Jterry

Per WATN anchor John Paul, it looks as if they are in the process of getting a new set or at least some remodel of their current studio.

WATN is already using new mic flags and using their new logo in a lot of their graphics during their wall-to-wall coverage of a shooting at an area Kroger. The overall L3s, etc have not been updated as yet tho

Approaching almost two years exactly since Joyce left WATN which likely was the length of her non-compete. Would seem very possible she could be joining WMC. Morning anchor would be first guess but it could be nearly any position. And looking at her twitter profile her top banner is now a WMC logo - I would say it's nearly a certainty she is going to Ch 5. Intriguing this huge expansion in its news output. The 3:30 newscast seems really out of place. Not sure there is a place for it in the market though we shall see.

WREG has announced former KHOU anchor Greg Hurst will be the channel's new weekday evening co-anchor alongside Stephanie Scurlock, replacing Richard Ransom. Start date TBD

There had been rumors but this evening WREG's Richard Ransom appeared to confirm on Twitter that he has left the station effectively immediately. No reason given (but probably could make some educated speculation)

Speaking of Raycom cuts: FTVLive is reporting that WMC will not be renewing its contract for its chopper and its use will end after January 1. That will leave the Memphis market without a helicopter, and WMC without a chopper for the first time in nearly 20 years. WHBQ employs a drone, and the report indicates WMC will be working with Raycom to test drone coverage as well.

WATN's Joy Lambert is leaving the station as of today. In a Facebook video, she indicates she was offered a contract extension but her and her family decided it was time to move on to other opportunities outside the city. She indicates a new anchor will be taking over next week.

WHBQ sports director Matt Stark is leaving the station at the end of May after stating his position has been "eliminated" https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1263251517036167 Naturally that phrasing makes one wonder if this means that Cox is eliminating WHBQ's sports department entirely. Stark had been with WHBQ since 2001. He is looking to continue in the Memphis area so best of luck to him in finding a new venture.

That seems most likely. Donna Davis actually recently co-hosted a few episodes of 'Local Memphis Live' on WATN a month or so ago. Perhaps the bigger question may be whether a substantial format change may be coming to WREG's morning show, similar to the change WMC has undergone over the last year with three anchors (but with more of a primary focus on two female anchors), assuming Markova Reed is staying which there is no indication she isn't.

From the same period - here is WREG's open from 1982 featuring "Hello News"...

Looks like WREG uncovered their version of "Hello" from 1982.

WMC main anchor Ursula Madden is leaving the station effective today to join the new Memphis mayor's administration as Chief Communication Officer. http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/30684834/special-announcement-watch-wmcan5-at-5-pm

Apparently, and not surprisingly, Paul wasn't pleased with his position when John was moved to weekday evenings during November sweeps, so he knew his best option would likely to be to leave. According to his twitter, he's looking to move to another market soon. Ironically its very similar to the position John Bryant was placed in at WMC when the move toward Dave Brown's semi-retirement began to take shape earlier this year that led to him leaving there.

WHBQ weekend morning anchor & reporter Kristin Tallent announced her departure from the station Today. She is taking a job as Public Information Officer for the Shelby County, TN School District, which should ensure she remains regularly seen on Memphis television, but now across all stations.

Here we go again: WATN Chief Meteorologist Paul Williams' bio page has disappeared from their website as of this afternoon. This is in advance of Lauren Raymer's return to mornings from maternity leave on Monday, with Sean Parker likely to return to weekends. While not confirmed, it seems very possible that Williams has now been fully let go from WATN with John Bryant perhaps becoming the station's new chief, as he has been on all of the weekday evening newscasts during November sweeps.