Jase

I think it comes down to CNN+ not aligning with what WBD wants to do regarding streaming. As difficult a decision this is, there’s no point in wasting more money and resources on it. It’s going to be difficult enough trying to combine HBOMax and Discovery+ that I can understand them not wanting to add CNN+ to the mix.

December 2023. Technically, her 10 yr. Anniversary with ABC News was in 2021.

As of late, they have been really quick in filling open spots. I believe the sports job was posted and filled within a 2 to 3 week timeframe. The hiring of Wahls and Blanton were out of the blue because most figured they wouldn’t fill those positions.

I think they realize that no matter who they brought in as a replacement, it wasn't going to lift them out of third place. It makes sense to continue to strengthen the CBS News brand and devote both time and resources to that effort rather than trying to find yet another anchor for CBSEN. Sometimes you have to resign yourself to certain things (at least for the time being).

Looks like they got around to cleaning up the lobby/main entrance. It was looking pretty rough for quite a while.

Not really… Conventional wisdom was that Shep was going to get a chance to sub for Lester (at some point) when he was hired. Wouldn’t read too much into this.

This seems like a temporary move/fix to me. I doubt that they would have left behind the above video bands and added in a curved backdrop rather than having the backdrop flushed against the wall (squared off/angled) like it was before. While some may not have liked 'the tunnel effect', this isn't better imo.

My guess is that Blanton will have a similar role that Brittney Payton had (feature reporting and co-anchoring the 9A hr). No need to change up the current pairings (Terrence & Roseanne, 4-6A / Scott and Anita P., 6-9A & Sylvia , 9-10A). Blanton could also take over GDC Weekends and still appear on the weekday version, but who knows?? Guess we have to see how everything plays out.

She does. She’s out in the field during the later hours.

Here’s an updated pic for you. The Fox 32 newsroom is to the right (4-pane windows) and to the left (3-pane windows) is a seating area, etc.. as part of the complex’s tenant amenities I believe (see 2nd pic). Fox 32 often uses this space instead of having reporters outside in the elements.

Here’s another vantage point. Roseanne posted this on Monday. As you can see, they’re not completely finished.

This is a major upgrade. I'm sure everyone is happy to have some natural light.

WFLD has been quietly renovating (for over a year) the majority of their footprint (offices, storage, lobbies, etc…) at 205 N. Michigan Ave. Last Summer, they renegotiated (and extended) their lease which freed up a ton of cash to completely gut some spaces (along Lake Street) and bring other work spaces up to 2022 standards (if you will). Work continues with no (official) end date announced.

UPDATE: So the streetside studio space is no longer on the market. Not sure when this happened (late last year/earlier this month maybe), but the leasing signage has been removed and the space is no longer listed on real estate advisor SVN Chicago web site. It's unclear what the future may hold for this space.

Irika Sargent (WBBM) is filling in for Adriana Diaz tonight on the CBS Weekend News (Saturday).

Not sure I buy him suing. More like management was going to pay him what he was due and wanted some insurances that this latest 'incident' and the aftermath was never going to see the light of day outside the hollow halls of WLS. Never heard of any on-air remarks Burton made about Jerry's weight, but the two never really seemed too close (friendly) to begin with. Who knows really?? We don't know what we don't know. Not to belabor the point, but I just don't get all the hate people tend to sling Burton's way as if she has never said/done anything positive. Just seems somewhat strange to me.

What has she ever done to justify being fired? I have said before and will say again, what is it that some people have against her? She may not be the 'greatest anchor that has ever lived', she is hardly the worse that has (or will ever) grace the Chicago airwaves. Her and Alan have good chemistry and on a personal level; she was very nice the two times I met her (which is often not the case with meeting news people). It's fair to debate the way she presents the news and such, but outside of that, there's zero reason to dog her as many often do for no reason.

I wouldn’t count them out. This is a pretty solid group (excluding Marshall), so I could see them being competitive (at some point).

Had WGN made this decision in January (or at the very least this past Summer), the CFA, ideally, would have had time to line up a TV sponsor. This is very unfortunate news because this would be the first time in 20+ years the parade isn't on a 'traditional' local television station.

CNN+ could offer an opportunity he's looking for. CBS isn't going to spend the money. They're looking to cut cost/spend more wisely and not take on new cost/risks that don't result in a solid return on investment.

I think some may be putting too much emphasis on the move to TS, the views, etc... Let's be honest, having views wasn't going to change anything for them. The move to TS made sense to fully utilize under-utilized space (the new Daily Show studio/office is there too). It would be a different story if the studio was at street level.

Not happening. They’re too cheap and don’t make big, bold decisions.

Weekends would be an excellent opportunity to showcase the Fox O&Os meteorologists (at least temporarily) until a more permanent plan is in place. We shall see what they do on weekends soon enough… I hope they do (adapt these graphics). Some O&Os could benefit from an upgraded graphics package.

Unsure. Guessing two or three 6 hour blocks (Sunrise, Midday & Evenings) initially and maybe a Late Night ‘weathercast’ 10P to Midnight and live updates at top/bottom of the hour overnight. I do like what I see so far.