Vlad

Yeah, I can confidently say, (in my humble slightly biased opinion, of course) that WABC for the first time in pretty much forever, is the clear winner with the graphics in the O&O group (and arguably in all of NYC at this point.) WNBC comes close but I think WABC has the edge with their new graphics. Finally, and major props to WABC!

It's so crazy how it took them a very long time to "perfect" their graphics. When I reflect on my time here on this great forum,  some of us TVNewsTalk veterans talking about WABC's on-air presentation in the local New York Forum way back when TVNT was not even born yet (Local News Discussion) those who have been here long enough remember that forum haha, the graphics were always WABC's biggest gripe and chief complaint from the astute viewers of Channel 7, and we just felt that it just wasn't fair for "the top station in the nation" to have a lackluster boring, and pretty much subpar look. We collectively felt that WABC deserved to have a graphic package that is representative of a top local news station. And I gotta say, they sure as hell nailed it now with this new group O&O package! Above and beyond really, sure its flashy here and there but it's smooth and it works for them.

Finally, after all these years of complaining about how WABC has had a lack of luster on-air presentation with their graphics, most people can probably put that to rest. Their news set while starting to show its age, (debut back in 2012 and over 10 years old now) to me still works, considering what they had prior which was pretty awful. The set still looks great and it still works to this day, as we've discussed on the New York forum for the WABC thread, the accompanying studio can be very versatile and just needs to be used more creatively and if they use it more they can squeeze more life out of it before the big move to Hudson Square. I think WABC is pretty much perfect right now and is finally looking like the #1 Station in the nation.

I hope they continue with this package even through their move to Hudson Square. The graphics are so incredibly refreshing overall. Great Job!!

Yeah, I'm very interested in seeing WPVI's integration with the package. I can envision them using just the last few seconds of the cut, which has the signature portion being used for the beginning, and then, maybe they can do a full open during the broadcast that has the theme. "You're Watching 6ABC Action News... With... (while Move Closer To Your World Plays in the background)." 

On 1/14/2024 at 8:07 AM, MediaZone4K said:

Now, time for that abysmal set to get updated when they move HQ. With WNBC's news upgrades, the Eyewitness News set is officially the worst in market.

 

But let that not take away from the victory (dramatic wording lol) of this graphical upgrade.

 

In regards to the announcer's age, couldn't they just keep using his previous intro voice overs for the ones that don't require upgrades? Same sentiment for the late Howard Reig on NBC or Scott Chapin on WSVN. 

I have to constructively disagree with you MediaZone about WABC's current set being abysmal. I honestly don't think their set is "abysmal" not at the very least, astute time viewers of WABC remember vividly how terrible their set used to be before they moved to the street studio, remember back when they were sharing the space with Live with Regis and Kelly? (Early 90s through 2011) when they had the cramped space now that was "abysmal" at the time, their current studio is pretty good, but when they move to the new headquarters sometime next year, i'm sure they'll get a well deserved update, hopefully more spacious and perhaps by the street again? One can hope!

Yeah overall its crazy how it took WABC this long to finally look like the top station in the nation. These graphics are finally on par with their identity as the #1 Station in the nation. The look of WABC is elevated by far, and they quite frankly are the best-looking station now. So I echo the same sentiment with everyone on here since I started writing on these forums nearly 20 years ago the chief complaint has always been how lackluster WABC's graphics always were compared to the rest of the local stations, but now finally we can say they are up on top now. 

The news theme is old but it still works and sounds modern enough, way better than what their sister, WLS in Chicago did for their new opening which sounds like a mess. WLS should've kept their old News Series 2000+ themes that were iconic for them, hopefully, they'll revise it in the future, but I highly doubt it haha. Seems like news stations are holding on to their themes longer now and changing themes isn't as a big thing anymore as it was back in the day. The Eyewitness News intro sounds a bit different, with the removal of the "news ticker" sound as someone mentioned, also the opening tease cut is a bit different too more of a beat to it now and less melody you hear the drums and bass more I guess haha for lack of better words.

Here's an Evolution of WABC's Graphics from the early 2010s to Today for comparison.

Giant Octopus Graphics Package (2012 - 2016)

Previous Package "Downgraded Look" (September 2016 - January 2024) 

Current Package "Best Overall" (January 2024 - Present)

Im curious as to what open did they use for Mornings@10 and also is it the same cut?

Hasn't been posted to YouTube yet and when I watch it on the streaming platforms (YouTube TV), seems to be cut out. 

Still in awe that these are the graphics that WABC is using, so incredibly refreshing. 

Overall, this is a great package and super refreshing for WABC. What a fantastic improvement from the downgraded package they launched in 2016 and it's finally put to bed today after nearly 8 years. So it's really exciting to see this new look for them!

They still kept the Eyewitness News Signature music package though (It dates back to September 1999) Kept it simple with the music. Same cuts they've been using since 1999. The intro's bumper has a bit of an altered sound for the opening teases. The open music sequence is much better than WLS. Let's see how the West Coast will follow suit. Overall I think WABC is a contender and I think they take the crown for the best overall O&O Graphics. The set looks gorgeous as well. The change in the backdrop is refreshing. Makes the set look new again!

Anyway, this upgrade will be sufficient till they move to their new locations in Hudson Square Downtown in 2025.

On 1/2/2024 at 8:12 PM, nycnewsjunkie said:

One thing that hasn’t changed: there isn’t a bathroom in sight.

 

For real though, what a cool photo.

A bit off-topic, but in regards to Times Square, people actually wear diapers to stand there for all those hours haha. The convenience stores like CVS and Rite Aid, etc. put diapers on display to provide for the revelers to stand there for the entire day, its pretty wild.

But in regards to ABC, it will be the end of an era, when ABC leaves the area to head to their new location downtown. I believe it is slated to happen in 2025?

Wild how even then the energy was just the same. What an iconic thing to do there yearly.

WABC has always done it right with the weather and also fellow NY station WNBC as well. These two stations are weather powerhouses. NBC is the only station with an exclusive 10 day forecast superceding WABC's 7 Day. WABC is prudent and wise to continue to invest and build in the weather department because most people tune in, just for that. Why? Because the weather directly affects the viewer. Decisions are made because of the weather so its a crucial element for any broadcast if not the most important segment of the broadcast in my opinion.

Also it helps to know that, viewing habits are changing. The era of Live Television has steadily  been declining. As millenials and Gen-Zrs get older and are coming of age, we rely on our mobile devices to fast track to the content we are looking for. We are not sitting down on a couch watching TV (unless its a sports event). So this also allows WABC to continue to build and solidify their online presence and produce quality content for ABC7NY and their social media platforms. So really kudos to WABC for expanding, lets see what 2024 brings! 

Yeah thats horrible. Hope they can identify the cause quickly so that way if there is an inherent risk with these choppers they can resolve it on all of the helicopters that are up in the air right now. It doesn't bring the lives lost sadly. Very tough situation and such horrible timing being the holiday season. 

46 minutes ago, TheNewsTV said:

I don't understand why they don't put David or Liz on at 11pm when Sade isn't there.

Maybe they simply just don't want to. I remember, Liz specifically left the 11pm because she no longer wanted to work that late anymore which is why Sade has taken over that role back in 2011. I can easilly see mike being Ritter's successor. 

Even though they didn't use the little Circle 7 desk, they managed to keep the backdrop in place and changed the graphic a bit, which was nice. Still a great show nonetheless. Overall it's just the right type of show for this hour, and I am so glad they brought back the neighborhood eats segment! Such an amazing production by that team. Now, the one and only criticism, I have at this point with the show is the music. It pretty much sucks. The intro has that nice authoritative sound which is great. But the cut to break and closing bumper just seems out of place and sounds like a broken record haha. They gotta do better in that department and use more of their package. Anyway, I hope with the new graphics package they get better music cuts. Is that even an Eyewitness News cut?

KABC did change their on-air "bug" though it now just says "abc.7.com" and they updated to the new smaller ABC ball.

The talent shuffle and experimenting continus as they had Britney Bell on the 10am show today for the first time, instead of Dani or Sam, was nice to see her try it out, she did a great job!

4 hours ago, MorningNews said:

First time watching the full 10am show and it’s pretty damn good. A very unique hour for the traditional EWN brand.

 

Dani appeared on today’s show to provide a hot topics type of segment with Shirleen, Mike and Sam that ran for about 8 minutes and then stuck around through the end. It’s really cool to see this water cooler style format. Though as someone said earlier, this is a show designed for Michelle Charlesworth rather than Shirleen. 

Yeah, in my opinion, it's probably WABC's hottest new show (by far more interesting than the First at 4 launch back in 2011) I personally am really becoming a big fan of this show!  It's not a snoozer by any means. The new show is literally everything that I had hoped for and in some cases even better. The new laidback "down to earth" or "watercooler" format is just so refreshing to see and such a nice departure from the hard news. And what's nice is how dynamic the show can be in terms of the presentation and the adaptability of how they can always switch from the chill vibes and get serious when need be which really goes to show how they are really are professionals.

The show has been on for about 3 weeks now. It's already almost a month in and it's such a solid show. I loved yesterday's segment with Jon DelGiorno flying NewsCopter 7 to discuss the story about the crane that collapsed back in July, over the city and just how he took the extra time to explain everything, as I was saying before, we now get to access more of the perspective of the reporter and presenters on this show which is so very refreshing, the viewer simply does not get that access during the other shows which is why this show is so refreshing and quite frankly the best thing I've seen WABC do in recent times because First at 4 honestly is just another newscast, I expected First at 4 to be like that, but Mornings at 10, really good. I hope it continues to evolve! The topics are solid not just boring trying too hard topics they are all compelling interesting stories and also the interviews they get to do with the local officials and talent and doctors, it really is almost like must-see TV. 

And because the talent are veterans and locals and WABC only hires the top-notch, you really get to hear their shared experiences, see their personalities, and get to know them on a bit more personable level, which is so cool. I also love how the producers purposely full-screen the camera on the presenters when they provide their perspective because it just again differentiates it from their ordinary newscast. Solid Job WABC with this show!

Not to veer ofcourse here, but how are the sister stations doing? I believe there are two other O&Os that were gonna do this too. WPVI (6ABC in Philly) and WTVD (ABC 11 in Raleigh) how are they doing with their 10am shows? Do we know if they are following the same approach?

So sad to see Derrick Go! Definitely a class act and he was just extraordinary at delivering the news. He's gonna be missed, hope he gets to anchor chair in New York some day.

Something I noticed today during the 10AM show commercial break:

Noticed this new wordmark for an Eyewitness News promotion for Climate Change during the 10AM show. Could this be a glimpse of their upcoming new look? At first I thought it was KABC because they have the same wordmark, but then I noticed the ABC 7 logo is WABC's. But in the promotion it looks like the locations in the video are in California, so it to me looks like it could either be something that KABC is producing for WABC but slapping WABC's ABC 7 logo, or is it an element from the upcoming new graphics? 

I just gotta re-emphasize, wow. The Mornings at 10 show is really nice. Such a great show! It's been on for about 7 days now, what's nice about the show is that it really shows the personality of the presenters and in some ways, we get access to see really what the on-air staff thinks. It's just a more relaxed show. And I absolutely love the chatter between the presenters during and in between stories too. Really is a nicer vibe. We get to see them weigh their opinions on the topics a bit more. And in some cases, there are sides to the reporters and presenters that I've never seen before up till this show started so really nice work WABC for really not just delivering more in-depth stories that are compelling but allowing the presenters to put a bit more of their own spin on it. I hope they also allow others to sub in as well.

So refreshing for WABC! Today we saw Nina Pineda's side and view of the story they are very real. It's like "Happy Talk" that we all know and love but on a whole other level.

As alluded to in an earlier, post, while it's not a show that is intended to be groundbreaking or high in the ratings, it's still a great show for the office too, or if you are at home working, you have it playing in the background and streaming. It's reminiscent of the "View" format where the hosts themselves share their ideas and thoughts on the story and even during the live reports you can see more time spent and you just hear more of the input of the reporter which I think is great but still holdings on to the Eyewitness News live reports. 

Maybe they can evolve it more in the future, maybe do an "on-location" broadcast or have it outside or in different parts of the city. I really hope they play around and try different things with this show, either way, it looks great! Kudos to WABC for putting this great show together! Mike, Shirleen and Sam are a solid group.

On 9/13/2023 at 9:36 PM, nynewsguy said:

New graphics and music package are coming soon - no new set though. That will be when the move to Hudson Square is complete. 

@nynewsguy - The music, that we heard for the opens for "Mornings at 10" is that part of the new music package? It didn't have the distinct Eyewitness News signature so was just curious.

Currently watching the show and streaming it at work, it is very different and refreshing. More in-depth focus on issues and it looks great! Chemistry is great amongst the hosts. For a change, they are not using the Eyewitness News theme Package. Still has the same ole 2016 graphics package with some new gold and yellow morning elements to it. Definitely not the traditional broadcast that we are used to seeing. They have a cute little Circle 7 desk in front of the main desk and the backdrop has been changed. The new opening sequence is really nice they still are on the Talent Open, and they also have a new theme too, not Eyewitness News at all. I think it's a nice effort and is quite refreshing and that is essentially what I was pretty much asking for in a few of the previous posts and they are delivering that. Kudos to WABC for making this show different. Let's see how what everyone thinks! Sam Champion is quite the host! So nice to see him not only doing the weather but also anchoring the show so good for him on that. 

Just now, nycnewsjunkie said:

Dude, it’s just morning TV. There’s not much to analyze about any show on at 10am. It isn’t supposed to be must-see material; it’s something for doctor’s offices and people who work from home to put on in the background.

Yeah, I totally get that, just sharing some thoughts and ideas to help an ailing industry haha. I mean most of these shows are probably like that nowadays, most people don't sit down and watch the news anymore they either go online to view or stream from their phones.

Yeah, I still think it's pretty wild and hard to wrap my head around it, that they are considering yet another newscast because just an hour after The View we have Eyewitness News at Noon, yet another hour of news. Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the format in particular, but if they want this show to be successful, they ought to spice it up a bit, be a bit more creative and think outside of the box. We honestly do not need another mundane newscast with anchors sitting on a desk reading from a teleprompter, we have enough of that during the weekdays. 

Why should I watch the 10 a.m. show if I know I can watch the 12 p.m. in just an hour? How do you pitch that to the viewers to entice them? What are you going to offer for this hour that is different and unique from the rest of the times I can tune in, let alone go online and watch online and on-demand? How do you attract growing millennials who are constantly online all the time to tune in? Maybe there can be a social media or an online component or viewer participation town hall element to the show. If I were a news producer, I would make it an entirely completely different show with an all-new format. Also, the anchors should use their personalities in the production too. Shirleen and Mike have great personalities, so they can also add some spice to the show. I wouldn't even call the 10 a.m. show "Eyewitness News". I would use a different word mark, and title sequence, something like "Good Morning New York", or "AM New York", or  I dunno; "What Happening Out There New York?"

We also need a show that hones in on the local community efforts, tired of hearing about shootings, violence, crime, and weather. We have enough of these stories during the other shows. Let's hear about this nice restaurant that opened up in the Upper West Side, bringing back the neighborhood eats segment, or this cool new local nonprofit organization that is making a change in the community in Queens, or maybe a new mom-and-pop shop that has opened up out on Long Island. Make an effort to report the good stories that make a positive impact and uplift viewers. No more tragedies, save it for the later broadcasts. It would be nice to see that for a change. Anyway, these are just some ideas, on how they can differentiate this broadcast from the rest. They probably have their ideas set in stone already haha.

Also, the Noon show (which should remain a newscast but with entirely different talent) should be entirely new talent as well, Maybe put Liz Cho or perhaps one of the reporters who anchor the ABC7NY bits at 7:30am on to freshen it up a bit more and remove some of the staleness haha. Even though it's working now for them, sometimes a shakeup can be nice. Or an even bolder move, perhaps keep the Noon broadcast not having a permanent anchor assignment, maybe they can keep it open and have different reporters and anchors each week or something. That within itself can keep that show viable too. 

New Weather Graphics:

The new O&O weather graphics package that the stations are getting are really amazing. They are much cleaner and easier on the eye. The only gripe is that little "AccuWeather" logo they have on top of the main titular banners at times, which looks a bit off but other than that, solid package! I like how they went with a reduction in the size and no more Bold which I think is a solid clean approach. Will be nice to see how the rest of the package looks, I'd imagine it will look similar to WLS's current package.

Music Package:

Hard to believe that it's almost 25 years since they unveiled the current Eyewitness News Series 4 theme. If you listen closely to the jingle at the titular sequence for the openings, the astute listener will recognize that it actually resembles the Cool Hand Luke opening jingle, which someone had mentioned they wish they would bring back which is likely why they kept it for so long. The current theme, although old now, still sounds pretty modern and works, but, I hope they could've used more cuts though the bumper jingle is nice, but maybe use some cuts out of the package. Especially for the different broadcasts, maybe the morning show can have a softer theme like how KABC does for their morning shows. Someone else had mentioned that it seems like the music is here to stay for all of the O&Os at least for now as a cost-cutting measure. Personally, I've always preferred the newer updated KABC and KGO Eyewitness News theme used on the West Coast over the current one that WABC has been using for nearly 25 years, despite the age though, the melody of the theme sounds for lack of better words, "more authoritative and harder" which is New York. It has that hard news, rough, and gritty vibe, then the softer more chill and mellow SoCal vibe that the KABC theme has. Would be nice if WABC adopted the KGO theme modified with the WABC signature, it always felt very New York. 

Sam Champion and Talent:

With Britney Bell taking over in the mornings and Dani Beckstrom also working in the late mornings, I now begin to wonder if this is the beginning of Sam Champion's departure from TV broadcasting altogether. Total speculation, but perhaps, Sam is slowly stepping back so that the other newer talent can start getting the spotlight more. At this point, at 62, I could see Sam retiring soon. Either way, it will be interesting to see how the producers plan on using him for the 10 am show.

has

As for the 10 AM show, here are my thoughts:

They really have to make this one different from the rest of the broadcasts, because it's a bit crazy to now have a 10 a.m. that is the same mundane format as the 4:30-7:00 a.m. And in just an hour after, (Eyewitness News at Noon) yet another hour of the same mundane format. Not saying the format is bad, but they gotta spice it up a bit. If I were a news producer, I would make it a completely different show. Also the anchors should have a say in the production too. Maybe Shirleen and Mike can add some insight to the show as well. I wouldn't even call it "Eyewitness News" maybe something like Good Morning New York, or AM New York, etc.. something that is unique to New York and the station rather than another mundane newscast.. It shouldn't be a newscast at all.

The Noon show should be entirely new talent as well, Maybe put Liz Cho or perhaps one of the reporters who anchor the ABC7NY bits on to freshen it up a bit more and remove some of the staleness haha. Even though it's working now for them, sometimes a shakeup can be nice. 

I think the other stations did similar approaches, like New York Live on WNBC, It would be interesting to see WABC go for a different format change for the 10 a.m. show; (new theme, new graphics, new set, etc...) perhaps along the lines of a "Good Day New York" format where there are more live interviews on set, less reading of the news, and more of a "happy talk" or discussion show along the lines of Good Day New York for example. Maybe stories that focus more on the community, putting the spotlight on things happening in the communities in and around New York City and its surrounding suburbs and the tri-state area.

It would also be cool to see a new section of the studio used for this show. Perhaps the hosts can stand up rather than sit down etc. Either way, they should make this broadcast more like a breakfast lighthearted format than the traditional hard news because honestly, it's just too much hard news already which is boring so that people have a reason to watch in my opinion.

Yeah, I think i've seen solo anchors even on the hour long weekend broadcasts as well, with Sandra or Joe anchoring.  

She's done it a handful of times. At times Bill Ritter anchored the 11PM solo as well. The 11PM broadcast is a very 'solo-able' show considering its about a half an hour long like the 6:00pm show.

Yeah, it will be interesting to see how the other O&O stations modify this package and tailor it to their own branding. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if WABC retains its current theme, (EWN Series 4), or maybe a new theme will finally be instore for them? I also hope KABC keeps their current music arrangement too, it works for them.  

To me, as someone else here alluded to, this looks like a mash-up between WABC and KABC's current on-air look (WABC with the Lower Third and large font elements) and KABC with the titular wordmark graphic (ABC 7 EYEWITNESS NEWS) and a few other elements from both stations, put together to make this new look at WLS; the third largest market in the nation. Even the color schemes and the text and font elements are very reminiscent of both the East and West Coast flagship station's current look. The on-air appearance and graphics team at WABC needs to seriously take notes down on their sister's new appearance because this would be a logical upgrade for the nation's largest market. I could see this easily being adopted at WABC. Which would be a nice, but modest upgrade to their on-air appearance. Not sure if WABC will change their signature and iconic italicized "Eyewitness News" font/logo to this new flatter "Eyewitness News" look that KABC and now WLS is adopting but we'll have to see how it plays out. I think it could work. I'm not too sure if this package color scheme would work for KABC, where these large lower thirds would be a bit much for the LA viewers, but nonetheless, it is overall a decent on-air look but it needs a lot of work it feels rushed in my opinion. Maybe KABC could adopt these graphics and also use a lighter blue scheme to match their current looks, I don't think the dark blue colors would work, as it would also look very similar to KGO in San Francisco.

Overall, I think it's a great look. The lower third font to me is just way too big and should be on the scale that KABC has in my opinion.

The music arrangement of the graphics is just messy, unfortunately. It's too old! We are in 2023, not 1995 haha. They should've gone with an all-new updated theme altogether or at least go back to their previous News Series 2000+ which was more charming and more appreciated. I understand they are trying to keep the News Series 2000+ / WLS Signature but it doesn't flow well at all with the Eyewitness News theme. The opening cut is great, but that signature on the last bit just doesn't work. They should redo that theme altogether or find another suitable music cut for it. I haven't heard the rest of the theme but this new theme just doesn't work, I hope this is not what WABC and KABC end up using because it sound's out of place, like a puzzle piece that doesn't fit. The News Series 2000+ signature just doesn't match the Eyewitness News signature. That opening cut was for KTRK, not sure what they were thinking merging the iconic WLS signature with KTRK's variation on the theme. The bottom line is WLS's News Series 2000+ signature just doesn't go with the Eyewitness News theme. I hope they modify that cut soon or change the music altogether for the opens because it just doesn't work. 

Overall are definitely a step down in my opinion from what they used to have, I don't understand this new direction these stations are going for with these large fonts and basic 2D looks, I guess this is a new trend now to go for a more flat and less flashy appearance, but overall it reminds me of how much of a buzzkill WABC's current on-air appearance is. Let's see what the other big two sisters will follow up with.

Overall I still think KABC is the best with their current 2D on-air look. It's simple, the music flows and it just works and is easy on the eye. WABC's graphics are just boring and too flat. WLS well they just got too much going on, it is a nice upgrade, but overall I probably give it a 3 out of 5.