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The verbal references without no web tag are silly, but even though 7online was more than okay, I'd imagine the abc7NY moniker came from network. The bar going stagnant is good news, though. That said, having the abc7NY displayed in a combo of wide Helvetica and ABC Modern (glorified Futura) still looks awful.

Yes. She's reported from LA and NYC in the last couple years, and used those cities' mics.

Absolutely. Getting the ratings and revenue and not having to pump it into a news department is a pretty nice cash flow.

They're back on the regular set. I haven't seen the whole thing yet, but the lighting is definitely different.

They're plugging that her reports begin at 4 tomorrow. Also seems like a sure bet that she'll be on her shift at 5, and obviously at 10.

I...I don't know. Maybe she'll do some pool work for the affiliates. But, still...

He's a logical fill-in for Hosea. Burton's on her way to Los Angeles for the ESPY's, Krash was on last night (but with two newscasts, he's not on that often), and it doesn't make much sense to drag in Ravi or Karen when they're valuable in the field.

Rob's in for Hosea tonight on WCIU.

In terms of irrelevancy? Not quite, but I don't see how they ever make any movement from 5th place. WBBM is weak, but they have to completely implode for WFLD to have a chance at 4th.

Maybe Santa will also bring a better school closure bar this coming holiday season.

Hey, quick question about Byron...in the ABC7 thread. When he fills in for Brant, does he do the 11am show, as well?

That's out my realm of tech knowledge, but yes, mine's an Android.

Hmm...my alert didn't have the exclamation marks at all. You'd think it'd go out the same to everyone.

Steve at 9 just feels right.

Apparently Kayla Ayres spent all of 2 months at KPRC before this move. How long does she stay at WJZY before the next big thing comes along?

Y'all might want to check in on the news at nine tonight. Steve Sanders was off at midday, filling in right now at 4 and 5, so I'd assume he'll pop up on his old stomping grounds later on. I forget, has he anchored the 9 o'clock show since he left? I know he's done a few reports in-studio.

Rob just debuted, reporting in-studio on the top story at 4:30. By the way, Ron is off, but Ravi is filling in at 5, so they're not going nuts with this...like we are...like I am.

Hell, John Drury did the 10 exclusively for 8 years, and he pushed it til he was 75. Thinking about all the potential musical chairs, I've finally figured out Hosea Sanders' role in all of this. He's this generation's Joel Daly. They both were anchors of other broadcasts that were slipping in the ratings, and in an effort to keep them while bringing in new blood, management installed them on brand-new broadcasts alongside Linda Yu. Both were non-factors when discussing personnel moves and shifts. Also, both aren't used as fill-ins on the 10pm news, despite their availability.

To the first question... Hell. Yes. To the second, that is entirely possible. I also wonder if they'd go the same route as the main network, where the veteran is passed over for the prime slot, but still assumes the role of principal anchor, even if it's only a title considering the nature of local news. Ultimately, it all depends on the kind of stability the bosses want down the road. Due to his long tenure, Alan might be more inclined to retired at 60 or 40 years or something. If they want someone to man the desk for 20 years, then Rob/Terrell/Ravi (anything's possible) are the better option. Prediction: Ron cuts back to one newscast within by the fall. If he leaves the 5, Rob is installed on the next broadcast.

Rehearsals have begun... [ATTACH]1546.IPB[/ATTACH]

I've been thinking about it. Rob doesn't need to succeed Ron to be stepping up from NBC5. Sure, you could ask why he'd go from #2 at one station to #2 at another, but was we he really second banana at WMAQ? Anytime Stafford was off, Dick Johnson would cover the later shows like 4 times out of 5. Also, NBC's leadership seems high on Stefan Holt, which might set Holt up to succeed Stafford (whenever, no rush), leaving Elgas in the cold. Back at 7, even with the new hire, I'd say Krashesky is next in line after Magers. While that might not rationalize the move, Elgas would likely front two newscasts compared to the single broadcast he left, and be on a more solid track to succeed Krashesky, in a similar time frame as if he stayed behind Stafford.

Giangreco's wearing pants tonight.

I follow Cheryl on social media, and she was away for the weekend. Jerry did the the 4, 5 and 6, but Cheryl was back in time for the 7. If it's just a one day absence, one will do all five shows for the other. If it's like a whole week, Phil does the 4/6 for a few days (depending on who's off).

Cheryl was off on the early shows, so is sticking around late and they're using her with Jerry at 10. It's the new normal on stormy nights. End of story.

NBC wasn't really a problem, though, until after Elgas left. I'm not saying he inhibited their success, but, outside of a few short-lived spikes, WMAQ wasn't officially considered as a serious threat til May. So far, despite the song and dance that went down months ago, Elgas is being very well-received on ABC 7's Facebook page.