10Viewer

I noticed that, too.

Awesome song! Almost sounds like it was written for TV news, the first minute anyway.

So it sounds like WTOL was another station that used the "WPXI 1981 News Theme" based on the ID at the beginning of this clip: I also found a print ad that proves without a doubt that WTOL used "News People" in the late '70s. The print ad matches word for word the lyrics of that package.

Noticed a definite trend of TV stations converting a production studio into a "working newsroom" in the late 1970's. Some stations executed this better than others. WXIA seemed to have the best design out of these I could find. Does anybody know who consulted these stations? I'm sure this was an effort to make the newscast seem more "instant" and often relied heavily on electronic graphics. I know in the case of WLCY (WTSP) it was part of a broader effort to beef up that station's news department. I think the same set designer did the sets for WXIA, WLCY and WTHR. WXIA (1977) WLCY (1977) WCMH (1976) WTHR (1977)

There was a promo in the TV Time Warp from the "Spirit of Tampa Bay" era with Bill Ratliff promoting Ch. 8's "live mobile units" with what looked like a dozen live trucks. I'd love to see the full version of that!

Someone else discovered it has the same melody as a WCVB promotion "Channel 5 & You" IIRC (I think that was it, but I may be wrong. But it was definitely WCVB). EDIT: I should clarify-there was a promo that WFLA aired "The Look...Alive" that had the same melody as the WCVB promotion. I also wonder what WFLA was using in the 1979-81 era.

The lines on WTSP's new logo are a bit harsh on the eyes. They could do a solid multi-color "10" but then again my design sensibilities are best left in the early '90s.

WHIO 1978 news close with a piece of music from the Star Wars soundtrack called "The Princess Appears" along with Dayton area commercials:

So maybe Monday they'll debut it? I was hoping they'd do something like their sunset logo but just glad it looks like the "black box" days are numbered.

It looks better than the stupid 'black box' they've been using. I just watched their online newscast and there has been no change on-air. In 2002, the logo appeared in the St. Petersburg Times a week before it debuted on the air.

And for something completely different.... Is Tegna's WTSP getting a new logo? Noticed a different design on their YT channel. Website hasn't changed though. Looks like KGTV circa 1970's/80s.

That WLAC open is awesome. Makes me sad to think how much cool local TV goodness has been lost to the ages.

Longtime Tampa Bay news anchor Arch Deal passed away on Friday according to a Facebook post from a close friend. He was 88. Deal worked at all three Bay Area network affiliates (WTVT, WFLA and WLCY) between 1958 and 1977 and then worked as air traffic reporter for WRBQ radio. In recent years he had taught college courses and wrote a book.

More WCMH changes? Looks like weekend anchor Danielle Avitable is no longer listed on their website. They have Danielle Grossman anchoring this weekend.

Very interesting to see what WFAA's competition was airing in the late '70s. I'm sure KDFW thought they scored big when Chip Moody make the leap from KXAS. That guy was incredible. I know where...it's the WEVU theme.

Anybody notice Scott Pelley in the 1980 KXAS credits?

Anybody know what happened to Don Craig after his stint at WBBM?

WTSP 1987 news close and station sign off:

At long last....an unedited WCPO clip with Al. The Guinness Book referred to him as the highest rated local news anchor in America at one time.

I do know she once dated Miles O'Brien back when he was a reporter at WTSP.

Sheryl Previll later went by the name Sheryl Browne in Cleveland and Tampa. No idea what happened to her after her departure from WTSP in 1992.

WCHS was pretty impressive in the '90s from the clips I've seen. Much better look than what came under Sinclair ownership.

Wasn't sure where to post this-This is new to me, and maybe others have seen this, but it's a fascinating interview with meteorologist Dennis Feltgen who most notably worked at KSTP but also had stints at WSB, WPEC, KARE and WTSP. He talks about his experience working for "old man" Hubbard and then Gannett, then his time in Tampa where he apparently was slated to replace Dick Fletcher, and his career since his TV days. Really down to earth guy. https://tcmedianow.com/tc-media-now-exclusive-interview-with-kstp-and-kares-dennis-feltgen/

Good question. I'll have to see if I can find the article(s) again. I just know that ABC put WLCY "on notice" and that ABC was rumored to be wooing WFLA. There was a later article from '81 I think where the president of ABC said they were much happier after WTSP built a new transmitter. The WLCY-TV situation is pretty unique and a long discussion, but basically they were appealing to the FCC as early as 1967 for a new transmitter location since nearly half the market couldn't receive channel 10. The station was a "dog" and the ratings were proof In May 1978, these were the 11 o'clock Tampa sweeps numbers: WTVT 43 share, WFLA 33 share, WLCY 11 share WTOG got a better share of the market than the ABC affiliate!

Based on this snippet, it appears KMTV switched themes before the end of 1984: