Jase

Given the current situation regarding Paramount, I doubt we will see new sets group-wide ...unless it's already in the pipeline.

I figured this (a seamless background) was a possibility. I do wonder if the alcove (see pic) will be redone as well. Such an underutilized area that, if done properly, could provide another opportunity for standups and whatnot.

Looks like some work is being done to part of the main set. They have repositioned the anchors to the interview area and use the nearby (faux windows) and the 'live desk' for standups. Unsure what the scope of work is (a new desk maybe??).

It's simple economics. With NBC locking down the NBA, it's not surprising they decided to pass on the French Open. They don't have an infinite amount of money to spend on sports rights and it's safe to say there's more value in having the NBA than the French Open. Sports rights aren't going to get any cheaper, so tough decisions have to be made.

When you're trying to start a new sports network in an environment in which most RSNs are struggling, the last thing you want to do is pick a generic name. Given that the Bulls, Sox and Blackhawks are pretty bad (and likely will be for some time); a cool/interesting name would at least drum up interest in the network. I see this as a missed opportunity from a marketing pov.

Reinsdorf wouldn't have spent the $$$ to buy NBC Sports Chicago. We all know how cheap this guy is which is why they went with converting Stadium to Chicago Sports Network and bringing in some random company (Standard Media) to help with distribution. And what kind of name is Chicago Sports Network??? That's the best they could come up with???

I think they will (use the entire space). Based off the orange signage promoting the street side studio, my guess would be that the morning/streaming newscasts will move here. Plus, if designed properly, there should be enough room for an AR weather center/space as well.

I wouldn't say they don't have a case. I don't think they have the $$$ to fight this. And if WBD were to match NBC's offer, NBC is in a much better position to go higher.

After a long delay… the (reimagined) street side studio will be unveiled soon (tentatively scheduled for July). Not sure if it’s just a state-of-the-art weather center (as previously reported) or something more. Nevertheless, glad to see the studio fully back up and running.

It's not too surprising L&O: OC moved to Peacock. Ratings-wise, it is the weakest of the L&O block and it just doesn't work well as a 22-episode show. I wouldn't be surprised if they move Chicago PD (Season 13) to Peacock as well. As far as slashing the 3rd hr. of primetime, that likely isn't necessary if they get the NBA. Their scripted slate would be greatly reduced and result in cost-savings long term (which is part of the reason why they wanted to cut the hour in the first place).

If I'm not mistaken, 'Inside the NBA' is repeated on NBA TV, so it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibilities to move the show over. However, if WBD were to lose the NBA, they may just decide to end their NBA TV partnership with the NBA as well.

My guess is that CNN will join ABC and make the debate(s) available to others. Nothing is gained by maintaining exclusivity for the sake of ratings. As far as other networks counter-programming; despite being a re-match of 2020, I can't see anything being of interest that could draw viewers away from watching the debate(s).

As @Georgie56 has pointed out, Funayama has covered previous Olympics, so it isn't unusual to be asked back despite working at a non-NBC station. It's a win-win situation.... WCVB has someone in Paris covering the Olympics on NBC's dime and NBC adds an experienced Olympics reporter to the roaster. A simple mistake...

The primetime games would have to air during the week given NBC has college football on Saturday nights (Big 10 Saturday Night) and of course... SNF on Sunday during the Fall. Once football is over, they could then mix things up. The prospect of NBC airing sports 3 (or 4) nights a week would be interesting to say the least...

NBC slashes space at NBC Tower [Chicago], extends lease to 2040 https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2024/04/24/nbc-slashes-space-extends-lease-in-namesake-chicago-tower/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=single_content_share&utm_source=clipboard Not a huge surprise they're cutting back space, but I do wonder if this means the proposed plan to create a combined newsroom (for WMAQ/WSNS/NBC Sports Chicago) on the 2nd floor have been cut. It would be unfortunate if it has.

Some news and notes... Fox 32 is looking for a new meteorologist to replace Tim McGill (who is no longer with the station). Gabriella Premus is returning [to the station] in a new role on GDC. Matt Piacente stepped down as VP, News Director in late February due to personal reasons.

Thompson has acknowledged that most people (when it comes to politics) have gravitated towards channels that align with their political beliefs (i.e.. FNC or MSNBC) and aren't interested in getting a 'nonpartisan' viewpoint from CNN.

I wouldn't be surprised if WFLD/WPWR makes a play for this (rather than WCIU). They're looking to add/launch new content (particularly sports-related content) and GMFB would be a perfect fit.

They wouldn't launch 'The Bulletin' with Wolf if the show is Pamela's. Honesty, they may not launch 'The Bulletin' at all if they're looking to cut cost and same some $$$. That said, I wouldn't be surprised when Pamela comes back, they stick with 'CNN Newsroom with...' Glad that News Central didn't get reduced to 2 hrs. No reason to do so given it performs well (relatively speaking). Since a rotation of people isn't anchoring the 11A hr., it makes sense to add Wolf's name even if the show is just a placeholder. I see it as being consistent across the board more than anything.

It's not about people being carbon copies, it's more about putting together individuals that have some level of respect toward each other or at the very least, a connection (whether it be sports, family, etc...) to build on. There was no debate that Robin and George and Gayle and Charlie had 'something.' Just being colleagues and 'hoping for the best' isn't enough to make things work. For example, if Don is the centerpiece, then you surround him with people he can relate with and respect. It's great Poppy and Kaitlan are friends, but this wasn't a 2-person show. Simply put, the three of them together just didn't make sense from the start and by their own accord, they said.. "the show immediately struggled, with the original trio of anchors — Harlow, Kaitlan Collins and Don Lemon — noticeably lacking on-air chemistry and reports of infighting." Had more thought (from top to bottom) been put into CNN This Morning, maybe things would have turned out differently....

No amount of time could have saved the first incarnation of CNN This Morning. Don, Poppy and Kaitlan were (are) polar opposites of each other and never truly seemed interested in making the show work nor supporting (uplifting) each other in any way from the beginning. Of course building chemistry takes time, but everyone has to be willing to do the work and I never got that from them. It was a pain to watch.

They should have moved Mary Kay to weekends and promoted Robb to weekdays (at 4P) given her current semi-retired status. I can't see many people being interested in taking on double-duty on weekends (WFLD's Mark Strehl being the exception).

Not sure why they just didn't go back to 4A. They have a new executive producer for GDC too and when they posted that job, they mentioned a 5-hr block (5-10A) not a 5 1/2 hr. one. Guess they changed their minds at some point. My guess is that she moves to a reporting/fill-in anchor role. They're in dire need of reporters between 9a-4p. Dane has been the lone reporter covering the late morning/midday shift since Sally left. Not sure all these changes were warranted, but not surprised they moved Terrance to a later shift. He's a stronger #2 to Scott than Anthony is/was.

Curt is going to divide his time between NYC and LA during the NFL season. That said, I wouldn't be surprise if the bigger goal is to resurrect Good Day Live with Curt and Rosanna. Otherwise, this move doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

I can't understand why they fiddle with something that isn't broken. I wouldn't be surprised if they abandon (phase out) News Central at some point.