Vlad

I wish they would adopt the style that the ABC O&Os in California use. KABC, KGO and the KFSN styled package. Its much cleaner and a better look overall. Maybe someone can make a reimagined package with that look on the Graphics Forum? .

Last night, during the 11pm broadcast, anyone notice that they did not use the Time and Temperature on the Lower Third section of the ABC 7 Bug? It was just the WABC 7 Circle Logo and the "Eyewitness News" Banner during the 11pm show. I still think that blue square behind the ABC 7 logo is ridiculously hideous... Still not a fan of this graphics package. Can't wait for them to change it.

I could see him eventually taking the lead anchor spot when Bill leaves. Bill Ritter did say though, in a recent Instagram Post and Tweet that he plans on remaining with WABC for the foreseeable future and is not retiring anytime soon. (We could see Bill Ritter on the air for at least for another 5-7 years) So maybe he could do something along the lines of what David Novarro did prior to him joining the First at 4 team when it first launched back in 2011. Also with the impending maternity leave that Shirleen Allicot will inevitably go on, i'm sure they will shuffle the anchors around and have him fill in somehow.

Would be nice to actually see this tried out on TV though it would certainly be re-inventive.

Looks very modern, urban, and very characteristic of New York especially with the exposed brick theme. About time they upgraded their set.

Yeah, I recorded it, still have to re-watch it. A very fitting way for them to end 2018.

Aw, it was so amazing seeing this video! Glad they honored their past and honestly Bill Beutel will always be a legend and an icon for not only WABC but for many other organizations around the world. It was so awesome to see Roz again! Roz could've been sitting right there next to Diana today had she not left WABC for WCBS. But, a new era is about to begin for them when they eventually relocate to the Hudson Yards area? I forget where the other member had mentioned where they are moving to. Best, Vlad

Yep, she replaced Laura Behnke. I believe it was mentioned before in an earlier posting.

Here's NJ Burkett interviewing Sade: Turns out the very job she does made her symptoms worse, hence why its been such a long recovery process for her..

Is this a new permanent backdrop? I don't recall what they used for the 11pm broadcast, but it looked like they may have used the new skyline of Lower Manhattan it for the morning show as well. I wish they used a live video feed though of different areas of the city kinda like what KABC and KGO does in the west, would be a bit better.

Very nice background. They are finally making use of the tech they have! . But I guess not for long as they are moving buildings soon... Why did she not stay for the full broadcast? I guess they are slowly getting her back in the groove.

Happy Belated Birthday WABC!

That video couldn't have been WABC's situation haha. Thanks for sharing that Brian! Looks like things are escalating between Edwards and Benhke https://pagesix.com/2018/05/31/former-wabc-sports-reporter-takes-discrimination-case-to-federal-court/?_ga=2.26759550.259022365.1527861817-376108794.1526587144

Well, after all they technically work for ABC. The stations mentioned above are all Owned and Operated by ABC Television so I take it is very easy for them to pool their resources together.

I'm sure those in Philly will be happy to see her. Any word on when Sade is returning back to the 5PM? Is she still not clear yet?

Yeah, Sade Baderinwa has not been on the 5pm broadcast for months since the injury. The 5pm is where Sade had originally started back in 2003 when she replaced Roz Abrams who left for WCBS. When the substitute anchors introduce themselves, out of curiosity, do they say the following; "I'm Diana Williams, and I'm <First Name> <Last Name>, In for Sade Baderinwa" . The reason I ask this question, because if they say "In for Sade Baderinwa" that means that she still is officially the anchor for that broadcast, however if they no longer say that, then that means she is no longer the anchor and they are looking for someone else. I haven't seen a 5pm broadcast in a while so I can't confirm or say for sure if the sub-anchors say this key phrase.

Yeah, I understand now why they kept it, because when watching some of the older opens, that news-ticker jingle that begins in the start of the theme, is super catchy and sounds just like the original Cool Hand Luke theme from the 70s and 80s and early 90s. So I get it now, but they can do a newer rendition of it no? But I guess it might be a theme to stay for the forseable future. I'm assuming WABC has access to the entire Eyewitness News Package. The theme that they use for the "Protect Our Children" is KABC's Morning Theme. WABC-TV "Protect our Children" Theme (Eyewitness News NG4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id=gVrypA0hlfs;t=20 KABC-TV "Morning' Theme (Eyewitness News NG4) So since these are the same themes, I would assume that WABC has the rights to the entirety of the ABC O&O Eyewitness News Package. So WABC could easilly change up their themes and experiment with the package if they wanted to, which is something I hope they do. WABC Opens from the 1970s to the Mid 2010s. And I think the reason now, the "a-ha" moment behind them keeping the current theme and jingle for all of these years, since 1999 is because of the reminiscence it brings to the classic themes. The catchy news-ticker sound at the start of the opening sequence. So I get it now, it pays homage to their early days.

Honestly I know the graphics were just changed, but they have to go. I'd like to see something more on the like of the package that KABC and KGO use. The music needs to change too. They've been using it for too long. They've been too complacent over the years.

I'm sure a lot of these behind the scenes shuffles at WABC will lead to on-air changes too. Hopefully we can see some refreshing ideas from new talent make it on the air.

That is true, they are number one because they are in the number one city, which happens to like ABC programming. So they do have that advantage. I do agree, I don't think they'd be on the same boat if it were a different market. They just need to be refreshed. I feel like the broadcasts have been stale and the on-air presentation is kinda lazy if you will. I'm hoping with the new leadership things will change.

I guess every station has their ups and downs. Despite it all they still manage to be the #1 Watched station in the nation. They've have been for a long time.

Hopefully with the new leadership on the horizon we can see some new refreshing things happen to the station. Does anyone have any insight on was allegedly done to Lori Stokes prior to her departure? I don't recall hearing anything mentioned or I must've missed that discussion..

Was wondering the same! Guess we’ll have to tune in to find out lol.

Does anyone have any insight on when WABC will be updating their music or if there is talks in them getting a new package? They've been using this music since Fall of 1998 and we are in 2018. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but it would be nice to see something refreshing for them. . I believe Fall of this year will mark it 20 years that they are on Series 4 of Eyewitness News from Frank Gari. The tune is very fitting and nice for New York so it will be interesting to see how Gari will top that if they even do decide to update their package. Unless they go the WPVI route and just never change it at all haha. Also is there a definitive replacement for Laura Benkhe or is Anthony Johnson assuming the role? I think he's actually a pretty good fit for role and his personality really matches position.

I find her to be a real class act. Very classy and very professional in the work that she does. I've met her in person and I must say she is just as nice in person as she is on television. So personally I'm a fan. I think she could be along the lines of being the lead female anchor for the station. I don't think there's anyone else that is at her level. Diana Williams of course one can argue can be the lead female anchor as well especially with her veteran status and the amount of time she's been there.