24994J

Ginger said on Instagram that she was sick all last week, but feeling better now. As for Rob being a part of the parade, I wouldn't count it out. I haven't heard who will replace Josh Elliott on the telecast, though I assume ESPN will still produce.

That's not quite a fair assessment. At no point did she leave the network, she just took two leaves of absence.

Rob Marciano did weather tonight from Los Angeles in front of a green screen, and for the life of me, I cannot remember the last time I saw a network weatherperson use a chroma key.

As always, her presence at the desk makes you wonder what might have been had she continued as anchor nearly a decade ago.

ABC 7 hit 1,000,000 Facebook likes this morning, and sure enough, they posted the promo in which I appear. It's currently on their Facebook page, but I'll try to post it tomorrow. If anyone wants to post the link here, knock yourself out.

I am picking up some first time jitters from her, as she was usually more confident on NBC, so maybe that contributed to any grammar blips. Nonetheless, you make a valid point.

I don't know what it is, but I'm actually warming up to her a little, like something about her is different than when she was at channel 5. I'm feeling the same way about Dionne, kinda like a more concerted effort is being put forth because they're both on a more prominent stage, especially in Miller's case. I agree though, Scott does have a lot of work to do. As for the vague numerical forecasts, that not really huge. The others do it; maybe not as much, but they're just as guilty. And, also in her defense, the temps and conditions over the weekend in the area are going to be a little spotty, so giving ranges instead of hard numbers isn't that bad of an idea.

Jerry was on at 5 (and likely 6), but Cheryl's making her late show debut. Ravi is solo and Terrell's in the field.

Also, Cheryl debuted at 4 on Wednesday (12/24). She'll also be in for Mike today. I'm guessing that this will be the new structure, with Cheryl being Mike's main back-up, and it wouldn't surprise me if Caplan will return the favor when the 7 o'clock show gets going.

I think it's only fair that even the higher ups work some holidays/occasions. I'm sure the A-team gets first dibs on what days to take off, but most of the ABC 7 anchors doesn't strike me as the kind of people that don't take one for the team. Anyone remember when Kathy Brock anchored Christmas morning the last time it was on a Sunday, just so Ben Bradley could be home with his new baby? Ron always volunteers to work on Thanksgiving, and Linda Yu usually picks up a holiday or two this time of year. And when you have occasions like Christmas and New Years that tend to be 2-day ordeals, everyone can have a chance to celebrate with their loved ones.

I will say, though, it's amazing that, with a just few hires and a single firing, the hierarchy at the station has completely changed in the last year. Just look at the morning show. The weekend anchors used to fill in all the time, and that will only become a little bit regular once Terrell becomes full-time. But, I think it's fair to say that seeing Ravi and Phil on a weeknight will become a rare occurrence once Hosea and Scott join the evening roster.

And Terrell returns with Stacey at 10. Three anchors, two meteorologists, two sportscasters (Dionne was with the Bears, when JR could have done it AND the newscasts)...why would they be so damn overstaffed tonight, especially when Jerry was solo the other night, and Ron and Cheryl anchored everything last night?

Ravi joined Stacey at 5.

Terrell, Stacey, and Cheryl S. I don't know who's on sports, as I'm currently directing traffic in a church parking lot.

They're a Dionne Miller away from Stacey Baca being the old hag of the crew...at like 45.

I win. Cheryl Scott's doing weather tomorrow at 4, and I would bet the whole night, as well.

Jerry mentioned it at one point last week, too. I still think we're going to see her tomorrow and/or Thursday, especially since she'll be with Krashesky at Navy Pier for 'Countdown Chicago'.

I was talking Burton.

Who was on at 5? It is the big holiday week, after all. I'm sure more than a few people have off.

And Cheryl at 5. Only at ABC 7.

I'll look into it. Thanks!

Stupid question...do I need anything other than the tuner and whatever video program I have? Any antennas, 100-yard long cords, etc?

Unfortunately, the secondary feed I use for clips doesn't get WCIU. It's literally the only local isn't carried. Most of my ABC 7 stuff comes from their web stream, anyway. My superpowers aren't that impressive. Maybe I'll FINALLY cave a get a tuner for myself for Christmas. And, I didn't mention it in the last post, but it sounds like this will be a WCIU newscast, produced by WLS, so I would guess that Weigel chooses the methods of distribution, not ABC.

Not necessarily. I don't think any of the other ABC O&Os with off-net newscasts stream the programs. I know for a fact that KABC does not.

The broadcast teams have been announced for the New Year's Eve special. Despite Chiaverini and Warner appearing in the program's sweepstakes commercial, Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies will return as main hosts, with Ryan and Val paired off. Hosea Sanders will be somewhere, possibly with Ji Suk Yi, like last year. But, the unexpected duo of the night will be Alan Krashesky and Cheryl Scott. I'm not surprised to hear that Cheryl is involved, heck, she filmed a promo with Hosea this morning and they're trying to raise her profile, but I don't recall any of the main anchors appearing on the telecast in the past.