Jase

17 hours ago, Spring Rubber said:

Who even is the weekend crew now that the weekend crew has become the 4pm crew?

As 24994J said, Elizabeth (who is currently pregnant, due Jan 21’), subs for Natalie on Fridays & Tia subs on Saturdays. 

If this lineup is correct, someone would have to cover GDC Weekends and Saturday night after Aug. 3. If Natalie is re-teamed with Anthony and Sally goes back to GDC Weekends, then just Saturday night needs to be covered. 
 

It’s a confusing mess I know....

3 minutes ago, Roadrunner said:

Given how swift they change up anchor lineups and roles, I wouldn't be surprised one bit. Also, you're probably right about not caring as much about ratings because in the end, they can continue to rake in more ad money with more newscasts.

I also think it would be best if they moved the main crew back to a M-F schedule instead of Sun-Th to align things up better.

On 7/16/2020 at 3:12 PM, Roadrunner said:

(mutters) someone tell WFLD to put Sally's bio on their website...

 

The newscast replaces a continuation of TMZ/TMZ Live.

So what are the chances they're able to take a chomp out of their 4PM competitors - WGN, WLS, WMAQ?

Anyway, in their current condition, it feels a bit like offering your loyal viewers more chances to watch you instead of really trying to win others over.

Sally may just being standing in for Natalie who's on maternity leave. Otherwise, that's a major step up for her and very unfair to Natalie imo. My guess is 25 Words will only air on My50 and the new afternoon lineup will be ... Fox 32 News @ Noon |  Dr. Oz  (1p) | TMZ  Live (2p) | Family Feud  (3p) and  First at 4P.

On 7/16/2020 at 3:51 PM, 24994J said:

ABC7 & WGN have appointment TV-level viewer loyalty, and 7 & NBC5 also following first tier syndicated programming. Fox32 has neither, so good friggin' luck, is all I have to say.

 

If they wanted to make inroads at 4, they'd wisely poach the first-run slate of Family Feud from sister My50 to lead into the 5 o'clock newscast.

I'm pretty sure WFLD (if not all Fox O&Os) use other rating measurements aside from Nielsen, so I doubt the goal is to topple anyone. As long as the station is profitable, they hit or exceed current demos for the 4P hour, etc.. they're satisfied.

World News Tonight hits historic ratings milestone

World News Tonight With David Muir led all shows on broadcast and cable for the week [July 6] in total viewers, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. No network nightly newscast has pulled off that triple in at least 28 years (since the beginning of Nielsen's electronic database in 1991-92).

1 hour ago, TheRyan said:

If this is the first sign of CNBC wanting Conservative personalities on its air, it's not a good start.

I’m not convinced that this talk of airing conservative programs in prime time is set in stone. Both Shell and Conde are relatively new and my sense is they are just tossing around ideas.

While news/opinion shows are cheaper to make, the reality fair that has aired on CNBC has worked. That said, it only makes sense to continue down that road and expand upon it with in-house productions. I would be very upset if they messed with The Profit. DON’T MESS WITH IT!!! 

25 minutes ago, FiveNews said:

I'm assuming he will be used cross-functionally across all NBC News platforms (Network, MS, etc). Would like to see what they do with him long term. Nice get for CNBC, definitely counter-programming to the FOX Business Network.

I would hope not (him appearing on NBC, MSNBC, etc..). It’s best for him to be the ‘face of news coverage’ [ like Lester (NBC), Brian (MSNBC), Jose (Telemundo) Shep (CNBC) ] initially.
 

Maybe down the line have a broader role to play, but there’s plenty for him to do at CNBC. This could easily turn into another disastrous hire for NBC News if not handled right.
 

Another update on Studio 32. Scott and Anita have begun appearing in GDC promos from the studio. As you can see, Anita is standing next to the faux brick wall I was talking about previously. No word on when GDC (or any other program) will start using that space.

1 hour ago, J1975am said:

What did you not like about Reena? 

She wasn’t particularly strong as an anchor on CBSN. I recall one time earlier this year when she stumbled over her words so badly, it was tough to watch. The Weekend News was a lot easier for her than anchoring on CBSN it seemed.

5 hours ago, Roadrunner said:

CBSN and CBS Weekend News Saturday anchor Reena Ninan has quietly left CBS as of June 2020 (per FTVLive, her Twitter bio, and her LinkedIn). "Quietly" because I don't recall seeing any news made of it and her appearances had been dialed way down, of course, due to COVID's (and CBS's) slaughtering of CBSN in general and we won't really know if she bounced or if she was cut. CBS Weekend News will probably be anchored from DC/LA for the long-haul if they're willing to have designated talent leave. Lana Zak had been brought on as a CBSN anchor earlier this year in January, so it seems she (could?) be likely successor for all of Reena's roles.

 
Not a huge loss for CBSN. She wasn’t particularly good imo. 

7 hours ago, MorningNews said:

TJ Holmes has to be a permanent part of GMA’s future. He and Amy work particularly well as a duo when they’re together.

I agree. I wouldn’t be surprised if ABC were to keep this show going. Mike, Sara & Keke could be easily reassigned to other shows/projects, etc.. 

2 hours ago, Roadrunner said:

Honestly if there isn't a way for CBS to reorganize its Broadcast Center for social distancing and optimization with the ongoing pandemic, we may never see a "normal" CBS Weekend or CBSN broadcast on the regular for at least the rest of the year. This isn't to say that they all have to originate from New York since things are still getting done from elsewhere, but it will be interesting to if/how they evolve their work model as the year progresses.

We’re heading into 4 months of social distancing, how hard is it to deep clean the place (which should have happen 3 months ago) and come up with comprehensive plan to create a ‘new normal’ so people can get back to work (particularly at CBSN). Most days, Anne Marie and Vladimir look like they just rolled out of bed. CBS really needs to get it together. 

1 hour ago, Spring Rubber said:

Are Zonca and Kleist living separately at this point? Or is he still living in Chicago and working remotely?

 

Yeah, it will definitely be nice to put their ancillary programming in a separate space and leave the news desk to...well...the news, if that is indeed the direction they decide to go.

No..he’s in Tampa for sure. Given all that’s going on, they likely haven’t had the chance to work out a plan (Mary Kay going to FL for a wk., etc...).

My understanding is that work on Studio 32 began in earnest in Feb. Likely because of the pandemic & w/ safety in mind, they have been slower than normal finishing it. I wouldn’t expect anything grand. One wall has what looks like brick wallpaper on it, but don’t hold me to that. Also, the construction crew must work either at night or on certain days because every time I walk past there, it’s completely dark. 

Quick Notes:

After 3 1/2 yrs., Mark Zonca resigned as Executive Producer of Good Day Chicago (in March) to become Asst. News Director at WFTS-TV (ABC) in Tampa. Zonca is married to WBBM meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist.

Work on Studio 32 could be heading towards the finish line. The new, expanded space (upstairs from main studio) is divided by a large video monitor into 'two sets'. It's unclear what the space will be used for. Ideally, 'Flannery Fired Up,' 'Bears Unleashed,' etc.. could tape from Studio 32 and free up the main studio for breaking news coverage.

3 hours ago, rkolsen said:

It’s been mentioned here and I believe in the chats that Hoda prefers to work in the studio than at home.  Well from what I understand Hoda lives in the city so places might be cramped. But also having a person in studio would keep all the camera operators, lighting technicians and other employees around. I am not sure of the contract but I’d imagine if they hosts were all remote they studio crew maybe temporarily put on leave. 

Pretty sure she’s not living in a hole, so I doubt space is an issue. Could be she doesn’t see the need to work from home.

As far as the crew, whatever cuts that may be forthcoming, it’s doubtful anything would prevent them from reaching the technical people of whatever NBC/MSNBC program they may work on. 

19 hours ago, Roadrunner said:

Reminds me of a post I read (FTVLive, I think?) that remarked upon Norah's insistence that no one else use her studio.

Color me surprised!! She seems like such a peach to work with and would do anything and everything to lend a helping hand.

5 hours ago, GoldenShine9 said:

 

Is that for good now, or will it go back to affiliates next weekend?

If it can be executed from DC (which is the case), then there's no reason to go back to the affiliates. I think it comes down to what are the future plans with CBSN and to a larger extent CBS News.   

2 hours ago, Georgie56 said:

Joe Donlon is moving to News Nation to be its weeknight anchor.

 

Solid pick. Also, good to now know the reason behind Tom Negovan's departure. Both him and Nancy will no doubt be great in their new roles.  

12 hours ago, Spring Rubber said:

Everyone in the market went live shortly after midnight due to a tornado warning in the western counties of the market. WGN had a very rag-tag broadcast with Demetrius in the weather center for the first time since the mets started working from home. There was no time/temp bug and no lower thirds

 

For whatever reason, he was wearing two separate lapel mics (was one being used for radio simulcast?), and instead of wearing an IFB, they just had Bill Snyder sitting slightly off camera relaying information to him live on the air. Bill was clearly audible to the audience as he provided information to Demetruis throughout the segment.

 

I guess this is the nature of overnight storm updates, especially in this COVID-19 era.

 
Sounds like a rare miss (if you will) for them. 
 

As we move into severe weather season, I wouldn’t be surprised if mets started returning to the studio/weather center. There’s only so much that can be done at home.

3 hours ago, 24994J said:

Unrelated, I never saw a mention, but have not seen any job postings, either. Is Pete Sack now official on weekend evenings?

Who knows?? I wouldn’t be surprised if they just hire someone new out of the blue one day or officially announce 3 yrs. from now the job is his.

52 minutes ago, Breaking News said:

Want to pick the brains of those that have alot of knowledge about the Chicago market.

WLS/ABC 7 EWN is the leader, but been watching NBC 5 which is the strong #2 in the market.  I find myself liking their newscast, but I feel their anchor team

needs a jolt. Is there any chances NBC will make changes on their evening newscast.  Just seems like their anchor team a little long in the tooth.  The newscast is good, but the anchors are so-so.

Thoughts?

No. Rob and Allison would have to retire. WMAQ tends to be faithful (to a fault) that I can't remember the last time anyone was fired.   

Happened to be walking by WFLD and in addition to the small changes I mentioned previously regarding Studio 32, they have also added a video monitor similar to the one they have in the main studio.

Tough to see in this picture, but it is up and running..

On 4/6/2020 at 1:29 PM, 24994J said:

Speaking of weekend evenings, has anyone seen Dick Johnson lately? 

Dick Johnson riding things out in Michigan

Kaitlin Sharkey made her debut today (?) as the new weekend sports anchor/reporter.

48 minutes ago, Georgie56 said:

 

CNN absorbing ABC News would be interesting.

I couldn’t imagine anyone at ABC News truly welcoming the opportunity to become ABCNN. I would expect some major pushback with them wanting to remain independent, if you will, as much as possible. 

13 hours ago, oknewsguy said:

Here's my thinking if Disney were to sell ABC:

 

I can only think of a few companies that would have of any interest in buying ABC

 

Discovery

Liberty Media

AT&T (Warner Media)

 

The only other option I can see is the split of Disney where some of the former 21CF assets (i.e. 20th Century Pictures, Cable Channels (including ESPN) all make up Disney while ABC, Freeform, O&Os, Some of the TV studio productions (such as DADT) it's news and sports divisions all make up whatever it'd become under ABC

 

The bigger wild card in all of this is going to be sports under any scenario ABC is going to have to rebuild its sports division from scratch which would mean continuing the partnership with ESPN until a Sports Department can be reestablished.

AT&T could be the perfect home for ABC & Freeform if Disney were to sale them. As far as rebuilding the sports division, that wouldn’t be necessary given that that could be controlled by Turner Sports with sports currently airing on TBS and TruTV moving over to ABC. Then, over time, picking up more sports rights.

Honestly, I could see Disney selling a lot of things over the next 5 years... (All things ABC (broadcast network, tv production arms, etc..) Freeform, Nat Geo, Blue Sky (do they really need  3 animation studios?), Lucasfilms (yeah..I said it) along with their stake in A+E networks and maybe some 20th Television properties.