24994J

While we don't have a date, the difference in this hiring could be that Jerry's retirement is actually on the horizon, unlike at the end of 2014. Because of that, I'm going to hold off on predicting anyone's exit. Also, I'm thoroughly convinced that Larry Mowry's hiring is faaaaarrrrrrr superior to the last -ahem- acquisition. Now for needless speculation on Mowry's landing spot. To be clear, this plan is an ambition and risky realignment, though nothing is riskier than Cheryl at 10. First off, chief meteorologist in market #5 could lead to any position in Chicago. In this case, positions 2 through 4 on the depth chart are up for grabs. I'd be putting Larry on the morning news. Dare I say, the program could use a little bit of a testosterone boost, and a good looking young (enough) guy like Larry would likely keep a lot of the female viewers. With the move, Tracy would make a return to weekends, and while that seems like a demotion, it would give her the chance to get away from the ungodly hours of mornings, and give her more deserved weeknight airtime as fill-in. The final move, or first, depending on how you look at it, would be installing Phil on weeknights. I would personally slot him in at 6 (after Jerry's retirement), and at either 4 or 5, returning someone to a more Caplan-esque afternoon schedule, so whoever's working at 4am doesn't have to stick around til 1pm during inclement weather (like Tracy did like 2 weeks ago). Also of note, Troy would take all weekend morning hours, and become the weekday morning back-up. With this plan, Scott gets the 10 and gives up an earlier show, Schwarz finally moves up to weekdays, Butler gets to burn her alarm clock, Mowry gets greater exposure compared to the Saturday morning slot he used to hold, and Christensen absorbed more duties. Also, I'm still not sure how the chips will fall on the next season's daytime schedule, and who know's what will fill the potential 30 minute hole.

From what I remember, Mowry was pretty good. A decade passing has likely only helped him. If he's the product of that job posting on their website, then he's a good pickup. Dare I say, though, he's not as I diverse as I expected a hire to be. We shall see.

Frankly, her blandness and delivery would be what kept her out of a big market, not her age.

I think so. Either way, they've seemingly come through their own recent talent changes unscathed.

Yeah, WLS has been on a skid for a few years, and has mostly stabilized except for after WGN joined at 10. As for one of the others, KTVU's downfall has helped KGO immensely.

All kidding aside, as much as we've been proclaiming the death of WLS, things look pretty rosy compared to some of the other falling ABC powerhouses...WABC, WSOC, WSB, KTRK, WFAA...

While he's nothing like George, he does the format well. Frankly, Muir and Harris are the only guys I'd rather see sit in for Stephanopoulos.

I can think of at least a dozen ABC/ESPN/Disney-related stars off the top of my head that have participated in the past. There's generally 1 or 2 each season. Of course the show is going to be synergy-heavy.

She should be fine. There have been other contestants with far more demanding schedules, including a few that have commuted from New York. In any of those cases, the professional partner relocates and follows them. It's also more feasible since the show is only one night a week through most of the competition. I'm sure proper arrangements have been made, because it's no secret that the show has been trying for many years to court someone from the news division. Also, while she just had the baby, the network's likely allowing this since they're not sending her into a storm zone anytime soon.

Via a surrogate, Erin McElroy and Demetrius Ivory are now the proud parents to twin girls. Congrats to the couple. http://wgntv.com/2016/03/02/wgns-demetrius-ivory-erin-mcelroy-welcome-twins-with-help-of-surrogate/

That's all the confirmation I need. It should be interesting to see where they fit her in.

I think that's what's noteworthy here. Yes, everyone has branded gear, but optional and required are two different animals.

Remember the last time WFLD reporters were held to a fashion mandate? Well, those wacky characters in the front office are at it again... http://www.robertfeder.com/2016/03/01/robservations-fox-32-staffers-seeing-red/#more-10601 It's not as bad as the no hat policy, but it's almost as stupid. I can't wait until those winter coats become mandated windbreakers and then become required polo shirts.

Haven't heard anything in that regard. I guess it's a possibility.

Remember a few months ago when I mentioned that augmented reality elements were going to be introduced to the weathercasts? Well... While they don't say what's in-store, the fancy graphics were my first guess when the promos were running every 30 minutes last night. NewscastStudio agrees... http://www.newscaststudio.com/2016/02/29/chicago-abc-readying-augmented-reality-wx-source/ So long as the people making the OTS graphics aren't involved, this sounds like it could be some harmless fun.

It would still be better than that little talk show melody they run for the talent rejoin at 11.

If you saw the tweet, I'm like 75% sure there's some additional context that gives that word a different meaning...I think. Otherwise, I'd imagine it would've been deleted, at the very least.

Yes. Did you, by chance, see that one tweet from last week or listen to one of his radio many appearances?

Literally. One. Person. Don't tell me there isn't a competent grad coming out of Columbia or Northwestern that's so desperate to get in the bid that they'll work for peanuts checking graphics. Makes no sense. Ironically, though, they might not have caught flack from this if they'd have used a Burger King logo, instead. Those familiar with the ordeal last fall know what I'm talking about. According to Feder, Magers read a standard apology at 5 last night, and while that might not do anything for future incidents, it's about all they could do to make up for this error.

You do have to wonder. Dare I say, whoever's punching in the graphics and stuff should be dispensable enough that they could be replaced or properly reprimanded. That said, given the various times of day, I doubt these are the mistakes of just one person. Friday's incident came close (really, really, really close), but I still think WGN still has the "Worst OTS Ever" trophy.

Yeah, forget the silly blizzard backdrop or the anchor portals to hell. Solving the spelling errors and mistakes like these should be a priority, and that's what the bloggers should be calling out most often.

Yes.

I like Sam, but his behind the scenes ego is legendary. I don't think doing features is something he'd be into. Heck, I don't know that a pop news-like role like Lara would be a big enough presence. Now, if that long-rumored, never-materializing third hour came to exist, perhaps he'd agree to that, but...

Apple is going to soon have (or has already rolled out) a circular version of its watch. Perhaps, being a Disney employee, he's gotten an early model with the station app.

Smart and WFLD don't go in the same sentence, so no.