Out & About

[nathannah 2546]

1 hour ago, MichiganNewsGraphicsJunkie said:

TMJ4 meteorologist Brendan Johnson is being bumped up from weekend mornings to weekday morings.  He replaces Tyler Moore who is leaving.  Meteorologist Kristen Kirchaine is also leaving the team.  

That story is a very interesting way to spin away from the fact that they've just lost half their weather staff, and Tyler and Kristen felt so underappreciated (you can easily argue Kristen was doing so much more work/shifts than the actual chief, and Tyler basically ran the day shift all by himself), that they just gave up and looked for other opportunities. The days of Paul Joseph and John Malan keeping that station the market's gold standard are truly over.

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

This is what Sunbeam plans to do with its current property in North Bay Village, with the facility breaking ground in 2027. This comes, of course, as WSVN plans to move to Miramar by next year.

 

(The original link is paywalled, so I'm using this to hopefully let you access it.):

https://archive.is/xfyOd

[tyrannical bastard 4094]

WJZ's building on TV Hill in Baltimore suffered an electrical fire this afternoon.  The fire was out by the time firefighters arrived at the station.

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/baltimore/news/maryland-baltimore-fire-wjz-building-newsroom/

[MediaZone4K 2324]

On 6/27/2025 at 10:48 PM, TheRolyPoly said:

This is what Sunbeam plans to do with its current property in North Bay Village, with the facility breaking ground in 2027. This comes, of course, as WSVN plans to move to Miramar by next year.

 

(The original link is paywalled, so I'm using this to hopefully let you access it.):

https://archive.is/xfyOd

Looking forward to a better looking newsplex when they move

[l_miro 10]

On 6/27/2025 at 10:48 PM, TheRolyPoly said:

This is what Sunbeam plans to do with its current property in North Bay Village, with the facility breaking ground in 2027. This comes, of course, as WSVN plans to move to Miramar by next year.

 

(The original link is paywalled, so I'm using this to hopefully let you access it.):

https://archive.is/xfyOd

That one is replacing the building across from the studios. Plex will get demolished closer to ~2030

 

They were supposed to have broken ground by now, this story says 2027. 

 

Wsvn new building in Miramar is scheduled to start construction end of 2025 or early 2026 to coincide with their 70th year but not necessarily with a July debut

[cg4 10]

WTKR’s Blaine Stewart will be off the air for a while as he deals with an “unexpected medical challenge.”

[Breaking News 855]

On 6/27/2025 at 10:48 PM, TheRolyPoly said:

This is what Sunbeam plans to do with its current property in North Bay Village, with the facility breaking ground in 2027. This comes, of course, as WSVN plans to move to Miramar by next year.

 

(The original link is paywalled, so I'm using this to hopefully let you access it.):

https://archive.is/xfyOd

I'm sure The Ansin Family owns the property right?  They're into real estate so it makes since. 

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

Sunbeam Properties, so yes.

 

Now they have a website devoted to it as well: https://www.sunbeamnbv.com/home

 

EDIT:

They've even included a PDF with detailed plans as to what they'll construct in NBV to replace the WSVN complex: https://assets.courbanize.com/sunbeam-north-bay-village/info-plans/5c4f61e19ee3eaf708ee5cb07d1630b9.pdf

Edited Tuesday at 10:08 PM by TheRolyPoly

[tyrannical bastard 4094]

BIG, and sadly some likely expected news coming out of Northeast Mississippi.

 

Matt Laubhan is leaving WTVA.

https://www.djournal.com/news/local/matt-laubhan-leaves-wtva-launches-own-site/article_54ed7004-77b1-44d6-9659-d38cb5aa6a5c.html

 

I figured it was going to happen sooner or later with the way things are going at Allen Media, but luckily it looks like he's able to do it on his own terms. 

 

And is evidenced by other meteorologists beginning to do their own thing, local TV weather may be starting an irreversible decline as the most seasoned are starting to head for the exits and are being replaced by younger, and sometimes distant colleagues doing forecasts from  virtually anywhere.

Edited Wednesday at 03:08 AM by tyrannical bastard

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

1 hour ago, tyrannical bastard said:

BIG, and sadly some likely expected news coming out of Northeast Mississippi.

 

Matt Laubhan is leaving WTVA.

https://www.djournal.com/news/local/matt-laubhan-leaves-wtva-launches-own-site/article_54ed7004-77b1-44d6-9659-d38cb5aa6a5c.html

 

I figured it was going to happen sooner or later with the way things are going at Allen Media, but luckily it looks like he's able to do it on his own terms. 

 

And is evidenced by other meteorologists beginning to do their own thing, local TV weather may be starting an irreversible decline as the most seasoned are starting to head for the exits and are being replaced by younger, and sometimes distant colleagues doing forecasts from  virtually anywhere.

 

Paywalled, unfortunately, but I checked out the site for his new venture... it looks like Gabe Mahner has left WTVA as well. John Doulsic and Chelsea Simmons will be all that's left.

[MichiganNewsGraphicsJunkie 993]

2 hours ago, tyrannical bastard said:

BIG, and sadly some likely expected news coming out of Northeast Mississippi.

 

Matt Laubhan is leaving WTVA.

https://www.djournal.com/news/local/matt-laubhan-leaves-wtva-launches-own-site/article_54ed7004-77b1-44d6-9659-d38cb5aa6a5c.html

 

I figured it was going to happen sooner or later with the way things are going at Allen Media, but luckily it looks like he's able to do it on his own terms. 

 

And is evidenced by other meteorologists beginning to do their own thing, local TV weather may be starting an irreversible decline as the most seasoned are starting to head for the exits and are being replaced by younger, and sometimes distant colleagues doing forecasts from  virtually anywhere.

As saddening as this is, it's also exciting.  He was going to get screwed over by Allen one way or another.  I wish him the best. I've been watching his live stream and he seems so much happier as well. 

[tyrannical bastard 4094]

For this to be happening in Mississippi State's backyard, Frank Spain must be rolling over in his grave.  At least his heirs knew better when they ended up selling to Heartland Media not knowing that Byron Allen would be the next one to get the keys.

Edited Wednesday at 01:33 PM by tyrannical bastard

[ScottSchell 375]

14 hours ago, tyrannical bastard said:

BIG, and sadly some likely expected news coming out of Northeast Mississippi.

 

Matt Laubhan is leaving WTVA.

https://www.djournal.com/news/local/matt-laubhan-leaves-wtva-launches-own-site/article_54ed7004-77b1-44d6-9659-d38cb5aa6a5c.html

 

I figured it was going to happen sooner or later with the way things are going at Allen Media, but luckily it looks like he's able to do it on his own terms. 

 

And is evidenced by other meteorologists beginning to do their own thing, local TV weather may be starting an irreversible decline as the most seasoned are starting to head for the exits and are being replaced by younger, and sometimes distant colleagues doing forecasts from  virtually anywhere.

I posted this on the Allen Media page but will post it here too WTVA has announced Chelsea Simmons as the Chief Meteorologist.

[GoldenShine_10 114]

6 hours ago, tyrannical bastard said:

For this to be happening in Mississippi State's backyard, Frank Spain must be rolling over in his grave.  At least his heirs knew better when they ended up selling to Heartland Media not knowing that Byron Allen would be the next one to get the keys.

 

You almost have to wonder if the state of Mississippi will become, essentially, one large market? Although the Delta is often the forgotten part of the state...and does feel isolated from a media perspective.

[Rusty Muck 4443]

23 hours ago, Breaking News said:

I'm sure The Ansin Family owns the property right?  They're into real estate so it makes since. 

The Ansin family literally developed Miramar from the beginning. The only thing that kept them from redeveloping the island was getting the WIOD side and their towers (the island was partitioned in 1962 after Biscayne Broadcasting lost the license for channel 7–which saw a replacement license awarded to Sunbeam—and AM 610 was sold back to Cox Media).

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

This is heartbreaking to hear. WFAA's Mariel Ruiz has triple-negative breast cancer... at 33.

 

 

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

Here's something a CBS affiliate is DARING to do...

 

WTSP is expanding their noon news to an hour starting Monday, July 7th. 10 Tampa Bay Midday will now run from 12-1pm, just like WTVT, WFTS, and WWSB.

 

Y&R is moving a half-hour later to 1pm and B&B is moving 90 minutes later to 3pm. The PM Great Day Live moves to 3:30pm and takes Daytime Jeopardy! off the airwaves.

 

So now they're just taking the 12:30pm newscast from streaming to actual television.

[l_miro 10]

5 hours ago, Rusty Muck said:

The Ansin family literally developed Miramar from the beginning. The only thing that kept them from redeveloping the island was getting the WIOD side and their towers (the island was partitioned in 1962 after Biscayne Broadcasting lost the license for channel 7–which saw a replacement license awarded to Sunbeam—and AM 610 was sold back to Cox Media).

 

Ed Ansin did not want to redevelop WSVN property. One of my sources at the time explained in detail back in 2008, when one day Ed Ansin showed up at WTVJ to tour the building after WPLG announced they are buying the station, but I can't find the emails. 

 

What kept Sunbeam from getting the WIOD site was the old man refusing to pay $1.5 mil for it in 2002. I know from someone who was involved the old man balked at the price being too high. He was offered first dibs, even with his son Andrew pushing hard  for the performance Ed said no.  

 

Then the owner sold to a local developer for $1.3 mil and announced condos. But Ed Ansin told him (and used WSVN to bludgeon him publicly) that he can't build anything on the lot without his permission because he had an agreement with the previous owner that requires his consent first, a condo building would be disruptive to WSVN and that is that. 

 

Turned out the developer offered to accommodate, including I believe a parking carve out for the station that can fit the ENG trucks, at his expense. 

 

Ed still said no. 

 

After the WSVN story aired and made him look bad, the developer decided to spite - he forbade WSVN staff to park on his property, majority of parking for WSVN staff was on it.

 

That's why Sunbeam owns that building across the road. Employees parked there, and had to cross heavy traffic til 2021.The developer also removed the guard at the entrance and one of the billboards.

 

Later, he announced hell make a strip club on the WOID site. A nod to sexed up female anchors at the station. Which caused old Ed to get North Bay Village mayor involved, used WSVN, Belkys Nerey and other female anchors as hammers to nip that plan, and it worked. 

 

After suing the developer, around 2008-2009, Ed bought the note on the property from the lender and tried to foreclose but I think failed. 

 

After Ed died 7/2020 one of the first things Andrew did after inheriting, is buy the lot from the developer... for $29 million in March 2021

 

And here we are. 

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

WKMG loses two on-air talent folks in a span of days.

 

First, Crystal Moyer who's leaving WKMG after 5 years there later today (as of the time I write this post).

 

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/06/25/thank-you-news-6-gets-ready-to-say-farewell-to-longtime-morning-anchor/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=wkmg6&fbclid=IwY2xjawLS5PNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhenP7c_1K0bxmgKgC5KtLn9AfZwzuvSPyfCm6KTqmruSfmt8sT5jt1nm_MU_aem_fTe-Jk7_86xBB8s7up4gxw

 

Now, its longtime morning and noon anchor Bridgett Ellison who left yesterday after 14 years there.

 

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/07/02/wkmg-news-6-celebrates-anchors-14-years-of-service-to-central-florida/

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

More news via LinkedIn...

 

Marc Mullins was one of those laid off by Scripps at WRTV Indianapolis. Thankfully, he has a new home with TEGNA and KVUE Austin starting July 14th.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7345984809032142849-iaYD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAABqGw-0BrOQ_9csrv95OAtvM37gqLkE_dSc

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

For those who remember WTVD's longtime anchorman and reporting stalwart John Clark... you can find him in a new adventure with his wife Val offering positive Christian content in a new podcast... The Clark Report.

 

https://theclarkreport.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLTQGlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFJalMxalp0ajdTZW9aakU4AR4G83An0B-nKcI3x15NORborAPXM99c_yKqZvPdIffI7nn96mfGMjIr-OiD8Q_aem_PAdL6hXnPq01R-Xhlg7OUQ

[trustno1 8]

On 7/2/2025 at 1:06 PM, tyrannical bastard said:

BIG, and sadly some likely expected news coming out of Northeast Mississippi.

 

Matt Laubhan is leaving WTVA.

https://www.djournal.com/news/local/matt-laubhan-leaves-wtva-launches-own-site/article_54ed7004-77b1-44d6-9659-d38cb5aa6a5c.html

 

I figured it was going to happen sooner or later with the way things are going at Allen Media, but luckily it looks like he's able to do it on his own terms. 

 

And is evidenced by other meteorologists beginning to do their own thing, local TV weather may be starting an irreversible decline as the most seasoned are starting to head for the exits and are being replaced by younger, and sometimes distant colleagues doing forecasts from  virtually anywhere.

I read that his wife will remain on WTVA.  They actually worked in different stations at one time - I know that because of the clip that I saw when he proposed to her on live TV.

[tyrannical bastard 4094]

On 7/2/2025 at 3:07 PM, GoldenShine_10 said:

 

You almost have to wonder if the state of Mississippi will become, essentially, one large market? Although the Delta is often the forgotten part of the state...and does feel isolated from a media perspective.

I think Mississippi TV will stay separate markets, but Greenville/Greenwood under one owner and WTOK in Meridian and WHLT in Hattiesburg ceding to their Jackson counterparts is beginning to weaken the markets a little.  Moreso in Meridian since WTOK is the undisputed leader in the market while WHLT has always played second fiddle to WDAM who has kept their operation local to the market.

 

If either Columbus/Tupelo or Greenwood/Greenville had Gray stations, they would probably have pulled the same moves Meridian did.  At least WTVA is the only Allen Media station in Mississippi and WXXV and WCBI remain separate operations, likely due to distance.

Edited 12 hours ago by tyrannical bastard

[jerseyfla 208]

On 7/2/2025 at 9:09 PM, TheRolyPoly said:

Here's something a CBS affiliate is DARING to do...

 

WTSP is expanding their noon news to an hour starting Monday, July 7th. 10 Tampa Bay Midday will now run from 12-1pm, just like WTVT, WFTS, and WWSB.

 

Y&R is moving a half-hour later to 1pm and B&B is moving 90 minutes later to 3pm. The PM Great Day Live moves to 3:30pm and takes Daytime Jeopardy! off the airwaves.

 

So now they're just taking the 12:30pm newscast from streaming to actual television.

This is similar to what former CBS affiliate WTVT did for years where they pushed Y&R on one day tape delay to 1pm as they had the one-hour lifestyle program Pulse Plus which then became a Noon Newscast and half hour local talk show Eye on Tampa Bay in 1989. The only difference is WTVT never showed the half hour soap operas Search for Tomorrow, Capitol, or The Bold and The Beautiful. TB&B was pushed to lower powered independent WTMV from 1991 until WTSP took it when they got CBS in the New World Deal in December 1994.

[TheRolyPoly 2677]

For those who missed it... WTEN's Steve Caporizzo's sign off from Monday: