Info Junkie

I’m now on Jacksonville! Keep in mind I am possibly not going to update the WJXT opens though or any existing news open compilations from other channels, but I will be doing existing TV markets that don’t have any compilations. Also after Jacksonville I’ll be doing Cincinnati. And yes, JPMcFly1985 has some WLWT open compilations on YouTube, but I’ll be adding the ones post-2000.

I screen-recorded them off of these NewsActive3 compilations: Also I’m not done with Colorado Springs yet: This aired 2005? 2006? Definitely was their last package using Broadcast News.

A KRDO open from 2007: These graphics would eventually take a 180-degree turn for better the following year. Edit: it appears that video is misdated, but I DID find this:

Chronicle Broadcasting at its finest... They used similar GFX at KRON and KAKE - and the latter along with WOWT were in smaller markets! This KMOV open is new-ish...

Greetings El Paso! KVIA is “A New Vision”! I think that’s what the KNTV 1984 Theme is called...

This isn’t really a bad open graphics-wise, but when you use the voice of tabloid TV news alongside a very mellow-sounding news theme, you get a very mis-matched news open. Hubbard would later make more bad choices for their TV stations’ imaging in the years to come:

I really, really, really don’t like the usage of Chapin in those news opens. His styles and senses of tabloidism don’t mix with the news theme at all - especially for the 5pm open. On the bright side, these clips were just another thing to add to my latest compilation: After I upload the WCCO one tomorrow I will be doing a compilation for WBFF and then, it’ll be Jacksonville’s turn.

And what’s odd is that this open debuted during the Gannett era - in fact the waning days of the Gannett era, as you had posted in the Discovered composers & publishers of music themes thread: “WLVI: Channel 56 is a last-minute entrant in the fall set-remodeling contest. Its "10 O'Clock News" gets a makeover Oct. 25 - which, not-so-coincidentally, is the same day WSBK-TV (Ch. 38) begins broadcasting a WBZ-produced 10 p.m. newscast. Look for a new anchor desk, an expanded background with brighter colors and new computer-controlled lighting. The station will also modify its graphics design to match the set changes.” This was from October 1993, and Gannett would sell the station the next month, finalizing the sale to Tribune in 1994. This video also shows proof (17:37):

WOOOWWWWW.... *mind blown* Say hello to Minneapolis-St. Paul! Btw if you’re wondering the first thing I do when I make news open compilations is go through ALL of NewsActive3’s compilations and take notes on where a specific station open is in there (ex: WBAL’s 1995 open pops up in Various Newscast Opens Part 21 at 6:25.) This can take up to several weeks.

It appears WNEM has not only gotten the regular CBS O&O GFX now, but an actually pleasant look that can possibly now put it on par with its sister stations.

So KMTV’s 1993 Theme is really the KDFW 1990 Theme (or it really should be WKBD 1988?) I might add that at 2:47 in this video is a car commercial voiced by the guy associated with WWOR and KRIV. And he sounds like he’s going to pop a vein.

Might’ve even been earlier, like even late ‘78.

I think it’s talking about the supposed WSB 1980 Theme (the one BEFORE 2 Steps Ahead).

When exactly did they switch to News Series 2000 Plus?

Say no more, my friend:

D’oh! Totally forgot them. Because of how nasty hot it is in New York right now, it was the same way 25 years ago. You know it’s bad when the video starts with Chapin screaming at you.

I believe that set of opens debuted when Forrest Sawyer took over for Chuck Moore, and then the branding became “Eyewitness News” later that year. Now that I’ve filled up most of the gaps for West Palm Beach, it’s your turn, Minneapolis-St. Paul... Also I never knew Terry McSweeney worked at WPBF. Must’ve been his job before going to KSAZ and WTEN...

I’m back!!! Btw it’s worth noting that Bill Crafton came from another “Eyewitness 12” (WKRC) before going to WPEC (that even had a suspiciously similar logo!!!)

One of Vance’s notable GFX packages that aren’t mentioned on the website. Any others? Sticking to Charlotte, WCNC managed to poach John Snyder of KWTV/KSNW into its sea of anchors from other markets:

That’s so interesting - who owned them at the time?

Some opens from KFMB: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2A415bIIRA Some of my ID compilations got reported by YouTube for being “repetitive content,” which I don’t believe in doing in the first place. If anything this could be the work of some internet troll subscribed to my channel. Anyways I’ll be uploading news open compilations on my temporary account until I’m allowed to upload on my actual one again.

Some WNYT coverage of the 2002 Olympics - plus a promo for its weather team of four meteorologists, and a glimpse at Kelly Lynch doing the weekend news in her second of three stints there. Fun fact: I listen to her and Chuck Custer every morning!

Sticking to Phoenix... This legit took 4 and 1/2 hours to make. I bet it’s gonna get worse when I get to Minneapolis-St. Paul...

Hothaus existed in the early 90s? Who knew? If you want to know how my news open compilations are coming along I’ve been targeting Phoenix and San Diego as of late - including this one from KTVK. Tomorrow I am doing one for KSAZ - which has a crapload of old footage on YouTube.... EDIT: By the way my channel’s KTXL ID compilation got flagged for “Violation of YouTube’s policy on spam and deceptive practices.”