Jase

Susan Zirinsky Back At CBS News As Interim Executive Editor

It's been clear from the start that Comcast will control both companies. The sticking points have been trying to untangle Spinco from NBCU because nearly every business/entertainment unit is tied together (to some degree). It's going to take months for the dust to settle before there's a clear picture. That said, it's possible that Comcast will sell Spinco completely, sell a majority/minority stake or continue to fully own it. Keep in mind that whatever happens won't happen overnight. Also worth-noting is this...... NBCUniversal Shutting Down Universal Kids Cable Network

It feels like they will be pulling from fonts, graphics, etc... that currently exist to create the new EN package. That said, I wouldn't be surprise that whatever the end result is, it will align with the website, app, O&Os, etc.. And even if it doesn't, I don't think it will be a big deal given that a change in both graphics and music is to be expected. That's a perfect way to put it. I don't know if there is a market for long-form story-telling (outside of 60 minutes). I'm curious of what they will come up with.

I can’t help but wonder if people are taking too big a risk of not wearing a mask at all times. Just because you may not be directly near a fire doesn’t mean the air is safe to breathe in. It would be a different story if it rained at some point to cleanse the air. Plus, I saw a reporter from KTLA touching burnt debris with his bare hands. I can understand getting caught up in the moment, if you will, but people really need to be careful.

This is part of a larger effort to build a weather reporting network. CBS News and Stations announces weather unit changes 'CBS News and Stations has announced the next stage in building its weather reporting network that includes adding a rotating cast of forecasters to “CBS Mornings.” CBS News national weather correspondent Rob Marciano kicked off the new effort, appearing on “Mornings” Jan. 6, 2024, reporting from Washington, D.C. amid the winter storm that hit the region. The network also plans to use Jessica Burch from KPIX in San Fransisco and Kate Bilo from KYW in Philadelphia as part of the mix on its morning show. Segments will also leverage the network’s existing mixed reality technology when appropriate.'

I wouldn't want an affiliate/local station to have to spend any time/resources doing packages for the network (particularly breaking news). Their primary focus should be on serving their local communities first. In this case, it made perfect sense to go with WDSU until they could get a network crew down to New Orleans. Plus, it very important that networks send anchors and/or correspondents around the country/world to develop connections (at the local level) to better serve their audience. While they can't truly compete with a local station, getting to know people, etc.. on the ground is invaluable.

Maybe it’s a mistake?? It would be a real shame if he and WLS have parted ways after 40+ years without a proper farewell. According to an article in the Trib from last May, he had no intention of retiring anytime soon.

Richard Parsons, former Time Warner CEO, dies at 76 https://variety.com/2024/biz/news/richard-parsons-dead-time-warner-cbs-1236260229/

Not to invalidate his claims, but he's making some pretty serious accusations. Sounds like he wasn't happy in his role (which I'm guessing was as a morning reporter??) and wanted to move up. Anchor slots (or even anchor fill-in roles) often go to station vets and/or those with a lot more experience than he has. If he was looking to move up the ladder, WGN was the wrong station for him.

What's the point of launching a second half hour when you don't even know if the first is going to work? Plus, why does Dickerson get to anchor the second half hour solo? Is he even going to appear during the first?

It's an interesting thought, but if that is that plan, I think they would have said as much. CNBC has already been moved under Lazarus' purview with the future of MSNBC still very much unknown. "KC Sullivan, the president of CNBC, wrote in a memo to employees that they will begin reporting to Lazarus immediately, with plans for him to address staffers Thursday." - Deadline

CNBC, from a strategy pov, could embrace being the Consumer News and Business Channel and be fine moving forward. It's MSNBC, USA and Syfy that would require some serious work. MSNBC needs a 'news' component and if they don't plan to combine resources with CNBC, then I'm not sure how successful the network will be without a news partner. Couple with a likely name change, if I was an employee at MSNBC, I would be very worried. USA and Syfy will require original programming to grow and prosper and hopefully there are big plans in the works for them. Overall, there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding this new company....

How many people are shared between them (NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC)? One would assume the resources of MSNBC and CNBC will be combined so, in theory, there shouldn't be a huge disruption in their day-to-day operation once this spinoff is complete. Plus, there's likely going to be licensing agreements (and the like) galore between all parties involved. Things should be interesting indeed. While I agree, I think it comes down to how financially successful would this new company be without MSNBC, CNBC and USA in the portfolio. I do hope that there's an effort to strengthen USA and Syfy and return them to their former glory.

I don't think they would have a problem selling the other cable networks (Bravo, E!, Oxygen and True Crime) or at the very least, hanging onto a minority stake in the new company. Folding the channels into Peacock wouldn't be financially beneficial.

From Yahoo! News/New York Post... "The cable news channel [ MSNBC ] saw similar declines after the 2016 election, but then went on to have its four most-watched years yet between 2017 and 2020, the insider said." Unless these declines continue long-term (a year or more), then there's no reason to sound the alarms about MSNBC. Back on topic... I could see Comcast shuttering Syfy, Universal Kids and Universo, keeping MSNBC (news), CNBC (business) and USA (sports) and spinning off the rest of the cable network portfolio into a new company with the intent to sell said company.

Here’s how I see it. The sky is blue and we all know that to be true/factual. One group agrees the sky is blue while another group says it’s green. CNN often provides a platform for those that think the sky is green under the guise of being fair without realizing (or caring) that they’re directly contributing to a world full of misinformation and propaganda. MSNBC often goes down the rabbit hole of browbeating those who think the sky is green in the misguided attempt to convince them the sky is blue. FNC just doesn’t care…. If there’s one thing this election taught us is that people will believe who/what they want (no matter what). Some news orgs view things from a warped perspective (particularly politics). They have to get back to the basic principles of journalism (truth, accuracy and objectivity) in order to restore their credibility and people’s trust in them.

CNN panel discussions (if you can call them that) hurt them more than help. Phillip is incapable of moderating/leading panel discussions and quite frankly, is out of her depth.

You are correct… it’s a giant LED wall (which was okay). They definitely could have chosen a better background image and graphics overall. You would have thought Amazon would have invested some real $$$ into this venture.

Agreed. I do wonder what will become of the big moveable video monitor that was used as a divider. Seems like such an expensive unit to never use again (…not that it was used often to begin with). Here’s a better look of the window setup. I like the big desk and decorative screen (despite it covering the view).

Today marks the first time they have used the windows as a backdrop in Studio 32. Wood elements have replaced the metal/grey ones previously used to give the space a cohesive look with the main studio. Also worth noting is that they swapped out a TV frame monitor on the wall and replaced it with a backlit FOX 32 logo. A much better choice imo. The TV monitor was back in place for Bears Blitz which could suggest they plan to alternate between the logo and monitor depending on the program, etc...

From Amazon Election Night Live with Brian Williams A long list of current and former journalists (Shepherd Smith, etc..) from around the country, etc.. joined Williams in what appears to be a curved LED wall studio in LA.

There have been rumblings that he's looking to retire. He's close to 80 and has been on CNN for over 35 yrs. (?). If it's true he won't appear in some capacity on Election Night, he will be missed.

Polinsky was freelancing, but (I believe) she's now tied up with the Chicago Sports Network. Blanzy, started out freelance, but I don't think that's still the case (at least it shouldn't be after 8 years ). Nevertheless, when Lewis left, they could have promoted Blanzy or Berman. Jeff has more than enough experience in the market. However, anytime anyone is name lead sports anchor, something happens, so there's that...

Not sure why Rahimi was hired in the first place. Berman and Blanzy could have shared responsibility with a freelancer (Ruthie Ploinsky, etc...) filling in the gaps. I know Raul Delgado from Telemundo Chicago has filled in as well from time to time.

Has Navarro gotten better as an anchor? Some were very critical of him during his time in Chicago.