Liugrad2020

3 hours ago, NowBergen said:

 

they were running promos for the 11 pm news with David this morning.  People are allowed to be on vacation, or have medical issues without the need to publicize it all over social media. 

I think it is up to what viewers think, not people on this board.  Just like Lester Holt now standing throughout his newscast, it allows better use of the video boards.  it does not bother me.  But my vote does not count.  Only NBC management and their audience survey teams know how the bulk of their viewers feel.  If the anchors really had an issue, I'm sure they would bring it up and see if something can be accommodated.

I see your point although I really don’t think the audience thinks it’s best to have a solo anchor at 5pm but co-anchors at 6 and 11pm. 

1 hour ago, iron_lion said:

The desk standing looks bad, the solo anchoring isn’t the best, the “COVID” desk looks very mediocre especially because we know WNBC is capable of much more based on studio 6B and earlier sets.

 

To their credit News 4 is the second best news team in the market after Eyewitness News they just have a few kinks when it comes to their anchor rotations and visual presentation.

I guess you’re not a fan of WCBS. What do you think WNBC can do to improve their anchor rotation? 

1 hour ago, MorningNews said:

How can they think that looks presentable at all? Jfc

It’s even dumber than having co-anchors at 6 and a solo anchor at 5.

On 8/11/2021 at 11:02 PM, NYNews said:

Is David Ushery still with WNBC? Haven't seen him in a while. Was surprised to see him off during the Olympics, and there doesn't seem to be any mention that's he's off. 

Adam mentions that David is off.

6 minutes ago, freelanceproducer said:

Another major shake-up might becoming to MSNBC...

https://www.thedailybeast.com/rachel-maddow-considers-leaving-msnbc

If Maddow leaves the next question would be who would take over for her.

7 hours ago, NowBergen said:

 

Last night, Natalie specific said Chuck had the night off.  With 45+ years of service, he has a lot of vacation time now.  

I guess she only mentions that the times I don’t get a chance to get it out. As for David like I said there hasn’t been any social media posts by him since the end of May.

His last post was 5/24.

50 minutes ago, NYNews said:

Is David Ushery still with WNBC? Haven't seen him in a while. Was surprised to see him off during the Olympics, and there doesn't seem to be any mention that's he's off. 

The clips I see on YouTube don’t show Chuck or any mention of him during the 6pm newscast. I am out of NY at the moment so I can’t see the whole newscast.

51 minutes ago, NYNews said:

Is David Ushery still with WNBC? Haven't seen him in a while. Was surprised to see him off during the Olympics, and there doesn't seem to be any mention that's he's off. 

As for David I have no clue what the story is. I’ll check his social media.

9 hours ago, nynewsguy said:

Ok well Greg Hurst parted ways because he wanted Beutel off the 11pm as part of his contract renewal. At the time, Bill wasn’t ready to hang it up at 11pm as it was before his diagnosis with Lewy Body. Hurst didn’t want just the 5pm and left. Hence Robb Hanrahan’s ascension to 5pm.   

Ahh the coulda, shoulda, woulda story of Lori. She should have been made 5pm anchor when Roz left for CBS, which would have set her up for 11pm several years later. Would have been a great team. Bill Ritter admired Lori, and vice versa. 

I remember reading about that. I also read that WABC didn’t plan on giving Greg the 11pm newscast after Bill retired and that they decided to get rid of him instead of keeping him on at 5. When you was Bill diagnosed with Lewy Body? I remember Robb. Was he ever considered for the 11pm job? Lori would have been good at 11. Speaking of Roz is it accurate that she left because she wasn’t picked to replace Diana at 11pm?

On 8/3/2021 at 10:58 PM, freelanceproducer said:

My bet is no - and if it is getting updated, they will be minor. 
 

The windows aren’t covered like they would usually be and Sheinelle hosted a Special Report from the studio today. 

What was the special report about? 

On 8/3/2021 at 10:58 PM, freelanceproducer said:

My bet is no - and if it is getting updated, they will be minor. 
 

The windows aren’t covered like they would usually be and Sheinelle hosted a Special Report from the studio today. 

What was the special report about? 

14 hours ago, nynewsguy said:

David is heir apparent. He’s 14 years younger than Bill. He will get his day in the sun before anyone else does. Mike has a long time before he even gets off weekends. 

I thought David was born in 1959. He did start at WABC during his original tenure in 1981. I think Mike will replace Bill although we will see what happens. 

On 7/26/2021 at 3:41 PM, Liugrad2020 said:

There’s a reason why WABC went with Bill Ritter over Greg Hurst and Robb Hanrahan when Bill Beutel retired. I actually think they should have went with Harry Martin although that obviously was not the direction they wanted to go in. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Marza reached Bill when he eventually does retire. 

WABC should have replaced Bill Beutel with Greg Hurst. He was about 30 years younger than Bill and familiar with the viewers. It is what it is although that would have made the most sense.

5 hours ago, Vlad said:

Honestly I think WABC like his personality and it adds an extra element to the broadcasts.

Maybe the producers like that. He's always been this way since he started working there so its probably working quite well.

 

It's also way to connect with the audience instead of being monotone all the time. It adds a heartwarming human and personal touch to the story as well so they don't sound as cold. A lot of the news today is very robotic, monotone and often heartless. So I appreciate his comments. I know it may not be as professional, but I think there is something to be added of value when the anchor adds their personality to the broadcast. He's kinda like the new Bill Beutel, or the venerable Roger Grimsby. The station is most remembered by him so I think thats how we have to see it as. It's WABC's way of putting someone as the face of the Eyewitness News Brand and Bill Ritter is definitely that now for all the right reasons.

 

Mark Marza on the other hand needs more help with that front, he always adds his two cents a lot of the times too especially on the weekend morning broadcasts haha. But idk, they are still feel like they are very forced.

There’s a reason why WABC went with Bill Ritter over Greg Hurst and Robb Hanrahan when Bill Beutel retired. I actually think they should have went with Harry Martin although that obviously was not the direction they wanted to go in. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Marza reached Bill when he eventually does retire. 

2 hours ago, IceManNYR said:

Natalie anchoring solo at 12am. Figured they wouldn’t be doing solo anchor shifts during the Olympics.

 

Perhaps that’s the future of WNBC having people anchor newscasts alone. Viewership isn’t what it’s supposed to be and the days of views getting used to teams like Chuck, Sue, Janice and Len I think are basically over. I don’t think you need two anchors at 11pm as it’s only a 35 minute newscast. 

10 hours ago, wabceyewitness said:

 

that’s odd and unlike Bill.  What was the context of your message to him?

 

 

It was basically about wanting to talk to him. It wasn’t rude or threatening. Maybe he was having a bad day that day.

13 hours ago, nynewslover said:

He’ll often throw comments in especially after political stories.. police involved stories.. and ALWAYS when it involved/involves Trump. 

I’m not a fan of Trump myself although I guess that’s not appropriate. Many like Bill and he seems like a decent person although I have a story about him. When I was a young kid I used to call newscasters because for some reason I wanted to speak to them I guess because they were well known. I called Bill and left him a message maybe around 9pm one evening. He calls my house at around midnight to tell my parents he didn’t appreciate my call. I can understand him feeling that way although I don’t think it was necessary for him to have called at midnight and even tho my parents didn’t think I should have been doing that they also didn’t appreciate his midnight call. It could have waited for the next day. 

4 minutes ago, nynewslover said:

Couldn’t agree more.. I’ve actually started to turn to other stations because of it. I’m actually really starting to like WCBS at 5.. and I love the format at 6 on FOX5 with Lori Stokes. If FOX5 would get more serious at 5 I think a lot more people would tune in with Steve and Lori.. And let’s be honest if he was commenting “the other way” (we’ll leave it at that) it would not be allowed. 

What does Bill say? I don’t watch WABC too often.

I’ve noticed that Chuck hasn’t been on a 6 for at least the past week and it isn’t mentioned that he’s off for the night. Is he taking the summer off or is something else going on?

19 hours ago, MorningNews said:

Adds an interesting layer to their decision to remain socially distanced. Best to be safe.

That actually may be a part of why they are continuing to socially distance. I think it’s the right call.

14 hours ago, JamelVVanderburg said:

Shirleen Allicott posted earlier today that she decided to finally get vaccinated. She had to be extremely careful because she's due to give birth any day now, but got the OK from her doctor to do so. We are far from out of the woods. COVID is still a real thing and I'm glad WABC is continuing to take precautions to remain safe. In no way am I knocking any other station, but I hope nobody was premature in easing social distancing and precautions

I hope not either. I’ve read more and more about people fully vaccinated getting ill with covid and some seriously ill although unlike those who are vaccinated so far very few fully

vaccinated people are dying.

13 hours ago, MorningNews said:

You’re right. I also just saw Bill’s post from yesterday. Seems like there are several legitimate concerns amongst the WABC anchors about the vaccines and virus to this day.

I’ll have to check his post out. There are real concerns with the virus for those who are vaccinated and especially those who aren’t.

5 hours ago, MorningNews said:

And Liz is back from vacation this week so this now makes even less sense.

If Liz is back and on at 6 then it really doesn’t make sense. It’s not like she left the 6pm newscast or is even currently away.

2 hours ago, IceManNYR said:

The WABAC

 

The updated promo for Robin Roberts guest hosting still uses Bill and Sade as the 6 PM anchors.

 

That’s odd. Perhaps this is a sign of what’s to come? Let’s continue this discussion in the speculation 9000 thread.

12 hours ago, nynewslover said:

I don’t think a seating arrangement would force someone into retirement 

It could if it has an effect on ones health.

7 hours ago, MorningNews said:

I think WABCs seating arrangements are simply still following a station mandated protocol. Their studio is still covered up to prevent people from gathering to watch which was a COVID protocol put into place last year.

That’s smart given what’s happening with delta.

6 hours ago, wabceyewitness said:

 

The shades are back up… and the distancing at the desk isn’t station-mandated. Kelly & Ryan have been sitting  alongside each other for over a month now. 
 

 

 

had the same thought — rush order from network. 

I think the arrangements are either to protect those who are expecting and/or someone like Bill who is over 70.

2 hours ago, mountainave said:

Vaccination aside, could be a talent decision. Based on recent Facebook posts, would not be surprised if Bill Ritter, who is vaccinated, decided he is not willing to sit side by side yet. 

That’s possible. It could be as Bill is 71 with possible health conditions and we quite honestly don’t know how long the vaccines will be effective for, are they effective against the delta variant or can vaccinated people spread covid to non vaccinated people. If Bill said it was either keeping this arrangement for now or him retiring WABC may have decided they’d prefer to keep him over going back to anchors sitting side by side. 

5 hours ago, wabceyewitness said:

 

IF there are indeed anchors not yet vaccinated, there could be various reasons. An individual may have had a severe allergic reaction to previous vaccines and their primary care physician has advised against this vaccine. An individual may have an autoimmune condition that their doctor feels the vaccine will trigger or enhance. The individual may be pregnant and has either chosen or has been advised to wait until giving birth before receiving the vaccine. The individual may be on medications that would require pausing while the body responds to the vaccine and the individual or their doctor feel it is best to stay the course of the medication right now. 
 

There are plenty more. Most people are fine getting the vaccine and most of us are lucky to have been able to receive it, but not everyone is able to and they are unfortunately usually in a vulnerable group. 

You make a good point although far too many don’t get the vaccine because of misinformation. If Shirleen didn’t get vaccinated I can understand why and if these precautions are still in place even to protect her then that’s wonderful that WABC has that kind of work environment where they care about those who work there. I just hope those who did not get vaccinated had a good reason not to.

https://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/jay-shaylor-out-as-executive-producer-of-cbs-evening-news-with-norah-odonnell/483551/

19 hours ago, wabceyewitness said:

It’s possible not all of their anchors are vaccinated just yet so they may not want do it for just some shows and not others. 

What’s their excuse?

10 hours ago, nynewslover said:

WABC is the only station having their anchors sitting distance.. PIX and WCBS ended it this week. Wonder when WABC will follow 

It could be for the rest of this year depending on what happens with the delta variant.