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Brief summary of Jerry's last newscast... At least Mark put his clothes back on by the end.

I'd like to say I just threw this together tonight, but no. I've had this nearly ready to go just for this occasion...

. For sure. Heck, I'm not sure they even moved those pieces. Still, it looks pretty snazzy.

Did not need to see Jerry shirtless, but they delivered just that in tonight's exit interview.

Like I thought, tonight was Jerry's final appearance on WCIU. They'll have more tonight at 10, and the 6 tomorrow will be his last show.

Is it just me, or does it look like some of the old news set is being used for Pat's show? [MEDIA=instagram]BeGRwb3AnVm[/MEDIA]

That's an odd feature, for sure, but it's not hardly my biggest gripe. It's virtually impossible to find anything more than a few days old when THERE'S NO SIMPLE SEARCH FUNCTION. Like really, what the hell? Oh, and would it be so hard to use the WLS logo and not WABC's?

[MEDIA=vimeo]251402990[/MEDIA]

[MEDIA=vimeo]251347381[/MEDIA] [MEDIA=vimeo]251357527[/MEDIA] [MEDIA=vimeo]251388154[/MEDIA]

It's relatively close. Katie and Matt lasted for 9.5 years (1/97-5/06), while Charlie and Joan crossed the decade mark (2/87-9/97).

The promos for Jerry are up. I'd imagine they'll begin airing in short order, if they haven't already. [MEDIA=vimeo]250898221[/MEDIA] [MEDIA=vimeo]251226666[/MEDIA] [MEDIA=vimeo]251225989[/MEDIA] In addition to those (I'm sure there will be Krashesky and Burton ones), his successors are featured in longer-form pieces. [MEDIA=vimeo]251226238[/MEDIA] [MEDIA=vimeo]251226370[/MEDIA]

Ravi was on at 4, but filed a report during the day. I can't think of the last time Krash did the 7. Heck, Kathy shows up on there more often.

This is an opinion I can agree with. The notion that Michael is only good at football and breathing, and fails at every aspect of this role is silly. I firmly agree that he should not appear alongside George and Robin for the first half hour or two, but he is more than capable of being on the panel and contributing when they move upstairs. Fun fact: it's hard to believe, but Robin and George have quietly become the 2nd-longest tenured anchor duo in GMA's history, only behind Charlie and Joan.

Best case scenario, he takes on a Harry Porterfield/Bill Campbell-like role, continuing the Chicago Proud series, feature reports, local programs, and parades (all stuff he does beyond the 7pm), maybe filling in from time to time. Worst case, none of that.

I will never understand that. Stacey (and Larry, til next week) sometimes has to miss a Saturday shift to fill in on a Friday night, and Karen and Phil (though they usually have him turn both) miss Sundays at 10 to fill in Monday mornings. Wpuldnt it be easier to switch those weekday shifts? I dunno. A related, random thought I had: I wonder if, like Ravi over Rob, Phil will get a bunch of weeknight 10pm fill-ins over Larry to make up for not getting the weekday promotion.

I have a feeling. I believe the last agreement between the two stations was for two years, two years ago at least one year, a year ago. I haven't heard anything that they re-upped. It may not be in any danger, anytime soon, but they might be giving Larry the 3 now so they don't have to play with shifts again later, if the do bounce the 7.

Larry getting promoted is no surprise, and while I still wish it was Phil, I'm cool with this move. I'm shocked, though, that he's getting 3 newscasts, but that definitely speaks volumes to the WCIU newscast's future.

This is the high-level workplace drama I watch these channels for. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1807933692561124

Steve's in a neck and neck race with Dick Johnson for oldest anchors remaining. As nice as it would be, I can't imagine him being a viable long-term option. If they want a lead anchor on at 4/5, 6, 9, and 10, then they should install whoever as anchor of the midday show and one of the early evening shifts (whenever Steve retires). That would cut a little fat, without forcing anyone out.

Negovan would be my pick as successor, but I wish they'd give Ben and Lourdes the 6 o'clock hour. I don't care for the evening news falling under a singular brand, and there's no reason why that competent team only has an hour while every other anchor duo sits for at least 2 per day.

The 11a, 5p, and weekend 5, 6 & 10. The 6 and 7p will go away with Jerry. They shot those new opens nearly a year ago, but without Sanders, Jordan, Rivera, and a future meteorologist.

Oh, you mean like how channel 7 is missing 7 (soon to be 9) of their 14 talent rejoins?

They didn't air last Sunday, but they are airing a 3-person talent bump, like the weeknight shows.

Phil's doing the 10. She put up the good fight.

He was off since at least the middle of last week, and Cheryl's been hinting that she's getting run down by some illness (Tracy has the flu, and Jerry might be under the weather, too), so they probably asked him to do a few shows tonight to relieve her a little.