Big Rollo Smokes

They've been heading this way since Paul Sr. and Jan met their maker. Moreso since Jan passed on, leaving Matt and Laurie in complete control of their "empire".

If Steve is such a "horrible" host, then explain how he's still going strong after 16 years as host? This version probably would have been canceled back in 2010 had he not been hired.

A trio of obits from Chicago. Jorie Lueloff, former WMAQ-TV news anchor, died on Mar. 12 at age 85. She was the first female news anchor on Chicago television. Orion Samuelson, the celebrated agricultural journalist who spent 60 years at WGN radio and television, passed today (Mar. 16) two weeks short of his 92nd birthday. Finally, longtime WBBM Newsradio anchor and executive John Hultman passed away this past weekend at age 89.

Legendary NYC anchorman Ernie Anastos (WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, WWOR-TV, WNYW, and formerly WPRI-TV in Providence) has passed at age 82. https://abc7ny.com/post/ernie-anastos-death-iconic-nyc-news-anchor-eyewitness-anchorman-dies-82/

NYC market vet Craig Treadway has parted ways with WPIX, where he has spent most of the quarter-century as part of the PIX11 Morning News team. Treadway was at WNYW for a time prior to that.

Craig Treadway says goodbye to WPIX, after over a quarter-century. Most of that time was spent as part of the PIX11 Morning News crew.

Faith Woodard is gone from KTHV in Little Rock. Her comments, and those made by viewers on her FB announcement, allude to something happening behind-the-scenes that may have played a role in her departure. Another telling sign: She's deleted her IG feed.

The big shock is that World News Now still exists, considering that the O&Os don't clear it. I mean, Sophie Flay's dad (Chef Bobby Flay) can't watch the show at home in NYC.

WMBC-TV was the MeritTV outlet in the NYC market, but they flipped to Estrella TV about six weeks ago. WRNN did not pick up MeritTV, to the best of my knowledge.

From Columbus: WBNS-TV's Chuck White has passed at age 90. One of the first Black reporters on central Ohio television, White also performed on the station's children's program Luci's Toyshop, and later served as public affairs director. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cb-_kPmkpq8&si=30MVqiGC2quGhCvS

Technically, it was Paramount Global who "fired" Colbert.

Why do folks make such subjectively inaccurate statements based on personal biases? Of course people still watch local news–perhaps not in the same numbers they once did, but the viewers are there. And if you're not one of them, then don't assume everyone else is.

Doesn't mean that it's in anyone's best interest. Columbus is both the capital and largest city in Ohio, and by this time next year it could have only two television newsrooms.

The one market affected here I have an interest in is Columbus. Just like in all the other markets, a merger of the WCMH and WBNS-TV newsrooms is concerning. I know of a couple of on-air folks at the 10TV morning show who just got there within the last three months, and recently they've been promoting the return of Jeff Hogan like crazy. Now, it's a wait and see game for everyone at both 10TV and NBC4. Regarding facilities: Both WCMH and the WBNS stations' respective studios are more than 70 years old, and are four miles apart. Channels 4 and 10, and 97.1 also share the candelabra tower adjacent to the WBNS studios. It would make sense that WCMH make the move down Olentangy River Road to 770 Twin Rivers Drive (WBNS) for that reason alone. I also believe Tegna made some upgrades to the 'BNS plant in recent years, not including moving radio in there. Which brings us to... ...Nexstar will also be adding Tegna's only two radio stations, WBNS (AM) and WBNS-FM along with WBNS-TV. Both are in the sports format, but WBNS-FM is mostly live-and-local sports talk, and is the flagship of Ohio State football and men's hoops. The AM side runs syndicated sports talk (currently ESPN Radio) and operates on a graveyard signal, albeit with a vintage Blaw-Knox tower.

Don't forget about R.B. Bugg, from "The Write Channel"...

I wouldn't trust a quote from the New York Post as much as I could throw a knuckleball effectively.

That was an awesome imaging campaign, one of the best I've seen. Bright, lively and vibrant. Right after the '92 riots, something like this was needed. It made me wish I grew up in LA and SoCal in the '90s. The producer, Steve Sohmer, was/is still married to Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall, and she appears (with their then-infant son) in one of the spots. East LA's own Oscar de la Hoya is also here, flashing his gold medal from the '92 Summer Olympics. The full version can be found here:

If anyone thinks this has nothing to do with Paramount/Skydance capitulating to 47, then I have some proverbial oceanfront property in Montana for you all to buy. The timing is all too coincidental. Don't be surprised if The Daily Show folds next.

You, and I, and others on this board may feel that way. But we can't speak for everyone else. There is an audience Phil is trying to reach, and if that audience wants his content they will find it. Remember that we now live in an era of narrowcasting, not broadcasting. Now, we can debate on whether this was a smart business move on McGraw's part, but that story will unfold in the long-term. But if you want him to go away, just don't watch.

Scripps won't have all of the Big Three in Colorado Springs/Pueblo. KRDO-TV, the ABC affiliate, is owned by News-Press & Gazette.

For what it's worth most of this goes back to the Crouch family feud, in which Matthew and his wife Laurie (and by extension, their sons Caylan and Cody) prevailed over Paul Jr. and his children for succession rights. P.J. and his son Brandon created JCTV, renamed JUCE after P.J. and his offspring were banished from TBN. Smile (of a Child) and the Church Channel were Jan Crouch's creations. As soon as she died, Matt and Laurie changed course on both. TBN stayed away from wading into political waters when Paul Sr. and Jan were running the show. Of course, that all changed when Matt and Laurie gained full control once both his parents were gone. I see that as part natural evolution, and part Matt and Laurie seeking greater influence in those circles.

Terry Moran speaks out. His next act: Substack. https://www.threads.com/@terrymoranjournalist/post/DKxy6ESxpE5?xmt=AQF0ykug5We3Dt7vnmPlx8Y0bvCm3z9dglgIDg2ee2ij0g

Lisa Guerrero is following Deborah Norville out the door at Inside Edition, leaving the show after 18 years as an investigative correspondent.

...and has been a CBS affiliate thrice previously: 1953—1958, 1960–1962 (both as KTNT-TV) and 1995–1997. So CBS leaving KIRO-TV and going back to Channel 11 in Tacoma won't be much of a stunning development as what's about to happen in Atlanta.

From WABC-TV: Bill Ritter takes one more step towards retirement, announcing tonight (Mon 6/2) that he's stepping down as 5:00p co-anchor. He will continue to appear on Eyewitness News at 6:00p. Mike Marza, who replaced Ritter at 11:00 not long ago, adds the 5:00 starting tomorrow (Tues 6/3). https://abc7ny.com/videoClip/16636706/