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Sinclair...Again


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Media General uses a hub and spoke system. The servers are housed at the stations and controlled/monitored via the two hubs in Columbus,OH (NBC stations) or Spartanburg,SC (CBS, ABC & CW stations). They are divided that way as it much easier to have stations that have the same affilation grouped together. Timing breaks and syncing is much easier when everyone is on the same clock. As a "backup" the servers can also be controlled locally in the event of a failure in the WAN, etc.

 

WJBF does their own MC.

 

 

 

Bringing this back to Sinclair...They are old school broadcast guys vs. computer/IT guys. And, although the line has been blurred between "traditional" broadcast engineering and IT they are kinda stuck in their "old school" ways. That is more the reason in my mind they really haven't done much "hubbing" in their group.

 

Again, KABB's MC is primarily server based and runs on Miranda iTX automation with one operator there 24/7. WOAI uses Sundance Fastbreak (for now, I imagine when they merge with KABB they will switch to Miranda).
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Re: Sinclair, have any of their recent acquisitions seen any changes (presumably downward) in ratings in their markets?

 

I think it's too early to tell. Some of the stations that come to mind (WKRC and KUTV) are still being run like they were under their previous owners. Sinclair hasn't had much of a chance to get its claws into these stations, so to speak.

 

Update:

 

I was able to find the ratings and noticed this interesting:

 

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2013/05/23/wkrc-tv-sweeps-may-sweeps-again/

 

"Channel 12 was first with local news at 6 a.m., noon, 4-6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. in household ratings, although the 11 p.m. news ratings dropped 20% from last May. (Maybe because some people are watching the condensed version at 10 p.m. on Channel 12.2? Ratings for the 10 p.m. CW Cincinnati newscast were up 40% from last May.)"

 

Considering the strong CBS lead-in, that makes me wonder if people are switching to WCPO or WLWT instead. The article didn't mention anything regarding growth in viewership at those two stations.

 

Concerning KUTV, the competition is so weak that it's still competing strongly even under Sinclair's ownership.

 

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/56355210-79/channel-news-kutv-percent.html.csp

 

I think it's too early to tell. Some of the stations that come to mind (WKRC and KUTV) are still being run like they were under their previous owners. Sinclair hasn't had much of a chance to get its claws into these stations, so to speak.

 

Looks like I spoke too soon. Guess what WKRC just hosted a week or so ago.

 

cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2013/06/27/irs-discussion-on-channels-12-and-12-2-tonight/

 

I think it's too early to tell. Some of the stations that come to mind (WKRC and KUTV) are still being run like they were under their previous owners. Sinclair hasn't had much of a chance to get its claws into these stations, so to speak.

 

Update:

 

I was able to find the ratings and noticed this interesting:

 

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2013/05/23/wkrc-tv-sweeps-may-sweeps-again/

 

"Channel 12 was first with local news at 6 a.m., noon, 4-6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. in household ratings, although the 11 p.m. news ratings dropped 20% from last May. (Maybe because some people are watching the condensed version at 10 p.m. on Channel 12.2? Ratings for the 10 p.m. CW Cincinnati newscast were up 40% from last May.)"

 

Considering the strong CBS lead-in, that makes me wonder if people are switching to WCPO or WLWT instead. The article didn't mention anything regarding growth in viewership at those two stations.

 

Concerning KUTV, the competition is so weak that it's still competing strongly even under Sinclair's ownership.

 

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/56355210-79/channel-news-kutv-percent.html.csp

 

I don't think it's going to matter that much, really. It's not like there are too many first-rate broadcasters around anymore, and it's not like Scripps-Howard (WCPO) and Hearst (WLWT) are that great, either. Both companies are the remnants of companies that ran most of their newspapers into the ground.

 

This may be a stretch, but Taft Broadcasting (another company that ran its newspaper, the Times-Star, into the ground) always ran their stations on the cheap. Maybe WKRC was higher in the pecking order because it was their flagship, but I remember one interview with Charles Mechem where he said it costs money to be number one and that he could make more money as a number two or number three station. Taft and Sinclair made a ton of money in Columbus following that same formula. WSYX (WTVN) was always a huge money maker for Taft.

 

I don't think Sinclair is the same company it was 20 years ago. While their roots are in running low-budget independents, they have assembled enough real TV stations over the years that I would think they've learned a thing or two about running a WKRC as opposed to a WOAI (5th rated, wasn't it)?

 

 

Looks like I spoke too soon. Guess what WKRC just hosted a week or so ago.

 

cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2013/06/27/irs-discussion-on-channels-12-and-12-2-tonight/

 

Hope it goes out live to other Sinclair stations, at least in the immediate area (Ohio, KY, WV). They are uniquely positioned to do this very type of programming because of the clusters they have assembled. WTVN and WKRC used to do live "State of the State" speech coverage for Taft in the 1970's ... I remember Earl Green (WTVN) and Nick Clooney (WKRC) doing these shows together.

 

Mark Hyman, however, is a polarizing choice for host (and I'm someone with a more conservative/libertarian bent and I happen to like Hyman). To be taken seriously, however, they do need to be careful about emulating the Fox News formula at their stations. Once someone has been smeared (rightly or wrongly), you should go with someone else for a story like this.

 

It's one thing to go after a story aggressively and it's another thing to be a shill for one side or the other. I agree it is a fine line sometimes, and it might be more of a function of laziness and stupidity and the tendency to rely on press releases or stories which come from the "right" sources who may only be sharing talking points.

http://classic.lagniappemobile.com/article.asp?articleID=6321&sid=18

 

WPMI tied WEAR at 10pm this past February, but their ratings have been on a slight upswing ever since they went HD last may.

 

Also, Sinclair hasn't changed the product much from when Newport owned them, aside from the airing of their packages during newscasts (but no commentaries.....yet...)

 

http://classic.lagniappemobile.com/article.asp?articleID=6321&sid=18

 

 

WPMI tied WEAR at 10pm this past February, but their ratings have been on a slight upswing ever since they went HD last may.

 

Also, Sinclair hasn't changed the product much from when Newport owned them, aside from the airing of their packages during newscasts (but no commentaries.....yet...)

 

No crappy and one-sided "Town Hall meetings" yet?

 

I watched a few of WSYX's and KABB's, they were terrible and were basically a bunch of people (some with laughable credentials) arguing for an hour.

 

The WSYX one on gay marriage had someone from Liberty University on as their legal expert in the panel. That alone should tell you what a joke the whole thing is.

 

If you have the time and want to watch it to see how one of these town hall meetings works, here is a link: http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/features/town-hall/

 

No crappy and one-sided "Town Hall meetings" yet?

 

I watched a few of WSYX's and KABB's, they were terrible and were basically a bunch of people (some with laughable credentials) arguing for an hour.

 

The WSYX one on gay marriage had someone from Liberty University on as their legal expert in the panel. That alone should tell you what a joke the whole thing is.

 

If you have the time and want to watch it to see how one of these town hall meetings works, here is a link: http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/features/town-hall/

 

 

WPMI hasn't done one on their own, but promotes them on their newscasts...(sister station WEAR did one on gun control soon after Sinclair took over and WPMI promoted it on-air)

 

No crappy and one-sided "Town Hall meetings" yet?

 

I watched a few of WSYX's and KABB's, they were terrible and were basically a bunch of people (some with laughable credentials) arguing for an hour.

 

The WSYX one on gay marriage had someone from Liberty University on as their legal expert in the panel. That alone should tell you what a joke the whole thing is.

 

If you have the time and want to watch it to see how one of these town hall meetings works, here is a link: http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/features/town-hall/

 

Three points:

 

1, I wouldn't be so critical, guys. At least they are trying to do something from a public affairs standpoint. AFIC any station that tries to do something local deserves kudos.

 

2. Columbus is not a bastion of conservatism as Cincinnati is. It is a very moderate type of place, both slightly progressive and slightly center-right (the metro) at the same time. It's a state capitol and the largest employers are Ohio State University, the State of Ohio, Battelle, and Chase Bank. Not a lot of right wingers running around these parts and Sinclair has been around here long enough to know that. That's why Sinclair doesn't harp on the conservative angle so much around here that I can see, except for maybe Armstrong Williams.

 

3. Columbus also has a rather large gay community due to all the creative talent in the area, primarily as a result of the retail businesses based here.

 

Kendrick's a lefty, anyway. He was on his Facebook page defending against slams against him in response to his support for gays. I actually liked his response to the hecklers, though:

 

"Thanks Mike. I don't engage in that crap. There's a debate to be had there, but I'm not going to waste a second of my life engaging in it. If someone doesn't like that I support the gay community, so what? 'Unfriend' me. I couldn't care less."

WJBF does their own MC.

I'm almost 99% sure it's still primarly handled remotely via Central Broadcast Operations - Spartanburg. They had some growing pains when they made the switch several years ago. From WJBF's site: "WJBF is part of a centralized broadcast operation. That means that our programming (except for local news) and commercials goes through a master control room in Spartanburg." Now they did make the move to the old Barnes & Noble and shacked up with LMA partner WAGT a couple of years ago. But, when they moved the new WJBF/WAGT Master Control was equipped with Utah Scientific routing systems and automation from Florical. These are the same routers the other MG stations use and allow for centralized monitoring and control of its stations. So, I'd be shocked if there is anyone actually sitting in their MC room manning the controls "in-house."

 

And, i'm also 99% sure Central Broadcast Operations - Columbus is responsible for WAGT. Everything I've heard is they manage 9 stations there, along with their various subchannels. And, MG only owns 8 NBC affiliates outright...that Ninth station by process of elimination, WAGT.

 

I suppose it's possible because of the LMA arrangement there that they do their MC ops "in-house." But, if I were a betting man I'd bet against that. WJBF was hubbed at their old buildng and the equipment is all there at the new one just like their sister stations. So, I see no reason why MG put in that equipment and let them out of the centralization efforts.

 

Again, KABB's MC is primarily server based and runs on Miranda iTX automation with one operator there 24/7. WOAI uses Sundance Fastbreak (for now, I imagine when they merge with KABB they will switch to Miranda).

Getting back to Sinclair....I think we are on the same page and stating the same things here, just differently. I was really trying to state the SBG doesn't really do any blanket "hubbing" across the board. They do some automation here, and some hubbing there. But, it's not a company-wide deal like other groups. It's kinda odd for a company like SBG. That's what I was trying to point out. And, I think that being kinda "old school" engineering guys explains why they have only dabbled in some of these systems versus diving head first like most other station groups.

Oh gawd. Here come the Sinclair haters (and for the record, I'm no fan of Sinclair, but still).

:rant:

 

 

Re: Sinclair, have any of their recent acquisitions seen any changes (presumably downward) in ratings in their markets?

 

Why would a station's ratings go down just because Sinclair owns them? Average viewer probably couldn't care less Sinclair owned the station. Most people I know didn't even know WOAI and KABB are under the same ownership now. Aside from airing the Sinclair reports (Kristine Frazao's stuff and "You Paid for It" a rebranded version of "Waste Watch"), WOAI is largely the same and tends to take a very liberal slant. With the Sinclair stuff it actually balances out the newscast. :p

 

KABB airs more of the Sinclair stuff (including "Behind the Headlines" and "Waste Watch" in addition to what WOAI airs) but tries to relegate it to Saturday nights, the least watched night of the week for news. It's very hard to take seriously, I won't argue with that. But if you don't like it change the channel, press mute, or just don't pay attention to that story. I usually avoid KABB anyway since it is far and away the most blood and guts newscast in San Antonio (KSAT used to hold that honor but with a change of ND at KABB and GM at KSAT in the past three years, that has changed).

 

An example of a corporate Waste Watch story from KABB (Cynthia Lee, KABB main anchor, now re-VO's all of the Waste Watches):

Can Text Messages Help the Depressed?

 

By: Cynthia Lee

Millions of people are prescribed anti-depressants, but don't take them for a variety of reasons.

 

Now the federal government is exploring the idea of giving you a friendly reminder at the expense of taxpayers.

 

The government wants to see if "text message reminders" will change that.

 

According to CNS News, the feds are spending nearly $147,000 in taxpayer money to send these automated text messages.

Is CNS News even a legitimate news source? They are owned by the Media Research Center, and after doing some digging, look what I found on their site. Really? :huh: They don't even try to hide their anti-liberal bias. I am by no means a liberal (I've said I'm a conservative before and I'll say it again), and do not condone the liberal bias prevalent in the media (which is why I tend to stay away from NBC and especially ABC). But I don't think you need to be blatant with your hate of liberal principles. Sinclair uses their stations as a mouthpiece of the Smith family.

 

I think this CNS place is also where they got the idea for "Waste Watch" from.

 

In short though, average Joe sitting on his couch at home in Cincinnati watching WKRC Local 12 News at 11 with Rob Braun, Cammy Dierking, Tim Hedrick, and Brad Johansen won't notice a thing. Largely because it's still the same news team (that has been there for over 20 years except Brad who's been there 17), same content for the most part, same reporters, same graphics, same set, same music, and ultimately, same news director (Kirk Varner). The only thing that could quite possibly happen for their ratings to go down at this point would be for Braun, Dierking, and Kit Andrews (their other main anchor) to leave the station. But for now WKRC will remain #1 for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Also, Sinclair hasn't changed the product much from when Newport owned them, aside from the airing of their packages during newscasts (but no commentaries.....yet...)

 

No crappy and one-sided "Town Hall meetings" yet?

 

I watched a few of WSYX's and KABB's, they were terrible and were basically a bunch of people (some with laughable credentials) arguing for an hour.

 

The WSYX one on gay marriage had someone from Liberty University on as their legal expert in the panel. That alone should tell you what a joke the whole thing is.

 

If you have the time and want to watch it to see how one of these town hall meetings works, here is a link: http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/features/town-hall/

 

Trust me, KABB doesn't take it seriously. It's another burden put on them by corporate. And due to lack of space at KABB, there's no place for them to do it at the station. That's why they have rent space elsewhere (usually the Sunset Station on the far east side/just outside downtown). Which is why they do them about once or twice a year. They actually have a good concept, just poor execution on both the station's end (choice of guests as the station doesn't take it seriously) and Sinclair's (choice of Mark Hyman as host). Maybe if they picked better guests, and had a station news anchor like Cynthia Lee moderate, the result would've been far better.

 

 

WPMI hasn't done one on their own, but promotes them on their newscasts...(sister station WEAR did one on gun control soon after Sinclair took over and WPMI promoted it on-air)

 

Same can be said with WOAI. They haven't done their own (they probably won't either) but they promoted KABB's. KABB barely promoted it anyway. Like I said they didn't take it seriously at all.

 

And responding to DirtyHarry's three points:

1. Like I said, good concept, poor execution, and obviously one sided. They need to focus on more real issues such as crime, and education. Pre-K 4 SA would've been a PERFECT one to do. There's a lot for it, a lot against. Would've been perfect.

 

2. Whether the station's daily news product is conservative, liberal, or middle of the road is 100% the ND's decisions. Sinclair doesn't really have a say (for the most part; obviously, since they own the station, they can tell them what to air but it's very difficult, if not impossible, to enforce). Also, Texas is one of the most conservative states in the union, BUT San Antonio proper is one of the most liberal cities in the state (Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, the Valley fall in there; Sinclair owns in Austin and will soon own in the Valley). The outlying areas (which tend to be very rural) are very conservative on the other hand. But San Antonio news tends to appeal to West and South San Antonio like I said earlier. That's where most of the liberals in S.A. live. Therefore, the local news here is very liberal. It doesn't matter if the Washington Post owns KSAT, or if The Dallas Morning News owns KENS, or Sinclair owns WOAI and KABB--San Antonio is very liberal therefore the newscasts are.

 

3. San Antonio doesn't necessarily have a very large gay community so I can't really speak for that one.

 

endrant

(With the kitschy logo I was able to dig up, a change in name seemed appropriate. Dirty Harry is now Hanna-Barbera Land.)

 

 

And responding to DirtyHarry's three points:

1. Like I said, good concept, poor execution, and obviously one sided. They need to focus on more real issues such as crime, and education. Pre-K 4 SA would've been a PERFECT one to do. There's a lot for it, a lot against. Would've been perfect.

 

I think the gay issue is relevant around here because of the university and the large gay population. However, a "town hall" that isn't balanced wouldn't live up to its potential. Nonetheless, give them credit for trying things, especially things that are interactive and get the viewer involved.

 

I also don't think it's so awful to present the religious side of things, especially when the rationale for certain things and the teaching aspect is being discussed. I do agree for the need for balance, however.

 

The gay topic doesn't interest me, so I didn't watch. I don't really care what happens with gay marriage, either way. It's a government license and it seems to me that the government can set criteria however they want and issue licenses to whoever they want.

 

 

 

2. Whether the station's daily news product is conservative, liberal, or middle of the road is 100% the ND's decisions. Sinclair doesn't really have a say (for the most part; obviously, since they own the station, they can tell them what to air but it's very difficult, if not impossible, to enforce). Also, Texas is one of the most conservative states in the union, BUT San Antonio proper is one of the most liberal cities in the state (Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, the Valley fall in there; Sinclair owns in Austin and will soon own in the Valley). The outlying areas (which tend to be very rural) are very conservative on the other hand. But San Antonio news tends to appeal to West and South San Antonio like I said earlier. That's where most of the liberals in S.A. live. Therefore, the local news here is very liberal. It doesn't matter if the Washington Post owns KSAT, or if The Dallas Morning News owns KENS, or Sinclair owns WOAI and KABB--San Antonio is very liberal therefore the newscasts are.

 

All true, but I think my point was directed more at the tin foil hat people who think Sinclair is the evil empire and it runs around buying stations and forcing conservative content on the airwaves, turning them all into Sean Hannity Show clones.

 

Sinclair's principals may have a conservative bent, but considering their original markets were Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Columbus, I think they know better than to force things down the throats of their viewers that they aren't going to like. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are old line ethnic-Democrat cities, and Columbus traditionally was a center-right RINO-Republican city (with a progressive side), which now has a big influx of what I call "economic refugees" from northeast Ohio and Pittsburgh (ethnic Democrat types), giving it more of an independent streak these days ...

 

That's what makes us a battleground state and battleground city ... we don't buy either side's BS around here. Our politically fickle nature brings in lots of money for TV stations here.

 

But at the end of the day, the object is to make money. As you say, the news director's job is to throw up things that appeal to the largest audience so he can get ratings and make the most money for the station. Otherwise, he gets fired. His job is not to disseminate propaganda and Sinclair knows that.

 

...I don't think Varner's been at WKRC 20 years.

 

As late as 1996/97, he was being hired by Time Warner Cable to help build Bay News 9 in Tampa. And he was living in Connecticut as late as 2004.

 

Their former ND went to WBNS sometime in the last couple of years.

Sorry, no, Varner's only been there since 2010. I meant the anchors. They have had the same weeknight anchor team since the late 80's after Nick Clooney left. That's what I meant by 20 years.

 

I also lumped graphics, music, set in the same sentence. They clearly haven't had that 20 years! ;)

 

I think the gay issue is relevant around here because of the university and the large gay population. However, a "town hall" that isn't balanced wouldn't live up to its potential. Nonetheless, give them credit for trying things, especially things that are interactive and get the viewer involved.

 

Yes, I think it's great they're doing this, but do it right or don't do it at all. I'd cut them slack if it was Belo (yes, for those who don't know, Belo usually hosts the Texas gubernatorial debates. It's gonna suck that Belo soon won't exist anymore.) but this is Sinclair we're talking about. I do like how they are using social media to involve the viewers. That's the one good thing I'll say about it.

 

I also don't think it's so awful to present the religious side of things, especially when the rationale for certain things and the teaching aspect is being discussed. I do agree for the need for balance, however.

It's not, but there are too many politically correct people in this country where you'll offend them just by mentioning the word "religion". (I'll stop there with that before I get too carried away). Might as well just avoid it.

 

I won't comment about the gay marriage thing. I'll offend some people by stating my stances and besides, this is not a political forum anyways.

 

All true, but I think my point was directed more at the tin foil hat people who think Sinclair is the evil empire and it runs around buying stations and forcing conservative content on the airwaves, turning them all into Sean Hannity Show clones.

 

Sinclair's principals may have a conservative bent, but considering their original markets were Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Columbus, I think they know better than to force things down the throats of their viewers that they aren't going to like. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are old line ethnic-Democrat cities, and Columbus traditionally was a center-right RINO-Republican city (with a progressive side), which now has a big influx of what I call "economic refugees" from northeast Ohio and Pittsburgh (ethnic Democrat types), giving it more of an independent streak these days ...

 

Hate to say this but might as well: I don't think most of the Sinclair haters even live in a Sinclair market so they wouldn't know how they run their stations (particularly ones with news ops). The only reason so many attack them is because they are biggest. A lot attack Clear Channel (who happens to be from S.A.) for the same reason. Clear Channel is a toxic company and I refuse to listen to their stations because they are too "corporate" for my tastes (yes, even WOAI radio, which is why most S.A. media people don't consider them a "locally owned and operated" station. While it is, it is run like every other Clear Channel station, giving it no local feel whatsoever). But I wouldn't say the same for Sinclair. At least they produce all of their newscasts locally and not out of Houston like WOAI radio does at night.

 

Like I said, Sinclair stations are a mouthpiece for the Smiths. Baltimore is very liberal. They probably think that they can use their stations to spew out propaganda and try to manipulate viewers opinions into going on the Smiths' side. But most viewers aren't stupid. "Massa David" (as another user on here coined) probably doesn't realize that.

 

 

That's what makes us a battleground state and battleground city ... we don't buy either side's BS around here. Our politically fickle nature brings in lots of money for TV stations here.

 

But at the end of the day, the object is to make money. As you say, the news director's job is to throw up things that appeal to the largest audience so he can get ratings and make the most money for the station. Otherwise, he gets fired. His job is not to disseminate propaganda and Sinclair knows that.

 

Yes, Ohio's one of the unique states in the union that tends to be middle of the road. Can't really think of any other state like that except possibly Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, and (to an extent) Wisconsin. Especially Florida and Ohio, those are the moneymaker states for political advertising. It must suck owning a TV station in Texas because it is so reliably conservative, that national political advertising is nonexistant.

 

Agree 100% with that last sentence, except at Sinclair disseminating propaganda IS part of the job. It's just how well can the ND bury that propaganda in the newscast so most viewers don't notice (like KABB)?

 

It's not, but there are too many politically correct people in this country where you'll offend them just by mentioning the word "religion". (I'll stop there with that before I get too carried away). Might as well just avoid it.

 

I won't comment about the gay marriage thing. I'll offend some people by stating my stances and besides, this is not a political forum anyways.

 

I was raised in a religious home and consider myself fairly observant, but I think the one main point that is being missed in the gay marriage discussion is the distinction between marriage as a religious sacrament and the concept of civil marriage. Marriage as a religious sacrament follows what the church says for various reasons which are too deep to go into here, but suffice it to say that there is a lot more to the rationale why religions teach against practicing homosexuality than most people know. But, as you say, this is not a place for political or religious discussion.

 

I think what needs to be discussed more is that civil laws have to be somewhat of a "lowest common denominator" of sorts. If you are Catholic, you should follow Catholic teaching. If you're not Catholic or Christian, do Christians have a right to impose the rules they have to follow on non-Christians or even religious people who are part of gay friendly religions? Also, nothing stops you from maintaining a higher standard of behavior than what the law specifies. Put another way, just because the law in Nevada allows you to go see a prostitute doesn't mean you have to participate in that behavior.

 

It's too bad nobody really hits on this part of the discussion: i.e. that church marriage and civil marriage are two entirely different concepts. I'm not really for it (I think it's stupid, actually), but I don't see how you can stop it either.

 

 

 

 

 

A lot attack Clear Channel (who happens to be from S.A.) for the same reason. Clear Channel is a toxic company and I refuse to listen to their stations because they are too "corporate" for my tastes (yes, even WOAI radio, which is why most S.A. media people don't consider them a "locally owned and operated" station. While it is, it is run like every other Clear Channel station, giving it no local feel whatsoever). But I wouldn't say the same for Sinclair. At least they produce all of their newscasts locally and not out of Houston like WOAI radio does at night.

 

 

Agreed. CC has ruined radio - CC stations are virtually unlistenable. That's what happens when you put number crunchers in debt up to their eyeballs in charge of a creative business. They ruin it.

 

WTVN is the big AM around here, the only commercial news operation and its down to 1 person in a metro of 2 million people. One guy in the morning, a guy who I think is from Louisville in the afternoons, and a third guy who works out of their offices but is officially part of WLW. (Probably covers statehouse news.) Nights and weekends, the news comes via WLW ... though I have to say that Dean Muccio sounds great. ... and syndicated crap and voicetracking on the rest of their stations all day.

 

Their "reporters" these days consist of audio from WBNS-TV. They suck.

 

It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't have so many of the good signals around here. They have 3 Class B's out of about 8, and the only two Class A signals that aren't rimshots.

 

 

 

Like I said, Sinclair stations are a mouthpiece for the Smiths. Baltimore is very liberal. They probably think that they can use their stations to spew out propaganda and try to manipulate viewers opinions into going on the Smiths' side. But most viewers aren't stupid. "Massa David" (as another user on here coined) probably doesn't realize that.

 

Yes, Ohio's one of the unique states in the union that tends to be middle of the road. Can't really think of any other state like that except possibly Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, and (to an extent) Wisconsin. Especially Florida and Ohio, those are the moneymaker states for political advertising. It must suck owning a TV station in Texas because it is so reliably conservative, that national political advertising is nonexistant.

 

Agree 100% with that last sentence, except at Sinclair disseminating propaganda IS part of the job. It's just how well can the ND bury that propaganda in the newscast so most viewers don't notice (like KABB)?

 

 

I don't see much of that here except for the occasional story. They are mostly straight up with the news without pushing any kind of agenda. You have Armstrong Williams and the occasional Mark Hyman piece, but that's all I see.

 

I'm wondering if there might be two reasons for this in other markets, though: 1) Could it be that the smaller news operations have to rely more on shared content than the larger network affiliated stations and larger markets? Simply more people to do local stories and more stuff going on in Ohio than in Midland, Texas; or 2) Since they own so many Fox stations, could they be trying to play into a "Fox News" theme on those stations?

 

I don't have too much problem with this if done right and if it's done with some substance. The way Sinclair does it though, comes off as cheap hackery sometimes. But then again, so much of the news is that way these days.

One question I've been meaning to ask those of you in the know.

 

Sinclair had a translator in Dayton for WSTR-TV that was moved to the old Channel 22 analog signal (W22DE), using the old WKEF transmitter powered down to 54kw. WCPO also relocated to Channel 22 after turning in their VHF allocation. The scuttlebutt on various boards is that Sinclair had to turn off the Channel 22 signal after WCPO came on, but the latest FCC license renewal application in 2013 says that W22DE is still in operation.

 

I wouldn't doubt that W22DE is still operating if it's legal to do so. If it's on, it would be an ingenious way to hobble WCPO's signal in Butler County, making WKEF the defacto ABC affiliate for OTA viewers.

 

So which is it? Is it off or is it on? Does anybody know the answer?

 

If they are still on, are they allowed to because Dayton is outside WCPO's primary coverage area? Or is there some quirk in the law that lets them do this because the translator is still analog? I noticed they don't have a construction permit for a digital signal, so that got me thinking Sinclair might be operating under some kind of a loophole.

 

Renewal Application:

 

http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1557475&Service=TX&Form_id=303&Facility_id=11203

Hate to say this but might as well: I don't think most of the Sinclair haters even live in a Sinclair market so they wouldn't know how they run their stations (particularly ones with news ops). The only reason so many attack them is because they are biggest. A lot attack Clear Channel (who happens to be from S.A.) for the same reason. Clear Channel is a toxic company and I refuse to listen to their stations because they are too "corporate" for my tastes (yes, even WOAI radio, which is why most S.A. media people don't consider them a "locally owned and operated" station. While it is, it is run like every other Clear Channel station, giving it no local feel whatsoever). But I wouldn't say the same for Sinclair. At least they produce all of their newscasts locally and not out of Houston like WOAI radio does at night.

 

Like I said, Sinclair stations are a mouthpiece for the Smiths. Baltimore is very liberal. They probably think that they can use their stations to spew out propaganda and try to manipulate viewers opinions into going on the Smiths' side. But most viewers aren't stupid. "Massa David" (as another user on here coined) probably doesn't realize that.

 

Yes, Ohio's one of the unique states in the union that tends to be middle of the road. Can't really think of any other state like that except possibly Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, and (to an extent) Wisconsin. Especially Florida and Ohio, those are the moneymaker states for political advertising. It must suck owning a TV station in Texas because it is so reliably conservative, that national political advertising is nonexistant.

 

Agree 100% with that last sentence, except at Sinclair disseminating propaganda IS part of the job. It's just how well can the ND bury that propaganda in the newscast so most viewers don't notice (like KABB)?

 

Those town halls do have potential. But they are so obviously slanted to one-side that it's basically something to rally up the right-side of the aisle more than anything else. Which is why the WKRC one was on the IRS thing.

 

I guess I should be lucky here in St. Louis, since KDNL doesn't have a news department, they have a real hard time burying the propaganda in their programming. We just get the crap that is mandated to every other Sinclair station out there.

In short though, average Joe sitting on his couch at home in Cincinnati watching WKRC Local 12 News at 11 with Rob Braun, Cammy Dierking, Tim Hedrick, and Brad Johansen won't notice a thing. Largely because it's still the same news team (that has been there for over 20 years except Brad who's been there 17), same content for the most part, same reporters, same graphics, same set, same music, and ultimately, same news director (Kirk Varner). The only thing that could quite possibly happen for their ratings to go down at this point would be for Braun, Dierking, and Kit Andrews (their other main anchor) to leave the station. But for now WKRC will remain #1 for the foreseeable future.

I agree, if Sinclair lets WKRC runs itself like it did under Newport, does little to no intervention into WKRC's affairs and keeps the propaganda to a minimum, WKRC will be fine.

 

If Sinclair starts to micromanage WKRC (not saying that will), then we should be worried.

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Same can be said with WOAI. They haven't done their own (they probably won't either) but they promoted KABB's. KABB barely promoted it anyway. Like I said they didn't take it seriously at all.

I spoke too soon. They're doing one July 11 (Thursday) on gun violence. This one is all WOAI's, unlike the previous ones KABB did. They seem to have done a better job with getting panelists:

On Thursday, July 11th at 6:30pm-8pm, we'll be joined by panelists such as:

  • Dr. Brian Woods, Superintendent of Northside ISD
  • Ed Garza, school board president for SAISD
  • San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus
  • Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau
  • Larry Arnold, a representative from the Texas Concealed Handgun Association
  • Josh Felker, Owner of Lone Star Handguns

AND YOU, to talk about guns in America during this Your Future, Your Voice Town Hall.

They actually have an opportunity to get this right. I just hope they don't screw it up. Hopefully they don't use Mark Hyman as the host. WOAI doesn't usually do them (KABB does) so I have no idea where they're going to have it, or who is going to host it. But it will be streamed live on their website, woai.com, oops, I mean news4sa.com. It will also preempt their 6:30 newscast. I might watch this for once based on the guests they got, unlike KABB who put no effort in finding guests whatsoever (one of the panelists was a KABB advertiser too...).

With the Inergize purge well under way....WHP's new webpage (CBS21.com) now redirects to Local21News.com.....

 

Could we be seeing another WKRC/WPMI clone in our future?

 

Interestingly enough, several other Sinclair stations now brand themselves as "(The) Weather Authority" including WBFF..

 

It makes me wonder how Memphis's WATN is getting away with calling themselves LOCAL 24 and looking almost exactly like former sister station WKRC (under Newport). Could this have been a condition of sale that certain stations could brand themselves that way?

With the Inergize purge well under way....WHP's new webpage (CBS21.com) now redirects to Local21News.com.....

 

Could we be seeing another WKRC/WPMI clone in our future?

 

Interestingly enough, several other Sinclair stations now brand themselves as "(The) Weather Authority" including WBFF..

 

It makes me wonder how Memphis's WATN is getting away with calling themselves LOCAL 24 and looking almost exactly like former sister station WKRC (under Newport). Could this have been a condition of sale that certain stations could brand themselves that way?

That, or the Nexstar people looked at how WKRC operated, and thought of it by their own volition. That, and they had a whole news set literally ready to use.

From what I've been told, several people at WROC had a good deal of input (and direct involvement) in the rebranding of WPTY to WATN. Which begs the question why a WKRC clone instead of WROC after all. Perhaps because of the imported KLRT set, that look just fit better.

 

From what I've been told, several people at WROC had a good deal of input (and direct involvement) in the rebranding of WPTY to WATN. Which begs the question why a WKRC clone instead of WROC after all. Perhaps because of the imported KLRT set, that look just fit better.

 

What WATN has is sort of a hybrid of WKRC's package and the ones WHAM uses (particularly the map portion they use to ID county-specific stories). But it makes sense considering the sets at the two stations are the same, and I don't blame anyone involved in the rebrand and relaunch of the Twin Stations for wanting to mimic WKRC in terms of look and feel (even if they are owned by separate companies now). It may have more to do with Nexstar giving their stations a bit of freedom to use whatever in terms of graphics (whether in-house, from Artworks or another company, etc), but that's just my opinion.

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