LarryFlick

It was fascinating to note that Lori Stokes and Sandra Bookman were paired for the very first time last week on the anchor desk. How is it possible that they haven't worked together in nearly 20 years?

Is it me or do they practically have Shirleen Allicot working round-the-clock since she's returned from maternity leave? It's great to have her back, but, wow...

Marcus Solis' piece on the heat today talking about the 1977 blackout on July 13-14. Larry Kane was shown broadcasting that day (one of the 70s pieces on YouTube.)

 

For those who want the 1977 version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id=zvcHtJK3Dhg;t=1

It was truly fun and fascinating to watch this broadcast. I have to confess that there were moments when I thought, "why is the quality of this newscast so much better than what we get NOW with better technology?"

It happened back in 2013. There were four attackers two 15 and two 16.

 

Edit: It's probably completely unrelated and just a random drunk on the street. But it still need to be taken seriously. This is a reason why I think constant social media is crazy — especially if the reporter or photojournalist identifies where they currently are and are going live. The live truck, camera and lights already bring out the local crazies but social media brings it to the world. I feel the same way when a reporter or anyone in particular posts a picture of them on vacation and how long they're gone. It's an invitation to be robbed.

 

I'm still upset that this happened and hope the suspects are caught. But sadly I think it may not be a high priority.

I'm impressed that he is still willing to be a reporter after that kind of experience. Most would be wary of being out there in such a vulnerable way.

Noticed Carolina Leid was anchoring the Saturday AM newscast on FiOS1 News.

Just caught a bit of her on FiOS1, and she was good. WAY better than the previous anchor. That said, man, they need to improve the lighting.

Are these "The news team you can trust"

promos new? I'm just seeing them during the Oscars. It's seems odd and small market for

the number one station in the number one

market.

To me, it's an undeniable reaction to the notion of "fake news" infecting the media. It seems designed to say, "despite what Trump and his surrogates say, we can be trusted."

So, we were asking if anyone left WABC, with the Candice McCowan sighting. I mentioned a few weeks ago that Mallory Hoff is no longer with the station, but I noticed today, Carolina Leid's bio is gone from the website. Her contract must have expired at the end of the year, because the Twitter account has none post 2016.

If it's true, I'm sad to see Carolina gone. She's a strong reporter.

Bingo. Merge the two, and boom- you're back to having two investigative reporters, without having to hire anybody.

It's a sneaky cost-cutting measure, but it could also broaden Pineda's scope to include harder investigative stories. Then again, I could be overly optimistic. It's more likely a move to make consumer pieces seem more in-depth than they are.

A branding change: "The Investigators" has become "7 on Your Side Investigates"

 

http://abc7ny.com/7onyoursideinvestigates/

I predict that they will expand the brand to include Nina Pineda's reports. It's hard to ignore the title-fusing of the two segments.

Candace McCowan from WFLA in Tampa has joined WABC as a reporter.

I saw her first report today. Nice screen presence. My question is who is she replacing?

T'is the season for Andy Field to get some on-camera time. Good to see this veteran on screen again. It's even better to see him looking well. He looked sick last year.

Btw... I'm mildly bummed that we're not getting our annual Bill Ritter all-day broadcast this Christmas. He is such a warm presence on such days. That said, the dude certainly deserves to sleep in!

Now that we have two weeks of Michael Strahan on the job, I have to say that I'm underwhelmed. He seems like a nice man. He has undeniable charm. But I don't think he's bringing anything fresh or unique to the broadcast... certainly, there's nothing there that merits the seeming equal billing he's getting with Robin and George in promotion. In fact, the hard sell he's getting from the network is actually becoming off-putting.

Forgive me but this always annoys the crap out of me.. GMA and Today are essentially the exact same program with different personalities. How is it possible that you're capable of tolerating one but hate the other one for the exact same thing? I guess my issue with it is because people seem to give TODAY a pass for their constant Kardashin, Duggars, and Hollywood drivel while railing against GMA for providing the same content?

Both shows should fail, I think they're both garbage.

Such a great point. I wholeheartedly agree.

 

Today was Art's last day at WABC.

 

Such a talented newsman. The last of a dying breed. He'll be missed from the air.

I dare say that genital counting is unfair. The people on GMA are killing it. The ratings are proving that out. Josh, a man, was replaced by Amy, a woman, a the initial ratings have bumped upward.

Gotta say... The weekend newscasts with Michelle, Rob & Amy has become a prototype for what you want on the weekend. Weather, details of the day's events, and a team with crazy chemistry. Been years since I've turned on a newscast and kept it on for 2 hours to catch the banter in between the stories.