Jase

9 hours ago, iron_lion said:

https://amp.tmz.com/2023/01/13/tj-holmes-amy-robach-lawyer-up-abc-investigation-relationship-gma/

 

I'm surprised this angle hasn't been analyzed here yet, but TMZ is reporting that TJ Holmes' lawyers could launch a racism lawsuit if he or Amy is terminated. I was surprised it took this long for the black man in trouble for sleeping with white woman optics to come in to play in this case.

I think the reason this angle wasn’t brought up is because it’s not a legitimate argument/defense. They’re really grasping at straws trying to make race an issue here.
 

While ABC has made missteps by not clearly stating why they were pulled and what the next steps are; there is enough evidence, imo,  to warrant why a deeper inquiry needed to take place and why they were pulled off the air.

As far as Robach and Holmes is concerned; the damage to their reputations was caused by them. They’re acting like being divorced, serial adulterers is some kind of badge of honor. It is not. 

Who's to say David would want to anchor WNT for another 20+ years? Keep in mind that this year will mark David's 20th anniversary with ABC so I won't rule out him wanted to step back and take on a different role in 10-12 years.

The lost of Vega (and the possible lost of Robach and Holmes) does throw a bit of a wrench in things. Nevertheless, GMA and WNT are doing quite well in the ratings, so I wouldn't worry too much about the future of ABC News.   

On 1/13/2023 at 1:48 AM, tyrannical bastard said:

Touche.  They also had the similar variant with a different font, before the prior "blue" package. Zucker was the one who started a decade ago.
The years are beginning to run together these days...

Not to worry. Word is new graphics are on the way with ideally everything else (new shows, graphics, etc..) in place by Licht 1 year anniversary with CNN.
 

47 minutes ago, 24994J said:

LIKE a Bill Maher. Somebody whose comedy bends toward the political/topical.

More like a Jon Stewart or John Oliver. Unfortunately, I can’t see anyone wanting to commit to doing a show 4-5 days a week. Those days are probably over. Plus, can’t see there being much interest from viewers for a show like that. 

On 1/14/2023 at 10:23 AM, Amra said:

But it shouldn't be dismissed either. The LA Times piece about KYW is a good reminder about it too. The Post may be doing a hit piece on Khemlani and CBS, but it doesn't deny the fact that CBS is always one step forward and one step backwards at the same time.

I don’t think anyone is dismissing this but rather pointing out that this really isn’t that big of a deal.

He was given the mandate to cut costs, so I can understand him questioning certain things. Norah shouldn’t be making (nor should anyone else) $7+ mil. a year. There should be some shared sacrifice taking place.

Plus, it’s important to note that corrective action is taking place which didn’t happen with the previous CBS News/O&O regime until serious damage was done.

1 hour ago, cbs2worksforyou said:

Walked past the channel 2 studio today. They had black curtains down around all of the windows. I remember reading how they were going to begin reusing the street-level studio after the jumbotron was repaired. Does anyone know if they started building out the studio?

They had not started work the last time (about 2 weeks ago) I walked by the studio. I do know that it was been completely cleaned out so it's ready for work to begin. The studio is big enough for more than just a weather center, so I'm hoping they really take advantage of the space.

Honestly, none of this is surprising. Bosses, regardless of the industry, are often jerks and Khemlani is no different. Morale has long been a problem at CBS News so it will take a significant amount of time for that to improve and constantly cutting resources/people only slows that process.

Since his contract expires next year and baring any ‘serious’ allegations, my guess is that he survives this and retires. There doesn't appear to be enough currently to justify dismissal. 

4 hours ago, jrogo said:

I'm curious as to why CNN thinks they need 3 co-anchors and 3 hour blocks during the day, I'm glad they didn't go the MSNBC route of a new anchor every hour but it seems overdone. The changes will roll out over the next few months but are expected to be done by the end of Q1, I wonder if the newsroom set has been taken off the air for these changes and not CNN This Morning like many thought. 

 

I assume that the two 3-hr. blocks is where they will tryout getting the anchors out from behind the desk and moving around (I.e… the NYC newsroom and possibly both the DC newsroom and one of the DC studios).

Having 3 anchors isn’t an unusual concept. They just have to balance everything out. I’m curious to see what they come up with.

I see no harm in trying something new. I do wonder how this will effect their in-studio political panels, which have been their bread and butter for quite some time. 

Wouldn't be against culling the # of people offering up political analysis as there wasn't a need to have 14+ people (between anchors, correspondents, CNN political analysts and contributors) repeating the same points over and over again during the Speaker of the House coverage last week.  

Nor do they need multiple anchors leading coverage of events instead of dividing the work load, if you will. 

8 minutes ago, iron_lion said:

Uniformity isnt all bad. It's cool seeing an identical format with different faces when going to another city.  But I dont mind a middle ground, uniformity with traces of uniquness. For example, KDKA has the standard CBS get up, only their little twist is the black and gold graphics. Staions could have a standardized set perhaps with individual takes on colors or set per market. Maybe even a different version of the theme. ABC's O&Os have achieved this and their largely winning. CBS hasn't achieved a winning formula to warrant a standard format across stations. 

Agreed. I see it as striking a balance between the new and the old which can be done in certain ways.

5 hours ago, Tyler said:

CBS is moving away from Enforcer for exactly that reason. It’s dated and doesn’t fit the direction of the network/O&Os. It’s been around long enough. It’s time for something refreshing and new. 
 

The graphics are modern and clean. They look good on mobile and streaming, which is the future. They’re far better than the current iteration of the O&O graphics. 
 

Overall, it appears this is a solid upgrade for the CBS O&Os. Despite some stations keeping calls or channel numbers (for now), I think this is a step in the right direction. I for one am happy to see some of the nostalgia go to the wayside. 

You young whippersnappers!!!! Leave us 'traditionalists' alone!!!

But seriously...I agree it makes sense to have 'some' form of uniformity (whether it's graphics, music, etc..). However, that uniformity shouldn't come at the expense of, for example, a station's uniqueness. And that is no doubt a huge challenge that CBS has to work through.

On 1/5/2023 at 9:53 AM, R.R. said:

They never passed that title down.

True. And people would have likely rioted in the streets if they gave Scott that title.

39 minutes ago, CalItalian2 said:

King Tides do not occur until January 21 & 22, 2023 in California. Can someone please explain why KCAL News is posting this as a story? Google search it. Heal the Bay, for one. 

Could just be a simple mistake someone made (i.e. saying 'king' tides instead of 'high' tides).  No one's perfect...

6 hours ago, Daybreak said:

So are they using KCAL for all newscasts and not KCBS? I just seen a clip on YouTube of Pat Harvey on KCAL at 6. https://youtu.be/oyyoAGYJC2k

Yes. All newscasts (regardless of what channel they air on) are labeled KCAL News. 
 

When the newscast airs on channel 2, CBS Los Angeles is ‘added’ to the title. 
 

It’s my understanding that ‘KCAL News’ is synonymous with breaking news coverage in the region, the decision was made to go with the strongest and recognizable brand/moniker, if you will.

 That’s what I read from a couple of articles I found online.

5 hours ago, WeatherandTraffic said:

Tj and Amy still haven't returned to GMA3 yet. I feel that the co-hosts of the main show are not to happy with them. Also do you guys think that the network is keeping them off the air so they have to end their affair? 

The internal investigation isn't over and was likely paused over the Holidays. Ratings have not been affected, so there's no hurry to bring these two back. Just going to have to wait until the process is over to see what happens next. 

3 hours ago, newsteam13 said:

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm one of the majority of folks that stream an awful lot. I watch very little broadcast TV. I stream my favorite CBS shows on Paramount Plus. I stream some ABC shows on Hulu too. 

 

However, I do long for the days of old-school TV news. Where I'm educated and informed without a lot of sensationalism, partisan politics and negativity. 

I wonder how many local stations are adapting to the idea of streaming local newscasts, where everybody can watch the news at their own convenience. 

I stream, cast or airdrop everything these days.  Very rarely do I watch TV (in the traditional way) or listen to the radio even. There's just too much content spread across too many platforms.

I too long for the days on old-school local TV news were stations would truly compete with each other. Hard-hitting investigative stories are pretty much non-existent and even big events like election night lack the excitement it once did.

3 hours ago, R.R. said:

Only to be reassigned to weekends. I feel sorry for Patrick

What a load of bs. Patrick is a better person than I because I would have quit. Clearly he isn't valued there. None of these recent moves make sense at all.

3 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

Here is Phil's send off from the 6pm show. I will miss his style of reporting. 

 

 

 

I had the pleasure of meeting him many years ago for a story he was working on for WMAQ. This is a huge loss for them (and for the Chicago market). Truly, one-of-a-kind.

9 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

Interesting. I wonder what this means for Alex Maragos. With Rob retiring I wonder if he'll take over the 4pm. But I figured Patrick Fazio would be both 11am and 4pm with Marion.

 

Honestly I thought with WMAQ hiring Evrod Cassimy he would have went right to weekday mornings. I don't mind JC but he's more suited for reporting. 

 

They just need to revamp the morning anchors. Michelle should have stayed on Weekend nights. Now with Evrod moving to weekends they would be a great pairing. 

I wouldn't be surprised if Alex goes back to weekday mornings and JC goes back to Weekend mornings. I still think they may (or should) give the 4P back to Patrick. It would make the most sense to reset things, as best they can, back to what they were.

4 hours ago, 24994J said:

Bless their hearts, I've liked a lot of what management has been done at NBC 5, lately, but what the hell is their deal with male anchors? Can they just not leave anything alone for a few years, much less A FEW MONTHS? I know they need to name a 5 & 6pm assignment, but they always seem to feel the need to fiddle with things that aren't huge problems.

Not just their male anchors, but their anchor pairings in general. I don't think they realize (or care) that all the unnecessary upheaval has taken a toll over the years. Hard to keep viewers interested/invested when there's constant change.

2 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

Looks like Frank Whittaker VP of News at WMAQ is also retiring this week. He's been there for 26 years. 

 

Hopefully, the next ND/Station Manager will be willing to shake things up a bit. WMAQ has been way too complacent over the years. I miss the days when they were competitive with WLS. These days, they seem happy to just be in 2nd (or 3rd) place.

9 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

And another retirement. Phil Rogers will be leaving after 31 years at WMAQ on Friday. 

 

Not sure if he is part of the early retirement being offered as most of those were announced weeks ago. 

 

The investigative unit is taking a hit with Rob Stafford and now Phil Rogers gone. 

 

 

I would imagine Allison, Charlie and Mary Ann could be looking to retire as well in the next year or so. They don’t have a good reporter/anchor bench and the few solid people they do have could end up bailing for greener pastures. 

Dax Tejera - EP of ABC’s ‘This Week’ dies at the age of 37

4 hours ago, GodfreyGR said:

Soapbox rant- but as much of the country has been dealing with record cold, and other localized issues, one thing that I've noticed is the new trend of TV stations "issuing" (insert weather branding here) "Alert Days".

 

Some people are in serious danger- and the National Weather Service is doing (I think) a good job trying to keep the national Christmas Tree of watches/warnings/advisories clear and concise. Tv stations are diluting that for a cheap attempt at ratings points by starting a newscast with "We have issued a weather alert day for tomorrow". How long until viewers start tuning out the over sensationalizing of severe/extreme weather as just station hype putting communities into real danger?

 

Directors/Managers- What's the logic and reasoning behind issuing "alert days" beyond the watches/warnings from NWS? Genuinely curious. 

 

Full disclosure- I've noticed this on my local CBS and Gray-owned stations. 

I noticed one of the stations (market #35) issue a weather impact (alert) day in early May. I believe it was because of the heat/air quality. It was the first time I had heard of such a thing.

One would assume no station (regardless of market) has the authority to ‘issue’ a weather alert. No doubt the station could say they’re doing so under the guise of a ‘public service’ to avoid getting in trouble.
 

It appears that there’s a loophole/grey area some stations are taking advantage of by issuing weather alerts. You’re correct that this can become very problematic.

Rob Stafford anchors final newscast

Sally Schulze leaving WFLD

Sally started out as a writer at WFLD working her way up to anchor launching 'First at 4' newscast with Anthony Ponce in 2020.  

Some clarity….

ABC News launches internal investigation into Holmes/Robach affair

Worth noting is the possibility of Holmes being involved with a third individual and that ‘the review [investigation] focuses on morality language in Disney's corporate handbook.

4 hours ago, Georgie56 said:

With the film and TV industry growing in Atlanta and the state of Georgia overall, I don’t understand why CNN would want to minimize their presence in Atlanta. 

They have to cut cost anywhere and everywhere. No reason to hang on to large amounts of space that will likely go underutilized. They announced plans to move the CNN LA bureau to WBD offices in Burbank a couple of days ago. It's safe to assume they will continue to consolidate space as much as possible moving forward.