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WGN's late 70's theme is called "Botticelli's Theme" by the Botticelli Orchestra. Someone discovered it about a month ago and I submitted it to the NMSA.

So it sounds like NBC Nightly News wasn't the first network newscast to have a "news theme" although I'm sure it was probably library music.

Very early WTSP "10 News" promo from January 1992 after the rebrand from "NewsCenter 10". Also, there are several promos that do not appear to have Gari's "Great News" and might be "On Your Side" by 615.

WFLA in late 1993:

A news close from WFLA in 1995. Now, the set they were using, I have no memory of. It's a combination of the 1988 news desk with a backdrop that sorta resembles the 1993 overhaul. A temporary set, maybe?

WALA "10 Alive" from 1981. Also a bunch of other WALA clips on this YT channel

WTVT (CBS) from 1994, just weeks before the New World deal was announced. Several former WTVT staffers have mentioned on Facebook about remembering the day that staff gathered in studio B to hear the "jaw-dropping"news about the switch to Fox

I'm a simple man. I see a vintage WSB video and click on it. Never am I let down. So this confirms the "Image VIII" theme was used in '92.

WTVT "PULSE" spot from early 1982. Note the music, which is from a promo supposedly from 1979

I've never seen that particular set before. Did CBS just use that for "CBS Morning News" or did it have other uses?

Right. She joined WTSP in early 1989 with the intent that she would replace Sheryl Browne. The ND, Terry Cole, was arrested in the computer scandal, and subsequently fired. I read a news article that said Mr. Cole was "infatuated" with her. I suspect he had her in mind for a spot down the road when he was leading KWCH prior to coming to Tampa. So Jineane continued on the 5:00 show until fall of 1991, I believe.

Tampa/St. Pete from May 1990: WTSP w/ Jineane Ford; WTVT with Hugh Smith, Leslie Spencer and Alan Wendt:

Brief WTVT clip from 1990:

WTSP 1992 teaser spot followed by a brief promo for the 5:00 team of Sue Zelenko and Dave Wagner. Both would become the 6/11 anchors after John Wilson and Sheryl Browne departed: https://youtu.be/yEeLSPhdCY8?t=524

1989-92 is my favorite era of WTSP. Hoping a talent open with John and Sheryl turns up (there's been some brief intros). I was curious to see if WTSP had any network tie-ins with ABC and they did. And from 1993, a WTSP "Special Report" on severe weather with Dennis Feltgen, now with the National Hurricane Center:

From 1990, some WTSP material, including a "Tampa Bay is Watching Channel 10" network tie-in with ABC. Various station IDs and NewsCenter 10 teases:

WTVT (CBS) from 2/4/91, first few minutes of the 11:00 news with Frank Robertson and Kelly Ring. This guy has a lot of Tampa Bay commercials on his channel

1988 close from WXFL, just before the call letter change. Anchors are Bill Ratliff, Marissa Morris and Laura York

I actually messaged the NMSA a few years back that the theme likely debuted in 1982 based on the "Great Moments" promo campaign.

That's an awesome find. Never seen a Gulf BG ID before. I assume it was also used on the other Gulf owned stations- WTSP, KTSP, WGHP etc.

Interesting clip from the 1993-95 era at WFLA with the mischievous Chris Thomas and Friday night football scores:

Nice. I've read that WPEC was considered a 'joke'. WPTV was a Scripps clone.

George Reading was another Paul Udell type. He bounced around and ended up in Monterey CA as a semi-retirement job.

Scott Light just left. Was it his decision? Sounds like he wasn't chosen to be Jerry's permanent replacement.

Through my newspaper research, it appears WTSP became "NewsCenter 10" on September 5, 1989, so that's when "The Hour" likely debuted. WTSP updated their logo in May 1989, hence some confusion over the timeline.