all talent (minus weather) from newscasts its that they're axing some of tv's last stand--personality. In the era of information overload where you can get news from anywhere, WHO is giving you the news definitely draws an audience. I used to tease my mom for always turning in to a specific channel to see a specific weather man when all stations give the same forecast. But that's what gives tv stations and talent power---the ability to command an audience.

I might be in the minority, but I think it looks cool, especially if it's a play on the New York City flag colors. It elevates it from plain white and dull.

Dana Tyler just signed off WCBS for the last time, after an 8 minute tribute at the end of the 6pm where she said it was her last day at channel 2.

A lot of you will disagree with me on this but, I think Scripps should have right of first refusal at WPIX seeing how they once owned it. Or better yet, shake down mission broadcasting & force mission into being it's own company (it will never happen), prohibit Nexstar from doing ANYTHING for Mission stations nationwide (Websites, ad sales, ect). I'm happy that the FCC is finally taking some action against Nexstar & Mission.

Why did 6ABC send a reporter down to Baltimore to report on the bridge collapse? It looked like they were just on the side of some random road. Won't there be enough coverage nationally?

If the reports are correct, this is (sadly) the last week of Dana and Dick anchoring the 6pm. We'll see if they mention anything on air this week.. Tonight Dick is solo.