Vlad

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.

I think Mike Marza would be a better fit overall over Jim Rosenfield, (Jim is late in his career) and also Mark is probably a bit cheaper to hire too than Jim considering that Mike is much younger. And honestly not to say that Jim is not fit for the job he certainly is and it would be an awesome classy addition to the already stellar WABC talent, but Mike might have that factor since he's a bit on the younger side and could resonate well with the online streaming and younger millennials generation, but thats my opinion. Guess we'll have to see how it all plays out. In other news, WABC has also finally updated their App today to match the new O&O App look. Looks like we are inching closer and closer to the new on-air appearance. Are there any updates on that front? We are closing in on almost 7 years with the current on air-look. (WABC unveiled their current look back in September 2016). The Giant Octopus look from (2012-2016) in my opinion was their best ever look. Best, Vlad

Yeah, that actually doesn't sound like a bad idea! They good change the format altogether and make it a softer show like a localized version of GMA for New York only. "Good Morning New York", because quite frankly a hard newscast in the morning is a bit rough and it's kinda boring. I personally want to wake up to something more lighthearted and looser than the structured approach they've been doing for all these years. Maybe they can do that for the upcoming 2023-2024 season and November Sweeps..

Yeah anyway, regardless of the personal issues aside, I'm pretty sure we will be hearing more and more details about this incident if Ken speaks out and we will likely hear his side of the story. Maybe he had his reasons for uttering that word, but still, doesn't matter whether you like the person or not, name-calling like that shouldn't be tolerated in any workplace regardless of the circumstances that lead to it. If it was allowed then it would send the wrong message out to staff and it's promoting bad behavior in the workplace. It's all about respect and kindness. Ken was indeed a class-act anchor, well-spoken, and a true professional, but that doesn't excuse him from insulting others. And even if Shirleen is not "liked" nobody has to "like" anyone as long as the job is getting done that is what matters. She does the job incredibly well too at the end of the day and that's what is important to the viewer they don't see what happens behind the scenes. There is always a story behind everyone's actions perhaps and I think it's always important to hear their side. But I'm glad that WABC has a zero-tolerance policy on disrespecting others, I hope this firing is a wake-up call for not only the employees at WABC, ABC, and Disney but really for all of us in the workplace that colleagues oughta be respected, despite their differences. It's still kinda hard to fathom this change though, so swift and unexpected...

Wow if that PageSix allegation is true then that is really an utter shame. I'm sure he may have had his reasons for saying that and there are always two sides to every conflict he still handled it in a very horrible way and now this will probably cost him his entire career. Kinda sad too for someone at the height of their career to do such a lowball act like that, even if it is something personal they may have with each other, Ken should have never handled it like that. While conflicts amongst colleagues can be inevitable, they should always be approached with a respectful tone and manner. Now we all know that Page Six is known for their tabloid, inflated, and speculative stories so I hope it's not true but nonetheless, that is horrible and such a self-destructive act, even if it was a fleeting moment. If these allegations are true, then he probably won't be hired anywhere else anymore. Now recently, Ken and Shirleen did the Holiday Cookoff in December together, and it seemed like their chemistry was impeccable on the air. And now all of these promos that they just did have to be scrapped now, talent opens, graphics, etc, it must be a whirlwind right now to think of all of the things they gotta do, let alone find a new anchor to fill that seat. If the allegations are true, then WABC did the right thing and we should all stand by their swift action. That kind of disrespect should never be tolerated anywhere regardless of the career you are in. WABC has an integrity that is unmatched anywhere, so they have to uphold that. Anyway, I guess that's yet another lesson for all of us: Regardless of your career, where you are in life, or how high you are, one simple word or insult can tarnish it all. Respect in the workplace, especially during these times is super important, no one should be immune to the repercussions associated with any violation of integrity and respect of colleagues. WABC did right if the allegations are true.

The station also just is an icon for the New York area, so just by habit people turn to the channel regardless of the on-air talent. Most of my family who grew up in the New York area tune to the channel because it's almost like a part of the city's DNA so they will be fine but it's still sad though to see such great talent go inexplicably like that. Kinda the same way Bill Evans left. Ken's replacement will have some tough shoes to fill.

Who are they referring to? Ken Rosato? I would be truly sad if it were true.. True class act for the station and such a great talent for the station. https://abc7ny.com/about/newsteam/ken-rosato/ His news bio is still up on the site. Perhaps he's on vacation? Best, Vlad

Yay! - its so nice to see them back together again! I noticed at KABC they are still kinda apart, but I guess they have the real estate for that since everything is so spread out in the Southland.

Why did they do it at 10 this year? Was it because they wanted to show more of the countdowns?

I think KABC's package is cleaner and I have always preferred their package better. I wish WABC adopted it but it seems all the west coast flagships adopted it. (KFSN and KGO adopted variations on these graphics as well). Is it the same company that designed WABC's current look or is it different? The Giant Octopus package they had (2012 to late 2016) will always be their best look in my opinion. Best, Vlad

They look great! Hard to believe they've been doing this for I guess just over 10 years now? Great Duo!

She could just be visiting too..

This is Lori's last and final week on air. Still quite stunning that she is effectively done with Broadcast Journalism. It will be nice to see what kind of tribute will be given to her. I personally will miss her dearly, she really is a class act, honestly I always felt that WABC was the place for Lori she just was a better fit for that station but nonetheless at least she spread her wings a bit and tried something new at WNYW with Good Day New York and Rosanna and of course her ultimate wish, anchoring the primetime 6pm newscast which she achieved. I'm truly happy for Lori she deserves a beautiful retirement especially after all of the hardwork and dedication she has put for all the years she's been on TV. What a career! Good for her she will be missed dearly!

Wow thats wild, has he ever done that before? Don't think i've ever seen him work weekends even as a reporter haha. Good for him!

Looks more like a podcast to me rather than a sports show. It would've been nice though to see a sport spinoff of the newscast from WABC. Like their sister KABC in LA produces after their weekend broadcasts. Rob Fukuzaki and some of the other sportscasters over there produce the show.. But I guess to WABC's credit they produce Live which is a bigger production..

Hmm.. Could they be trying something? Haha. Perhaps maybe lightening Bill's workload so he's only on the 6 and 11 and Mike Marza taking over the 5?...

I feel like Talent opens are a thing of the past though now. If i'm not mistaking, I think only WABC does talent opens the rest of the stations don't have them.

Plus, given that Lee Goldberg has been with the station for over 20 years he may want to lighten his workload. Looking forward to seeing her forecast.

Any plans on the station returning to the older format with the anchors sitting closer together or is this a COVID's legacy? Bill looked great!

Nice! So cool to see a radio personality on TV. Sonia Rincon is amazing, always love hearing her voice when she would anchor and or report on the 1010 WINS broadcasts. Nice to see a face to that. I wish her the best at WABC.

This board has been around for a while so Im sure a lot of talent reads them. Best, Vlad

Yeah it just alludes to the direction Local TV News and WABC is going, from the complaints about Sam Champion not wearing a suit, to Bill's emotional rants, to not breaking in when warranted, it just goes to show that the standard that WABC has set is starting to decline or perhaps in alignment with the today's generation of viewers. They indeed seemed to be more relaxed as attitudes and expectations shift with new generation of viewers. It is 2022. I'm sure Sam's on air look is intentional. Maybe him not wearing a suit and tie is appealing to a certain audience. The requirement of needing to be polished, have a suit and tie seems to not be prioritized as much anymore. Lets not forget, that nowadays people dont even have TVs anymore they go online or stream online, so maybe they felt like the efficiency of being in air broadcasting a news story that was developing wasn't warranted at the time especially when most people have internet access and can go on the web and get more information much faster than the news can deliver it on TV.