Hey guys! Its been a while since I posted on these forums, but I figured I'd add my two cents about WABC at this point in what looks to be a new change that will be debuting soon. WABC still is my favorite station, they always will be. I don't watch the news as much as I used to when I was active and younger on these forums. But honestly in my opinion, their current graphics package and overall on-air look isn't horrible. (Since 2012, Giant Octopus Refresh of their previous package). Its definitely not as clean and smooth as KABC (2015) (which I think is the best, very network news like and extremely professionally done). WLS is definitely a close second. WABC's graphics as of right now are OK, they are not earth shattering and god-like. The other O&Os seem to do it a little better like KABC and WLS. KTRK is definitely nicer with theirs as well. I feel like if you're in DMA#1 you have to be the best. It can certainly use a bit more work. Although their graphics are OK, I certainly like their current graphics package better than what they are heading towards. We haven't really seen the entirety of their new package, but it certainly looks very basic than what they have now.
They always seem to have a penchant of displaying snippets of their new on-air look through their weather segments, if I remember correctly their current Giant Octopus package was "previewed" on the AccuWeather segments back in 2008. The weather department certainly needs to update the scaling and look of their maps. The scaling of the maps seem to be so small in relation to the area. They need more areas to be represented. For them to not have a town in Nassau County and only one CT location (Bridgeport) on the map for their temperatures is a bit sad. They only have Islip and Montauk. Its high time they change that and maybe adjust the scaling a bit of the maps to include more towns in the viewing area. To be honest, their current package and on-air look isn't that bad, but its not exciting neither. WABC's presentation has always kinda been just sub-par a bit compared to their counterparts and it has always been this way for years. KABC in my opinion has always got the presentation better than WABC. WPVI is really nice too! Can't forget about 6ABC now too! They certainly beat WABC as well with their on-air presentation.
They really need more attention to detail when it comes to the Graphics and Music presentation. They need to utilize the music package more and have more variety with their music. The same 3 cuts (Eyewitness News Series 4) for every newscast is just tiring and boring. We have yet to hear the new music which has been rumored for years and highly anticipated. Their current music package just doesn't work anymore in this day and age. I mean it was nice and different back in 1999 but as the years change and progress and as we inch toward a new decade, its time for them to change their music. Hopefully they keep the same signature!
Guess we'll have a lot more to see next week when Sweeps for May 2016 begin! . I remember they launched their current Giant Octopus graphics back in May 2008 as well so this overhaul I'm hoping will be nice as well.