Jase

I liked tonight's newscast better than the debut. She seemed more relaxed (at ease) being out in the field/on the road. Hopefully, she'll able to bring a more relaxed, comfortable and relatable approach when she gets back behind the desk. Plus, I hope they attempt to keep things (overall format, graphics, etc...) the same once they make to move to DC. Best to keep things stable and not over-react early on. Trying to avoid a tit for tat. I can't recall what Charlie said at the end of his debut broadcast, but Diane gave a shout-out to Charlie ('That's World News & for one last time, Charlie Gibson...') and David gave a shout-out to Diane (something like...'Thanks for all the well wishes tonight, especially one from Diane Sawyer..'). Had Norah gave a tip-of-the-hat to Jeff Glor, that may have resonated more to viewers and CBS News staffers than invoking the spirit of Murrow (who average viewers likely don't know and/or care to know).

It's not necessary to provide a nod, mention, etc... (however brief) of the show's history. What inherent benefit does that provide? Plus, doing so (often trading off the Murrow and Cronkite name) cheapens their work/image imo. I would have rather Norah mentioned what new and exciting things SHE would bring to the newscast.

I would have liked something new music-wise (some cuts/transitions sound off), but I can understand why they didn't go that route (at least not yet). I do wonder if they will try to keep some of the current set elements once they make the move to DC instead of building something completely new.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6A5fEtcVKAQ A supercut of the 'CBS Evening News w/ Norah O'Donnell' (Newscast Studio) I don't like the music, but the set redo is nice. Could do without the nod/mention of Murrow (or Cronkite). Those days are over. It's time to get out from behind their shadow and establish your own thing/standard. This technical glitch is pretty amusing https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OkDA9XNPJT0

Elizabeth Matthews joined Anthony tonight at the anchor desk (which is, I believe, a first for her).

My guess is that others have found (safe) ways to cope with the stress, etc.. of the job. While I don't know her situation, it may be best for Raymond to step away for her own well-being. Her blog post is very troubling.

I agree. Really can't be that hard for someone to throw a simple report together and read it. Hate to see how they handle breaking news, etc...

I'm a bit surprised he didn't want to go to 60 minutes. Unless that wasn't an option for him.

He is considered a substitute broadcaster (has been since the 80s) and I believe can only sub on games that air on WGN.

They attempted to sublease space (including the street side studio) 10 yrs ago, to no avail. Doubtful they're going to get any takers this time around.

Even if they had Kaitlin, she lives in Indiana, so the turn around would be tougher. My guess is, in weather emergencies, it would fall to Bill, Mark or Mike (or they would go without).

Well...unless something was to occur during the 9-11P hrs., it wouldn't make sense to stay because the weather is unpredictable.

R. Kelly is being accused of a very serious crime. Just because he's in the entertainment business, doesn't mean news organizations should turn a blind eye. I'm not saying you 'sensationalize' the story, but it's one that needs to be covered. Same with the Smollett case.

Pete (WMAQ) broke in a few minutes ago & said he will again when necessary. Likely won't see Mike (WFLD) or anyone else for awhile because I believe they all live in the burbs.

Is this the video wall or some temporary panels of some sort? I can remember if they used this look before. I’m not liking it (and Kalee agrees with me).

I just don't see it as impactful enough to draw viewers in. So when breaking news happens, is one of them going to be out in the field reporting on it and not 'behind the desk'? If so, great, but there has to be action behind the words. Doing a soft feature and/or an investigative piece here and there won't cut it. I'm not convinced they're going to do anything different than what they have done before.

I don’t even know where to begin with this... WBBM ‘News Desk’ promo (via newscaststudio) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QHEQdnSPOdE

I'm fairly certain, the main green screen has always been at the far end (near the door) with the 3x3 monitor array in the middle. That array was often used for traffic reports, etc... My guess is when they did the 3rd remodel of the weather center, they did away with the monitor array and just decided to toss another green screen up and made that the main one. The one at the end and at an angle appears retractable (but don't hold me to that). Studio 5 is the only other time they have used retractable green screens (two of them in fact.. 1 for weather, the other for traffic).

No. The light clearly appears to be coming from either a set of windows/doors. The weather office (or closet) has no windows and the 2 chroma/greens screens (not even going to get into how ridiculous that is) are adjacent to the weather center in an enclosed studio with no outside light shining in.

Dude is definitely not at the Tower. My guess would be at his parents house given that Brant has (and maybe still does?) weather reports for WLS radio (possibly other stations too) from home. Everything would be readily accessible there. But this is the first I've seen a weather report via a person's dining (or living) room. It's true that Brant, Andy, Pete, etc... could do segments for the web, the weather app, Facebook and so on, but I don't see anything necessarily wrong with this arrangement. He does have a degree and being the Chief Met's son is an added bonus for sure. He not on-air (and likely never will be) and will probably move on to something bigger/better elsewhere soon enough. Might as well take advantage of whatever may come his way and build his resume.

One would assume they could find something that would work in the available space. This video wall just doesn't fit. The entire set has turned into a hodgepodge of stuff with no cohesive look. It's embarrassing.

I don't think whatever type of video screen/wall that is that its the correct (or ideal) type they should be using in that space/for that purpose. Yes, it's way too big and they shouldn't have any lights shining directly on it. They would have been better off gutting the space and building a new set period.

What CBS really needs to do (but won't) is leave them the heck alone. At some point, you have to give your local people the opportunity and support needed to right the ship. Plus, they need a GM who is willing to be both an advocate (push back at corporate when necessary) and visionary (put together the right set of newsroom managers (ND, EPs, etc..). No need to reinvent the wheel here, but really have an open and honest 'self-reflection' to address where the problems lie.

Yes, critic at large is a perfect way to describe his role. Since he retired from the Sun-Times, this is the only job Bill has (I believe) and he likely has the freedom to do whatever/whenever for GDC. Not a bad gig to have.

I think WFLD is settled on the team at 5 & 9. It's the morning that they want to strengthen. Having Sylvia, Mike and now Roseanne helps improve the product/ratings. Not sure if they would part ways with/reassign Scott to make room for Rob. From what I can gather, everyone at WFLD is super supportive of each other and is very one team/one goal focused. Still, it's strange to see Anthony as Corey's backup and not someone a bit stronger. WMAQ seems high on Alex and Patrick, so no change there and Stafford is there for life. He would have to be at death's door (not wishing that at all) for them to make a change. And even then, Stafford would be the one making the decision because WMAQ is not known for pushing anyone who's sick (Warner, Mike being perfect examples) out. Now if Dick retires, Rob could take is spot, but Dick seems to be going strong/in perfect health. Rob may have to sit on the sidelines for awhile until something happens (if he wants to stay in this market).