mountainave

I vaguely recall seeing new graphics debut over the weekend in the past. Gives them a chance to test things out live on the weekend shows and iron out kinks before the more-watched weekday shows.

Looks like the trend toward "flat" made its way to WABC...

The only way this makes sense to me is if it is meant to lay the groundwork for Lara's departure. Michael takes on more of the lighthearted stuff as Lara's role continues to be reduced, until the next headline reads "Lara decides to move on for other opportunities." That's the possibility I'm envisioning right now. I have a hard time picturing the plausibility of having six anchors full-time for the long-haul.

Could be. I raised the question because I wonder if a station in the #1 DMA would be willing to have a female chief sports anchor. If it's up to Camille, then maybe it would happen. But otherwise, I imagine there might be some apprehension about how viewers would respond to a female delivering sports on weeknights.

We once speculated at great lengths the possibility that Rob would eventually transition to news while at WABC. However, the hiring of Shirleen virtually eliminated that possibility. It also essentially put an end to Rob filling in for the news anchors which he had previously been doing more and more of. So, if he indeed wants to transition to news, I guess this makes sense. Would be a loss for the team at a time when more instability isn't needed. Would also raise the question: what happens to Laura Benhke?

I think the reference was to the assertion allegedly made by Lisa's mom that Camille overworked Lisa. But, yes, add the Sarah Wallace situation to the mix, too. My problem with Shirleen is that, to me, she still feels young and inexperienced, especially when placed in comparison to heavy hitters like Ritter, Williams, and Stokes.

I think that's it. They probably see it as a chance to raise his profile.

That's bizarre. Well, I imagine she can't be the full time GMA meteorologist in NYC and a full time DWTS competitor in LA at the same time. I wonder if this is ABC creating an opportunity for Sam to step back in?

Jim Dolan just tweeted that he is returning to air after eight weeks off. Anybody know why he was off for two months? Couldn't have been vacation, and he hasn't given any indication that it was a medical leave. He's been critical in the past of WABC management decisions (I'm thinking in particular of the email he sent following the exit of Sarah Wallace). Can't help but wonder if this was a suspension. Pure speculation, of course.

Now that's an interesting idea. Hadn't thought of that before. I could see Deborah really excelling on the show.

Today had the same arrangement. M + S were together in Iowa.

Didn't realize it was a competition.

Freelancer Kala Rama is leaving WABC to become a weekend evening anchor at PIX.

I also have been getting the sense that Whoopi doesn't like Paula. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed. Paula has definitely taken on the Walters role as the "fact-giver" during discussions, though that could be because she was told to do so by the producers. Who knows. Sara does feel more natural. She is certainly better suited for a show like this than a for a news program like GMA.

The panel that's on today -- Whoopi, Michelle, Joy, Candace, and Sara Haines -- is really great together.

George is anchoring a special report right now, and the graphics have indeed been updated. They've done away with the red/white/blue remnants from the old WN package. The fonts are in line with the new WNT package and the colors are darker -- more blue, and more similar to the special report package prior to the red/white/blue.

Based solely on the two clues, my guess would be Sam, since I think he's publicly expressed his love for both. But, like many of you have mentioned, I have a hard time believing NBC would allow it. We'll see.

Anchoring the 4 today: Diana Williams and Sandra Bookman.

They gave two clues -- this person loves BBQ and beaches with white sand and clear water.

I don't think Liz is going anywhere. This job is too good -- anchoring the 4 and 6 means she's with her daughter in the morning and the evening. Plus, she's in DMA 1. Let's not assume Josh's career is more important than hers. If Josh were to join FS1, I imagine he'd work out a deal that either has him anchoring from a studio in NY or has him as a correspondent traveling for major sporting events.

David Muir will be anchoring WNT live from the New Hampshire debate center tonight.

I find that song really annoying (they used it last year, too, I think) and it would have been nice if they used short video clips rather than flashing stills, but otherwise, it's nice.

I wonder if ABC will update its Special Report graphics to bring them in line with the WNT graphics update.

WABC has typically not updated its News Team page (http://abc7ny.com/about/newsteam/) to include freelancers (e.g., Andy Field, Renee Stoll) but does update it to include full-time staff. Kala Rama, CeFaan Kim, and Mallory Hoff all do not appear on the page. So, either all three of the newest hires are freelancers or the page just hasn't been updated (but the latter seems unlikely).

Surprised to hear Elliot is being allowed back on the show. I guess relations have warmed.