mountainave

Here's the full release: http://abc7ny.com/business/chad-matthews-named-vp-news-director-of-wabc-tv/3540380/

WABC is still running promos for the 5:00 show with Diana and Sade, so I presume the plan is still for her to return.

From a journalistic quality perspective, it'd be nice to see Whit take over most of Michael's role in the first hour, with Michael then owning more of the second hour. Don't know that that will happen, though. Certainly not immediately.

That wouldn't shock me if it pans out. Like Tom Llamas, he held a high-profile role before joining ABC News.

Sounds like it remains unclear if Amy will continue as news anchor on GMA while hosting 20/20, or if she'll be replaced, or if the news anchor role will be eliminated altogether. If it's the latter, in combination with the elimination of Lara's full time role, it certainly amounts to a cost savings for the show.

All of that could be true. But it's also probably easier for management to get other anchors to sub in for the 5 than the 11. So, if she asked for a reduced schedule, she may have been told her option was to sit out for the 5 and do the 11.

There's no reason to change the music. Part of the reason Eyewitness News is successful is because it has a long history and a recognized brand. The music is part of that. Loyal viewers who have been watching for 10, 20, 30+ years like it and like the consistency. They don't like change.

Hopefully a return to hiring only the best and most qualified -- and retaining them. WABC has become a revolving door over the last few years. I'm doubtful of this, though, given Disney's cost-cutting directives. That may explain the increase in hiring younger, less experienced reporters as well as the increasing use of freelancers.

And today is the third anniversary of Lisa Colagrossi's death. What timing.

When Robin is out these days, how often does Amy fill in for her vs. Cecilia (or another substitute) coming in for Robin while Amy remains in her normal role? I have to assume Amy would want to be sitting in for Robin on those days, with Cecilia sitting in for Amy. It's strange that this isn't what seems to be happening. Unless Amy was out, too.

And another consultant telling them that if they move George to the middle, they'll give the appearance that women aren't important.

Not to mention the accusation of sexual harassment against him set forth by Behnke referencing his comments to Stokes. That said, by most accounts he's been a very successful TV executive, and plenty of people like him and respect him highly. Plus, he's worked for at least four decades, and many in his position with his net worth would be ready to retire.

Naveen Dhaliwal, formerly of News 12, has joined WABC.

Is Camille back?

In case you haven't actually seen Megyn's piece: I thought it was perfectly fine, up until about 2:10 when she brings up Vietnam. Before 2:10, it's a perfectly acceptable monologue in my opinion given what she presents. Afterward, the Vietnam tit-for-tat is unnecessary.

I understand the idea, but what makes you think she would want to be co-anchor of Today even if it was offered to her? She was previously a solo primetime host. She was wooed to NBC by the prospect of again hosting her own show, and also by the opportunity to work more normal hours. Being co-host of Today meets neither of those criteria.

Gio Benitez is celebrating his five-year anniversary with ABC News. In my mind, his hire marked the beginning of the new guard at ABC -- the hiring of young, attractive correspondents who would eventually take the place of many of ABC's long-tenured correspondents who were in their 40s-50s.

O’Donnell then asked Curry about Matt Lauer. “I can tell you that I am not surprised by the allegations,” she responded after some hesitation. “Why aren’t you?” King followed up. “Well, I would be surprised if something like that did not occur…there was verbal harassment there,” continued Curry. http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/ann-curry-is-not-surprised-by-allegations-against-matt-lauer-and-says-there-was-verbal-harassment-against-her/354951

Though unlikely, it would be wonderful if they brought back Kenny Plotnik. I know he's now helming the ship at NBC Boston. But WABC/EWN felt like it was at a peak while he was there.

I was actually about to ask how the anchors are each being utilized these days, as I haven't watched a full show recently. I do find it interesting that on GMA's social media pages and on goodmorningamerica.com, the photo they highlight shows only Robin, George, and Michael. That elevates Michael's importance while minimizing Lara's and Amy's. (Once upon a time, those images showed the full cast of Robin, George, Amy, Ginger, Michael, and Jesse.) I'd prefer to see Robin, George, and Amy in the first hour, with Michael and Lara appearing in the second.

http://www.tmz.com/2017/11/29/katie-couric-today-show-matt-lauer-sexual-harassment-allegations/

That's quite the rapid ascent. Good for her.

Was that Mary Bruce I saw anchoring GMA Weekend with Dan this morning?

Bill is anchoring on Christmas Eve (the 11 p.m. newscast on Sunday night) this year instead.

I think he's anchored on Christmas more recently than 5 years ago. Besides, I'm not sure why "missing" Christmas with his family would matter since he doesn't celebrate Christmas.