Jase

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.

Looks like the desk from (the now defunct) NBC Sports Chicago has found a new home...

My guess is that Amazon will shell out plenty of $$$ to make sure this venture is comparable to ABC, NBC, etc.. across the board. Otherwise, why make the effort to begin with???

Realistically, John couldn't really devote his time to both Evening News and Daily Report. That said, I don't understand the vagueness concerning the move to Evening News. Simply saying you're joining the evening news team could mean anything. I could be wrong, but it feels like a lot of mix messaging going on. That's the impression I got also...the move to 57 is temporary. But if I'm being honest, is there really a need for a new set? With some small adjustments, 57 would work out fine, imo.

I think they should have someone cover the health beat. With Sandra Torres being a bilingual journalist, being able to turn around health stories for both an English and Spanish speaking audience could be invaluable. But, if I had to guess, maybe Kate or Regina succeed Lauren.

Probably a cost-savings move. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it. Overall, they have been making moves to better position themselves moving forward, imo. Getting the jumbotron fixed, moving back to the streetside studio, getting a AR/VR weather setup and moving Baker back to sports have been huge positives. Heck... they even went as far as to replace the tv monitors in the lobby with four big new ones. Hopefully, they're not forced to make any huge personnel cuts in the near future. Sidenote: I can't help but notice that Jim's hands tend to shake/tremble a lot. I hope he's not dealing with a serious medical condition.

WFLD said they would air FOX 13 from 10P-4:30A CST. Granted, if something happens with the feed, they would have to air something else (probably FOX Weather).

I believe they're only showing FOX 13 Tampa (now until 4:30A) and not FOX 35 Orlando.