PelicanMan

Former WBRZ producer and traffic reporter Falon Brown is now the communications director for new East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor/President Sid Edwards. https://www.wbrz.com/news/former-wbrz-reporter-falon-brown-appointed-director-of-communications-for-ebr-mayor-s-office/

Two stories out of New Orleans: * WVUE noon anchor Liz Reyes talked about her successful battle with thyroid cancer. * Former WDSU evening anchor, former state legislator and current New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno is officially running for New Orleans mayor.

Wonderful tweet from Margaret Orr: https://x.com/MargaretOrr/status/1850358994147160444

Dammit, this one really hurts. I've been watching this man since my elementary school days (I'm in my mid-40s). Until recent years, Eric and André Trevigne (later Sally-Ann Roberts) were THE morning news. His interviews were golden and even though he was from St. Louis, you wouldn't know it for you'd have thought he was a native. He embraced the city and the city embraced him. He's definitely up there with the likes of Alec Gifford, Ron Hunter, Angela Hill and Garland Robinette. He will definitely be missed. Expect a ton of tributes from former colleagues and other nearby TV stations in the coming days. Legendary WWL anchor Eric Paulsen dies after courageous cancer battle (WWL-TV) WWL anchor Eric Paulsen, a fixture in New Orleans television news for decades, dies at 74. (The Times-Picayune)

It looks like Fox 8 will continue its dominance for the foreseeable future.

Speaking of Hampton Roads, didn't Lucy Bustamante leave WVEC as well?

A federal judge issued a 14-day restraining order Wednesday against Oklahoma Superintendent of Education Ryan Walter's and Board of Education spokesman Dan Isset. The board cannot ban KFOR reporters from rooms where the BOE meets, cannot ban them from press conferences and cannot physically impede their access. Isett attended the hearing and still insisted KFOR isn't a legitimate news organization in comments made after the hearing.

A hearing has been set for Wednesday in federal court in Oklahoma City as KFOR-TV and The Institute For Free Speech looks to have a restraining order filed against Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Waters and Walters' press secretary, Dan Isett. KFOR management has complained that Walters and Isett have routinely kept its reporters from attending any meetings of the state Board of Education. Instead, it says its reporters were put in an overflow room. Management also says its reporters were banned from attending press conferences held by Walters or Isset. The reason: Walters says KFOR isn't a legitimate news outlet. In addition, the plaintiffs are asking for $17.91 in damages, to commemorate the year the First Amendment was ratified... and we know what the First Amendment represents. Lawsuit documents are on the web link.

In a In a letter to coworkers and viewers that was read on air this morning by co- anchor Brandon Walker , WWL-TV morning anchor Eric Paulsen announced he has cancer. He didn't say what type of cancer it was but said it was very aggressive and treatable. Paulsen also said he will be on medical leave for a few months and is confident he will beat it (he has been off the air since last week). He will return to on-air duties "when his hair grows back." (That is SO like Eric )

The ticker looks great. I also like the extended forecast graphic, which is less cluttered than its previous version. That is perfect for WDSU.

It hasn't been a good couple of days for WGNO. First, sports director Ed Daniels died last week after a massive heart attack. Then Friday morning, WGNO sports producer Mark Deane, 48, of Gretna, La., was killed in an accident on the Crescent City Connection (US 90 Business) heading downtown. The man who caused the accident was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison and denied bond. WGNO story and video of the crash scene.

Sad news out of the Big Easy. This man made high school football must-see television in the market.

WDSU announced Wednesday that weekend morning meteorologist Damon Singleton is retiring after 18 years at the station. The New Orleans native's last newscast is scheduled for the noon show on August 23.

I'm referring to the scrolling info.

Except for that blasted ticker.

Former WGNO and Weather Channel meteorologist/producer Scott Pilié is moving back to New Orleans. He made his announcment on social media the same day WDSU Chief meteorologist Margaret Orr announced her retirement. However, he hasn't said what work he would do in the city.

WDSU Chief Meteorologist Margaret Orr is calling it a career after 40-plus years at the station. Her last broadcast will be the 6 pm show March 29.

Today is the annual Mardi Gras Day shenanigans in Louisiana and coastal Missisippi and Alabama. WVUE and WWL had a common theme with their costumes. Meanwhile, WDSU Awas WDSUing: https://twitter.com/wdsu/status/1757446261903413576?t=odUKOkngXg32M4zuQVKOzQ&s=19

And here they are with those new graphics (screenshot from re-airing of noon news on its web site):

Looks like Tegna and DirecTV have ended their weeks-long dispute with a multi-year agreement.

I am sure someone told the FOX folks about the fleur-de-lis' connection to Louisiana.

Do not be surprised if you see programming on the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.

Tegna must have forgotten they have acquired some long-standing juggernauts, for some of those crown jewels were lost in the shuffle are now a shell of themselves (see WFAA, WWL) thanks to the tomfoolery over the years. I understand company mandates, but everything isn't meant for everyone.

WVUE is leaving its complex at 1026 South Norman C. Francis Pkwy - where it had been since Day One roughly 70byears ago - and will move into a building on Howard Avenue (near South Broad Street and I-10). They hope to be in their new facility in time for the Super Bowl in February 2025, ironically in New Orleans.

God forbid Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry wins the governor's race this fall, for I feel he would do the same to the statewide Louisiana Public Broadcasting.