MorningNews

Eva Pilgrim presented a report in the 7:30 half hour this morning.

I think this is just the reality of broadcast media today. ABC News has generally found the formula for success across their shows so there isn’t much incentive for deviating from it. Especially in a period where cost pressures are as pronounced and the shows continue shedding viewers. It’s notable that they didn’t really acknowledge on-air that they were leaving Times Square until 1-2 weeks before the move. It seemed very lowkey until last week. I set my expectations pretty low from there and in the end I like it more than I expected. That said: 1. I wish there were more physical elements to it. The only permanent fixture looks to be the anchor desk and the all screen format feels like “The Morning Show.” That kitchen set up sucks. 2. The studio looks massive, cavernous even and very empty. Some cooler tones would help. 3. Rooftops on that side of town are tough because of the wind but I really liked how they opened the 8am hour. Studio C is in the basement but how cool would it have been to have a GMA patio or some outdoor element to preserve that TSS element. The best part of all of it is the new logo inspired by one of my favorite visual eras for the show.

What we’ve seen so far looks great. The new on-air package borrows a lot from the GMA3 look. I never thought the lighting in TSS was particularly bad but the lighting at 7 Hudson Square is a significant improvement.

Shifting to content for a moment, the second hour of Saturday GMA was almost entirely an infomercial. It could be for any number of reasons especially with TSS production mostly stripped but I just don’t like that.

Just saw the first promo with his image and name included alongside Shirleen, Brittany, Sam and Heather’s for 4:30-7am. These same promos did not include him earlier this week. I guess that makes it official.

A floor made out of screens isn’t innovative or modern? If that’s what it ends up being is quite unlike anything GMA has ever had or anything the other morning shows have.

Sam mentioned that they’ll be able to broadcast “from anywhere in the world” because the studio is mostly screens including the floor. It’ll be interesting to see what they come up with.

Yep - I remember it being speculated here years ago that they’d leave TSS as they started limiting the exposure years ago. When they did the last set update they blocked off the second floor windows and limited the views of the first floor to the two windows on the street. Actually spent the morning at GMA for the send off. The cast took photos and said goodbye to the crowd. Production even let us take some of their signs home. End of an era for sure.

They used to be massive draws for viewership. Both GMA and Today drew pretty big artists for the release of their albums, part of their tours, etc. That said, the shows have changed so much that the concert series feels somewhat out of place these days. I recognize 2-3 artists from GMA’s announced line up. Today’s line up is a ton of has-beens.

I wonder what the summer concert series looks like moving forward. Hudson Square isn’t close to Central Park, it would take forever to get between the two during that time of day.

I’m not mad at Terry for keeping it real.

Totally accepted the decision, no protest from me. It’s simply an interesting observation.

I also don’t understand the staggered departure from 11pm and then 5pm. Would’ve been more grand to just have it done at once for his and Mike’s sake.

I agree with all of this. He’s such an underwhelming anchor and presenter that it’s hard to believe he’s the flagship anchor for NBC News. Maybe we’ll feel different about him when he’s had the role for a few years but then again I’ve always thought this of him. It seems like NBC just wanted to find a Muir answer.

End of an era. Interesting that he said he’ll remain at EWN at 6 for years to come. Mike Marza is going to do great alongside Sade.