Jase

1 hour ago, ATLNewsExpert said:

 

Holy cow this set looks amazing! Just like we thought, studio 47!

I agree. Glad they went with something simple and not as grand, if you will, as the DC set. 
 

And just as I predicted, they did change the orientation of the set (… pats self on the back). 

2 hours ago, MorningNews said:

I know WFLD has struggled but I’d be entirely surprised if WBBM has made any gains. Seems like those two were in the race towards the bottom for much of the 2010s through today. 

I’ve said this before… There are other metrics stations use to determine success aside from ratings. Streaming is a huge factor that will only grow in the years ahead. As long as the station is making $$$, it doesn’t matter if they’re #1 or #5. 

20 minutes ago, ns8401 said:

That last part I’ll never understand… unless he’s terrible at finances he’s made of money… so he could take that kind of pay and be fine. It’s that kind of thing that makes the press releases about how much they love making a difference ring slightly more hollow. There are a lot of normal folks whose HOUSE is worth the same money he’d make in a year. 

WFLD sounds like a good fit because they’re looking to spend $$$ on content. Like you said, he has plenty of money and could work out a deal to do long-form weekly reports or something twice a month. Personally, I can’t see him doing daily reports, but you never know.

I think it will come down to how much a support staff would cost, etc… not necessarily his pay. His age makes zero difference as long as he wants to work and is in good health.

5 hours ago, Breaking News said:

I came across this.

https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/17/chuck-goudie-out-abc-7-investigations

Wonder if he would jump over to WGN, WMAQ or WFLD?

I would rule out WMAQ. Haeberle and Randhawa have the investigative beat covered. WFLD is looking to produce more content and a weekly investigative program would be interesting.

And as crazy as it sounds… NewsNation. I know Zouves is the designated investigative reporter, but she also anchors. Having a full-time person with as much experience as Goudie could be invaluable. In theory, he also could work for WGN splitting his time between the two.

On 1/15/2025 at 8:28 PM, Spring Rubber said:

Changes are effective February 10th. Vargas moves to 7pm ET, and NewsNation Now with Connell McShane expands to three hours to cover the 5pm ET hour that Vargas's show currently occupies.

 

Really surprised they're actually not adding a new personality to the schedule.

The last thing they (we) need is another 'personality'- based show. They should keep the opinions to a minimum and focus on news. It's bad enough they have given a de facto contributor/host spot to O'Reilly. I'll take UFO coverage any day over seeing more of him (and the like).

8 hours ago, ATLNewsExpert said:

Never seen any mention on here but replacing "The Chris Wallace Show" is "Table for Five", another table show, with Abby Phillip hosting, because she's so good at NewsNight.

Reportedly, NewsNight does well (by CNN standards) that it's not surprising they want to promote Phillip. Not sure how different 'Table for Five' will be from NewsNight. Sounds like CNN wants their own version of 'The Five' or 'The View'.

4 hours ago, bmasters1 said:

Wasn't it that way in the 80s w/Rather (and any and all substitutes), when that wireframe world map was the backdrop?

I want to say at some point the set was semi-enclosed (doing the time you mentioned), but faced the same direction (toward the newsroom). In theory, this new set could be still face the same direction/orientation it just tough to say for certain.

12 hours ago, C Block said:

What studio is that? I don't recognize it. I thought we were all speculating that they were moving back into Studio 47 because that hasn't been on the air in a while?

I think it's 47. They probably changed the set's orientation in which the newsroom looks 'into' the set instead of the newsroom serving as the background. We'll find out soon enough....

9 hours ago, JosiahCubed said:

The new anchor desk looks exactly like the KCAL/KCNC/WBBM anchor desks (just without the wood border around the front screen), the walls of screens are similar to the walls of screens in Studio 1515, and the color of the wood floor and some structural elements are similar to the KCAL/KCNC/WBBM sets.

Part of me feels like they want the new CBS EN to look/feel like a local CBS O&O newscast (using a similar desk, flooring, etc...). Including, based on the aforementioned picture, images of Chicago and SF (?). Even the new promo had a 'news from the heartland' feel to it. They need to differentiate themselves from Nightly and WNT in order to draw people in. Creating a national newscast that feels like a local one would be interesting.

Susan Zirinsky Back At CBS News As Interim Executive Editor

1 hour ago, JTT said:

According to this article,  Comcast will still be in control of NBCU as well as spinco when it splits its cable networks from NBCU.  So, are they selling spinco, or just separating the company, but keeping control of both of them?

 

https://deadline.com/2025/01/spinco-nbcuniversal-programming-strategy-val-boreland-1236253204/

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

5 hours ago, JosiahCubed said:

Hopefully its just for the logo, given that Face The Nation, 48 Hours, and 60 Minutes haven't changed anything major on their logos (or just subtle tweaks) since the 2020 rebrand occurred. But, looking at the serif font used, it's the same one used on the CBS News website and app.

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.  

3 hours ago, Georgie56 said:

I get the impression that the EN is trying to reinvent itself as a newspaper for TV.

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.

3 hours ago, SDHIll1980 said:

Enjoy though I live in Los Angeles city proper, the fires are at least 15-20 miles or so away from where I currently live, but the air quality all around is terrible...I can smell the smoke in the air, even with the distance away from the fires.  My heart and condolences goes out to those lost homes, and in some cases, lost lives due to these fires.

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.

On 1/7/2025 at 6:56 PM, LG STY said:

Kate Bilo has been promoted to Meteorologist for CBS MORNINGS, And Andrew Kozak is promoted to Weekends Meteorologist for CBS Weekends. Both will continue at CBS PHILADELPHIA. 

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.'

On 1/6/2025 at 6:22 PM, MediaZone4K said:

Totally agree.

 

Similarly, I used to wonder why networks would fly reporters out, when they can just do exactly this, use coverage from a local station, or have a local station do a package for them.

 

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.

On 1/1/2025 at 3:15 PM, WeatherandTraffic said:

https://abc7chicago.com/about/newsteam/

 

It seems like Chuck Goudie has left ABC7 as his bio has been scrubbed. 

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/

3 hours ago, R.R. said:

Glenn Marshall speaks out on his departure citing he quit WGN for many reasons

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.

2 hours ago, Glimmer said:

A second half hour of the CBS Evening News, CBS Evening News Plus anchored by John Dickerson, will stream online and air on the CBS O&Os in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento and Miami, concurrent with the CBSEN relaunch on 1/27

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?

2 hours ago, LVForward said:

Could there possibly be a plan afoot to create a larger worldwide news organization by combining other Comcast news assets - which are also losing money - with MSNBC / CNBC into a single, streamlined news organization under their "Sky News" brand? 

 

Apparently, the Comcast acquisition of Sky only requires keeping Sky News in existence until 2028 - this could be an attempt to not only protect Comcast NBC but to help rescue Sky News UK / TG24 Italia simultaneously,

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

1 hour ago, Hometown News said:

I'm less sure what the strategy is with USA and CNBC. USA seems to just be a dumping ground now for the sporting events that used to air on NBCSN, so maybe they think they can just move all that content to Peacock and viewers will get used to it. There isn't an obvious replacement for CNBC and unlike the others, it's an international brand.

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....

4 hours ago, NowBergen said:

Not sure MSNBC and CNBC can go it alone without NBC News. Shared talent and news gathering. Should be interesting. 

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.

1 hour ago, JTT said:

It does not make sense to separate msnbc, cnbc, & USA from NBC.   The other channels,  I can understand getting rid of them.

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.

8 hours ago, JTT said:

I agree in keeping msnbc. Cnbc, & USA network.   If they can't sell the other cable channels, why not fold them into peacock itself creating brand themes in the streaming service with the cable channels names.  The channels already built an identity for themselves,  just  continue with it online instead.  By doing this, they don't have to program the chanels 24/7 with mostly rerun.   Just focus on original programming with old episodes of the programs on the channels available for streamers to watch.

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.

2 hours ago, MediaZone4K said:

I respectfully disagree with some points you made. Thinking that MSNBC is the only news outlet doing serious political journalism and providing the truth, indicates bias.

 

I don't like this narrative that the media was unfair to Kamala.Trump has been the star of (justifiably) negative news coverage for 9 years. Thinking the media is biased when the shoe is on the other foot behaving like the republicans.

 

That's an unfair assessment of ABC/NBC/CBS/CNN etc. They all repeatedly flag Trump's statements as false, and again provide mostly negative coverage of Trump.

 

None of those networks give the extreme right a platform to freely spread information, or are unfair to Democrats. 

 

Take CNN panel discussions. The token outrageous Republican is usually outnumbered by liberals who along with the host fact checks.  

 

Example, CBS. Face the Nation: Margaret Brennan interrogated Democrat Governor Wes Moore on Face the Nation for trying to act like Joe Biden's debate performance was "just a bad night." She gave that same energy to the Republican governor of South Dakota who talked about killing her dog.

 

Example: 60 minutes fact checks Arizona election rigging conspiracy.

 

No, Republicans and Democrats are not equivalent in the country's current troubles, but all sides have to be subject to media scrutiny. 

 

Overall, if a person says it's raining, and another says it's not, the job of a journalist to go out and determine  the weather without fear of offending one side. That I can agree on.

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. 
 

On 11/6/2024 at 11:55 PM, MediaZone4K said:

I tuned into CNN's panel discussions particularly with Abby Phillip. While I appreciated their attempt to have diverse opinions unlike the echo chamber on MSNBC, the conversation was messy and argumentative. 

 

 

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.

4 hours ago, Dave Lampstein said:

 

I think it's actually a giant LED wall studio? They aren't using any AR graphics. They're bringing guests on via a TV screen on a rolling cart...

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.