WESH grilled by Sentinel, viewers

[Guest cfif]

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2007/11/when-dumb-ancho.html

 

The banter at WESH-Channel 2 between Martha Sugalski and Jim Payne has taken silly turns lately. Are they auditioning for "Moonlighting"?

 

The strangest bit unfolded in last Monday's 11 p.m. newscast. The subject: A story titled "Blondes make men act dumb."

 

That was an excuse for the station and the anchors to act dumb.

 

As Payne read the story, the station put Sugalski's photo over his shoulder. Then the station offered behind-the-scenes silliness. Revelation: These anchors like to play with aerosol cans.

 

"I hope that was as revealing for you as it was then for me," Payne told viewers. Actually, it was pretty pitiful. You can see for yourself:

 

When did it become OK to offer birthday wishes to family members?

 

What possible interest was that to viewers?

 

Suggestion to WESH: I'd resist any stunts that make the anchorman look idiotic and the anchorwoman look like a bimbo.

 

But on Thanksgiving night, they were at it again.

 

Payne: "The best part about working the holidays: The perks. Many employers offer a free Thanksgiving meal and holiday pay for workers who don't take the day off."

 

Sugalski: "What did we get? The story of working together?"

 

Payne: "Yes, we get to share camaraderie and a little pie."

 

Sugalski: "I didn't get any pie."

 

Payne: "So sad about that."

 

Sad is right. What drivel. Where did the professionalism go?

 

[yt=425,350]k4ynIt99ZbY[/yt]

 

Some viewer comments:

 

This has been going on for a while, like since Martha arrived at WESH. This "banter" is borderline on-air flirting, and I think that it is terribly unprofessional.

 

Even during the 4 PM telecast, when Wendy and Martha check with Jim on what's coming up at 5, Martha seems to flirt with Jim then, and you can see the discomfort on Wendy's face.

 

Bad move, WESH, in hiring Martha. The Central Florida is much different from the South Flordia market from where Martha came from. Either pull in the reins of her and Jim's inappropriate behavior, or continue to lose viewers, not to mention credibility.

 

Drivel is an understatement! I can't believe they actually aired such silliness. I have, until recent months, been a WESH news fan but I find their new anchors and the silly gimmicks in their broadcasts to be less like a reputable news source and more like the comedic banter of the WB news group. They both have their place and I enjoy both types. When I want light-hearted comedic news coverage, I know where to go. When I want serious and meaningful news coverage I now turn to Ch. 6.

 

The initial hostility and flirtations when Martha arrived was uncomfortable and enough to drive me away, but I have watched WESH since Dave Marsh was THE weatherman, so I thought, give her a chance. The Barbie makeup and the (sorry) slutty wardrobe. I insanely thought they might even make her tone down her makeup with High Definition. Ah me! Then they started getting field reporters yelling at me to YO! FOLKS! CHECK THIS OUT!! while hopping around and waving his arms...it is embarrassing. To me, leaving WESH is like leaving home, but......

[Ntropolis 596]

Great way to end sweeps month!

 

Looks like WESH is turning into WTKR.

[susquvalleywgal 517]

After just spending a great relaxing week in Central Florida, I think it's time to say that I'm back after driving from Harrisburg to Kissimmee (17 1/2 hour drive, with some stops), and I also think it's time to stick up for WESH.

 

We all know that WESH has been #3 in the ratings in Central Florida (WFTV being #1, WKMG #2), and for a Hearst-Argyle station, that's almost unheard of. The majority of H/A stations are ratings leaders. I think that's why they do things a little different over at WESH.

 

I got to check out all the major news stations during my stay and let me say that WESH is one of the most beautiful H/A and NBC stations I have ever seen. I hope that other stations, WGAL and WTAE included take notice on how they do their graphics and presentation. The full graphic wipes are so beautiful. Almost reminds me of KYW in Philadelphia.

 

WESH has a huge involvement in the community and huge presence in the way Central Florida lives. Their huge Doppler dome is right off of I-4 and can be seen almost for miles. And when it comes to space and NASA coverage, no one does it better. Shame that they are sending up a shuttle this week (of course when I leave). I can only imagine seeing that in HD.

 

So yeah, anchors can act goofy and bring out the aerosol cans. It proves that they have a sense of humor. Just because people may goof off, doesn't mean that their news product hurts.

 

-- Matt

[Ntropolis 596]

I got to check out all the major news stations during my stay and let me say that WESH is one of the most beautiful H/A and NBC stations I have ever seen. I hope that other stations, WGAL and WTAE included take notice on how they do their graphics and presentation. The full graphic wipes are so beautiful. Almost reminds me of KYW in Philadelphia.

 

Graphics mean nothing if your product isn't appealing. The image of the station is meant to drive an audience to your product, and though WESH does look nice, the content overshadows it.

 

So yeah, anchors can act goofy and bring out the aerosol cans. It proves that they have a sense of humor. Just because people may goof off, doesn't mean that their news product hurts.

 

I thought it was stupid and unnecessary. It may have been more appropriate on a morning newscast (like the morning newscast WESH has on WKCF where no one's really getting ready for work/school and there's more time to waste).