24994J

Ratings does not always mean respectability. 'World News' is anything but what its title suggests. It's been dumbed down to boost ratings. Nothing more. To be clear, it still is the evening newscast I still watch and there are some aspects of it I like. The 'Made in America' series is well-done, timely and effective. I also like the 'America Strong' features, but it seems like it's only a substitute for the now-disgraced 'Person of the Week'. And I wouldn't mind what ABC was doing if they just got rid of that damn 'Instant Index'. That might be the most pointless bit I've ever seen. All the crappy celebrity bits and viral videos discussed are long-outdated, as I saw them on the internet earlier, but more often then not on my ABC station in the hour and a half BEFORE THE SHOW! Completely unnecessary. Several years ago, ABC News made an effort to connect the brand to the internet. Unfortunately, it was before its time, but now they're trying to connect the internet to the brand, and it only comes across as lame and cheap...especially when its delivered by an anchor pushing 70. Forget heritage and tradition, I'd respect the broadcast more if they changed the name. It's the biggest lie in network news.

"He can come across as very condescending." Well, there's the pot calling the kettle black. Has Ms. Sawyer ever watched one of her own broadcasts? If 'World News' ever intends on becoming anything close to a respectable broadcast, it would have to be with George (of the likely candidates). I like Muir, I really do, and I would feel bad seeing him take over after Di, but the article says it all. She has taken him under her wing, and is probably grooming him to do the exact same broadcast she's doing now. Charlie allegedly preferred George over Diane to succeed him, so why should her opinions be treated any differently from Mr. Gibson's?

Robin's been very open with her health issues. Plain and simple. Have they been cramming Amy's cancer fight down our throats? No. And, in regards to Robin's sexual orientation, which really is irrelevant in the long run, I can't believe that anyone could really be SHOCKED at this. I've seen and heard the rumors for several years now, and while I've never really cared either way, I've always thought it as "hmm, maybe". Surprised? Really? Now, I'm not at all homophobic or anything, but (right or wrong) she kinda does fit the stereotype society has developed for gay women.

It's consistent with practically all the CBS-owned stations. The live feed is virtually non-existent, except for during breaking news n' stuff.

Anytime they want, really. They de-holidayed it for the overnight Mandela funeral, but redecorated by the time GMA kicked off at 7.

The morning show needs work, even if it's just rearranging some personnel. Otherwise, weekday evenings are perfect.

...and Shiba?

Morning reporter Jason Knowles is being promoted, joining Chuck Goudie and the I-Team. He begins in the new role on January 20th. http://www.robertfeder.com/2013/12/19/abc-7-reinforces-goudies-i-team/

Yeah, Mike left weekends a decade ago, and Tracy (while only there for a few months) left weekends 20 years ago. Neither will go back. If WMAQ didn't have 5 and WGN didn't have 5(/6) weather people, WLS might consider only 4. Besides, Troy is currently only part-time, so he'll only be seen on weekend mornings for now. I realize he had his teaching career, but Mark Bishop NEVER appeared on a weekday, and it took him a few years to start popping up in place of Phil in the evenings. They still promote the team as only 4, with Tracy, Mike and Jerry coming in to fill-in for Phil's late shows, not Troy.

At any rate, and I'm going to put this as nicely as possible... A whole crapload of shit is gonna go down with the morning show next year. I just hope they keep Roz.

I don't think that question about Tracy is necessarily singling her out. It's merely one of the questions the unnamed source relayed. That query could be seen from two angles: if she wasn't on the morning show because she was promoted, or if she was fired. Frankly, it doesn't make much sense to bring in new blood just yet. Once Jerry retires, whether nudged or on his own, they could hire Troy full-time, give him some sort of larger role, and just stretch the other 3 to fill the gap. That way, the payroll is significantly smaller, and they develop Troy for the future. Really, I think the top spot is Mike's to lose, but this study could conclude otherwise. I like the idea of bringing Phil to weekdays, and I think making him, Tracy and Mike (sorta) equals would be a good idea. They'd all be fair game to fill in for each other, regardless of seniority and time slot. Why couldn't all three be made the face of the franchise. None of them are Jerry, so why even try to single out one? Some scenarios... Tracy in the morning and 11, Phil and Mike each get two evening shows (however management decides) Tracy in the morning, Phil at 11 & 4 or 5, Mike gets the remaining three shows Switch Tracy and Phil in the above two examples If they want to keep a 5-person team, promote Troy to Phil's weekend roles, and hire an even-fresher face for weekend mornings (ideally, a female minority, if the commentators on Feder's page get their way) At this point, this is all more than speculative, and I think the hope is that preparing now may help things run more smoothly later.

So, this is interesting... http://www.robertfeder.com/2013/12/16/changing-weather-front-at-abc-7/ At first glance, it seems kinda silly, just another research study and stupid corporate tactic, but it makes a lot of sense when you think about it. How many stations, anywhere or anytime ever have been in this kind of situation? Three meteorologists, virtually equals in age, experience, and tenure, all with the qualifications to lead a station's weather team. If there's some level of numbers and stats backing a future plan, all three might be more likely to stay with the understanding that the chief spot was on the table for anyone.

Rob POWERS was subbing for Joe, not Nelson.

I have a feeling this will be the case (pretty much) for the interim until a replacement for Ginger Zee is found.

What's different? Other than the Olympic rings, it still looks the same to me.

New guy... http://www.robertfeder.com/2013/12/04/abc-7-retains-legal-counsel/ This guy...

I don't know how long this has been going on, but NBC5 is now running a news brief during the Ellen credits at 3:58-ish. Both anchors appear, and the whole thing is done in a equal-sized split screen. I say this because it makes everything look very small, and it's hard to read anything featured in the update. I'm not surprised they're doing this, frankly I thought they'd have done it sooner.

Sade is on with Joe this evening, and it sounds like they'll be going for a full hour, bumping World News to 7.2.

The Thanksgiving 10PM led it off last night, and he certainly stepped up his game from last year. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ron's delivery, personality and overall charm makes him Chicago's Jim Gardner. Did you see the photo album from the station's Facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152051873236162.1073741975.165583971161&type=1 #WheresRon?

I'm sorry, but this seems lame. Nothing, I mean NOTHING can ever top WIEVTDAT? Nothing.

Okay, maybe I'm way off, and I didn't find anything online, but I always thought Rob was a number of years older than Jim...or are you implying that Rob was forced out?

Alan's out in the field tonight, with Phil and Jerry manning the weather center.

WLS is preempting WCL at 11 today in favor of more coverage. Probably a good idea.

My main beef with WFLD was their lack of coverage. I realize they were limited by the Green Bay game, but from what I noticed they didn't take full advantage of the early afternoon period. I checked in a few times, and in half the instances they were showing a movie instead of going live. They didn't even have the ticker going. I dunno, it just seems like they're not even trying, anymore. Overall, 5 and 7 were excellent, 9 was clearly lacking personnel (notably Skilling), 2 did what they could with the Bears game returning, but Fox was crud when they had the chance...not crap, but crud. And, nothing against WMAQ as a whole, but I just can't stand Brant Miller, so that certainly skews my opinion.

I personally give 7 the edge based on experience, no necessarily on how many were present (Tracy Butler did call in with contributions at one point, just not in-studio)...but that's just my preference. At any rate, you couldn't really go wrong with either station today. Imagine thinking that WFLD was a good choice for coverage. Yikes.