24994J

By the time 5 took their first break, 2 was on their second. 7 went solid through weather, again. Don't count on that again til November.

Yup. Sure.

Somebody at ABC 7 got wind of the early sweeps results, and in an effort to compete with dueling reality show finale lead-ins tonight, Eyewitness News at 10 went 20 minutes commercial-free. They only took their first break after weather. I can't remember a time that channel 7 has ever done this. I'm recording the 1am rebroadcast of NBC 5's late news to see if they went the same route.

I don't know. Ignoring the 10pm product on PHL17, moving from 4pm in Philly to 12pm in New York seems like a reasonable transition for me. The only difference is that she'll be going from the #2 female role to #4.

The main difference now is that they're going to need at least one new talent open (not necessarily new graphics), and the typical life cycle for a WABC package is winding down, based on previous generations.

Probably, but isn't that always going on? During the main TV season, for example, I rarely check out WGN's news at 9, but with less competition, I watch it fairly regularly during the summer. In turn, I don't have as much use for any of the 10PM broadcasts. There's always people going back and forth, I just think that the Caplan incident is likely being overblown as a reason for the switch. I wouldn't be shocked at all if NBC 5's touted Blackhawks coverage (linked vicariously to NBC Sports and CSN Chicago) has some effect on their ratings, even though few of the games air on channel 5. No matter what, WMAQ is bringing in more non-regular viewers, but the question is if they can keep them, which is something they've struggled to do in the past...especially in post-Olympic sweeps periods.

Nothing that I've noticed. They're investigative-heavy like 7 & 9, the team hasn't been touched. I'd assume an improved NBC line-up has helped some, but until this becomes a strong trend, I'm guessing it's a mostly isolated incident. They've won a few demos before, but haven't usually maintained that momentum. It's funny, though, as everyone on Feder's comments keep bitching about the Mike Caplan firing, and many say they haven't watched 7 since because of Cheryl Scott. That #1. doesn't mean they're flipping to 5, #2. Scott doesn't appear on the late newscast in question (though a station-wide protest is true for some), and #3. both stations' ratings increased, debunking much of the notion that viewers are switching from one to the other.

NBC 5 is poised to take the demo this sweeps period by a tenth or two of a point over ABC 7. Both stations are up among younger viewers over the last month and year, and a total viewer win still seems elusive for the peacock. http://www.robertfeder.com/2015/05/18/nbc-5-may-have-top-story-at-10-p-m/

With today being Chicago's municipal inaugeration day, channel 7 has Alan and Linda at the desk, ready to break in for the mayor's speech. In the meantime, I'm fairly certain that this is the first co-anchor WCL news update. Considering it's only 4 minutes long, it felt really silly to see the multiple camera angles and tosses.

It was a combination. From what I understood, she had been wanting more convenient hours, and the 4 afforded her the opportunity.

Is the station incapable of maintaining stability, or do they just choose not to?

6ABC just debuted 'Drone 6', and the live stream went out after 10 seconds. It came back a few seconds later, but was a little spotty after that.

First thing that crossed my mind.

When the sports guy's away, the others will play...

I haven't seen Reali on the show in months, so I think that arrangement fell apart. ESPN college analyst Jesse Palmer seems to be filling both Tony and Tebow's former roles. He's been on most days that Strahan isn't there, and I like him.

ESPN's 'Mike & Mike' morning show will be moving from Bristol to Times Square in the near future, creating a partnership with 'Good Morning America'. Hosts and personalities from the two programs will crossover and make appearances given the right opportunity, but guest bookings are playing a key role in the move, as well. http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/espns-mike-mike-moving-to-new-york-closer-to-gma/262497

Yeah, only the open changed. It looks very good, but it doesn't match the in-show graphics. The theme also got a reorchestration, dropping much of the percussion and strings for a cool electric guitar accompaniment. It sounds great in the headline bed, but leaves much as be desired in the open, as much of the theme's hook was lost with the dumped instrumentation.

Nothing much interesting me on here this week. Nothing that I would effectively contribute to, anyway.

I'm sure video will be posted, but ABC 7 is jumping into the drone pool. Freelance ABC 7 (and CBS 2, apparently) photographer Colin Hinkle has been given an official FAA license to operate a drone, and his model is equipped with an HD camera and live streaming capabilities. This is enough for the station to create a "DRONE CAM - LIVE" graphic to display during its use. Law states that it cannot be used within 5 miles of airports or above 200 feet, and operators are discouraged (it may be illegal, too) from using it over large groups of people. Frankly, I'm not sure how viable it will be considering the legal limitations, and it is not ABC 7's property, but hey, it's sweeps. Go nuts. http://abc7chicago.com/news/drone-flies-over-nearly-ready-bloomingdale-trail-/703738/

I had the opportunity to hear most of the new cuts, in their clean, unadulterated form. They're very nice, and while I generally like the '07 originals better, it's a shame they're not using the updates across the board. But, apparently the higher ups aren't as enthusiastic about the new cuts as the last regime.

Didn't really watch any of the A-blocks tonight, too busy with KTRK. They have used WPVI's Kenneth Moton several times, though, but I wouldn't be shocked if Travers' reports have popped up, too.

"Atlanta...just one of America's crap cities." "Spank me!" -You know who

My inner graphic geek and weather geek are colliding. NEW WEATHER GRAPHICS!

"Magers breaks out in a rash if he goes to the suburbs." -Mark Giangreco

WLS has been upgrading to the Nissans over the last year. Wait until they show it in promos and on social media and people start bitching about it not being an American vehicle.