WXmanTim 88 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 The Sun-Times reports this morning on rumors swirling about that CBS is considering shuttering all newscasts on WBBM. CBS-2 GM Bruno Cohen says it won't happen on his watch, but other insiders insist new contracts are being negotiated for very short periods in anticipation of such a move. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmediaguy 123 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 An article in today's Chicago Sun Times suggests that CBS may abandon local newscasts at its Chicago owned-and-operated station. (http://www.suntimes.com/business/lazare/1441174,CST-FIN-lew20.article) >>Sources also say there has been talk in CBS corporate offices in New York recently about doing away with all local newscasts at WBBM. >>Such a doomsday move, of course, would unburden the ratings-challenged station of a huge amount of costly overhead, while taking off the air some of the city's best television news reporting talent. But it could happen within a year, an informed source predicted, if the economy continues to worsen along with CBS' fortunes. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47367 Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaskanews 113 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I can't even put into words how ridiculous the thought of this is... they just spent a shit-ton of money on a brand new building just to close the whole thing down? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47378 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey 861 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 I can't imagine that they'd stop doing news at CBS in Chicago... It's just too big of a market to quit in (and yes, I'm aware of Detroit). Then again, it is a scary world now, so who knows. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47381 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMA 135 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 I mean, if that's true, wouldn't they essentially shut the whole building down? I'm sure they could do playout from NY or something. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47382 Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazynetjunkie 34 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 I wouldn't be surprised if this happened.. Knowing CBS, the ideas they've thrown around, and what they expect from their O&O stations, this could very well happen, even in big market #3. Like I've said to some before, the business direction CBS is going now is very different than the direction they were going just 2, even 1 year ago. If it did happen, I don't think the whole building would shut down. Management and some essential personnel would remain. I could even see studios being used for syndicated programs. What may be a better idea is for WBBM to shut down news operations (including the letting go of all related personnel altogether) for 6 months or even a year to "re-tool". This time would be used for management to really focus on coming up with a completely new plan for its news operation without the interruptions of daily operation. Once management has a solid new plan, they can hire all new personnel that will follow their plan and won't be stuck on "old ways". The station can really re-debut its news operation as being completely different and new. All this little "change here and there" while the news continues that they've been doing over the years hasn't worked. Doing what's been done everywhere else hasn't worked. It's really time for WBBM to think outside the box. Doing something that's way out of this world may just be the way to go now. The station really has to start thinking of what do people want now when they turn on the news. It's going to be much more than just changing talent or changing the stories. All this has been done over and over again in the past and it hasn't worked. What they're currently doing right now isn't working. As I see it right now, it's just another repeat of a new set of management coming into WBBM and not being able to fix it. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47385 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey 861 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 What may be a better idea is for WBBM to shut down news operations (including the letting go of all related personnel altogether) for 6 months or even a year to "re-tool". This time would be used for management to really focus on coming up with a completely new plan for its news operation without the interruptions of daily operation. Once management has a solid new plan, they can hire all new personnel that will follow their plan and won't be stuck on "old ways". The station can really re-debut its news operation as being completely different and new. I really don't think that suggestion is realistic at all. Not only would they instantly lose whatever audience they have, they'd also lose all of the viewers' trust. Take a whole year off from reporting the news? Not to mention the gap in the tape library and collected information... they'd be at an instant disadvantage at covering ongoing stories. You don't need to shut down to reevaluate the situation. Most of the senior management isn't even involved with day-to-day decision making, they plan ahead. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47386 Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazynetjunkie 34 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 I really don't think that suggestion is realistic at all. Not only would they instantly lose whatever audience they have, they'd also lose all of the viewers' trust. Take a whole year off from reporting the news? Not to mention the gap in the tape library and collected information... they'd be at an instant disadvantage at covering ongoing stories. You don't need to shut down to reevaluate the situation. Most of the senior management isn't even involved with day-to-day decision making, they plan ahead. You're right.. I forgot all about that aspect. The work I've done at stations mainly involve working directly with management crunching numbers and advising on expenses, spending very minimal time in a newsroom or anything having to do with the whole news production itself. However, the last part about the day-to-day decision making, I half disagree. I've been at a few different stations (all top market stations) where some are fully involved with the day-to-day decision making and some where they aren't. Really, what may be best for WBBM financially very soon would be just to shut down news operations altogether. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47389 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weeters 1916 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 The problem with WBBM is that they try too hard. Obviously, the whole trying to be all the other stations thing doesn't work. Neither does airing fluff pieces. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47394 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TVNewsLover 779 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 Why don't they cut the weekend morning news if they really want to cut costs? It seems that other stations are starting to go in this direction. Plus, that is always something they can bring back in the future. It doesn't make sense that CBS Detroit and ABC St. Louis don't have local news. If CBS 2 Chicago goes the same route they'll probably see the ratings plumet even further. They're trying to improve ratings too quick. They need stick with what they have and the ratings will eventually start rising. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47395 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrtraveler01 738 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 Why don't they cut the weekend morning news if they really want to cut costs? It seems that other stations are starting to go in this direction. Plus, that is always something they can bring back in the future. It doesn't make sense that CBS Detroit and ABC St. Louis don't have local news. If CBS 2 Chicago goes the same route they'll probably see the ratings plumet even further. They're trying to improve ratings too quick. They need stick with what they have and the ratings will eventually start rising. I agree. Speaking as someone from St. Louis, KDNL has become a giant laughing stock mostly due to the fact that it is an ABC affilate that does not air local newscasts. Heck, even KPLR the CW affiliate here has beaten KDNL in overall ratings in the past. What I'm trying to say is that closing down the news department at WBBM will only hurt them and the credibility and the damage would be far too great than if they just keep the newscasts. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47396 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link 3 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 I never understand why they don't start offering viewers some alternatives instead of doing the same thing as other stations. For example returning the 5pm newscast to an hour with the CBS Evening News at 6pm. It would offer something different from 5 and 7 and not have all three network newscasts at 5:30 or maybe an hourlong 6pm newscast with Entertainment Tonight at 5pm?? If they are going to make cuts why not cut or shorten the morning newscast and the 11am newscast but keep an evening and late newscast? Cut out weekend mornings as well. Do you think their new VHF digital signal on channel 12 will help their reception and they'll gain some viewers? For years all I've heard is that being on channel 2 causes problems for them and people can't receive their station. Then they end up on low band VHF channel 3 for their digital signal. Low band is the worst to be on for digital reception... KDNL, the so called ABC affiliate in St. Louis doesn't run local news and is the most PATHETIC network affiliate I've ever seen. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47400 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjohnson 17 Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 To expand on Mtraveler's thoughts, had KDNL continued news at 5pm and 10pm, they would have probably expanded newscasts. As it stands, they are behind the shell of KPLR. What WBBM needs to do is continue what they are doing. Let things stay the same for a few years, let the audience come back. Be sure to be all over stories as they come up to prove that you're a better source than WLS or WMAQ. Hammer away that your newscast is better than WGN's or WFLD's because you don't want to miss primetime to see news. Carve out a niche. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47404 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amra 171 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 The thing is why would CBS bring in a News Director if they are to dismantle WBBM's news operations. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47420 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre.Smooth 0 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 It doesn't make sense that CBS Detroit and ABC St. Louis don't have local news. Of course it does. Why should they have to run local news if it's not profitable? Someone please justify why KDNL, WWJ, or another big-3 network affiliate should run local newscasts if no one's gonna watch and they'll lose money....it really doesn't make much sense, does it? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47424 Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirstNews8 13 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I dont think it makes sense. Because ive seen several stations go from last to second, or even in 1 case, first. It is possible, they just have to know how to make it work, under a stiff budget. Honestly, the whole WBBM studio idea was a little dumb in my opinion..... but they are trying to pull in the viewers. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47435 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TVNewsLover 779 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Of course it does. Why should they have to run local news if it's not profitable? Someone please justify why KDNL, WWJ, or another big-3 network affiliate should run local newscasts if no one's gonna watch and they'll lose money....it really doesn't make much sense, does it? I doubt that they would lose money though. Don't forget they have to pay for syndicated programs to fill those slots. It just doesn't seem normal that a big three affiliate in a major city not have local news. From the network standpoint, it doesn't look good for the network if one of the big three affiliates in a major city does not have local news. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47451 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link 3 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I think I remember reading that in some cases, stations have it in their affiliate contracts that they are required to have local newscasts. I think CBS 2 would be better off trying something different with more local emphasis and not the generic "CBS 2 News". Something more catchy like Channel 2 Action News or NewsChannel 2. I don't care much for their theme music or how they say this is the News on CBS 2 HD. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47465 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Lampstein 107 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I think I remember reading that in some cases, stations have it in their affiliate contracts that they are required to have local newscasts. I think CBS 2 would be better off trying something different with more local emphasis and not the generic "CBS 2 News". Something more catchy like Channel 2 Action News or NewsChannel 2. I don't care much for their theme music or how they say this is the News on CBS 2 HD. About the contractual agreement, yes - but there are certain provisions. I would assume being able to financially support a newscast would be a factor, but I doubt they could just shutter the op because of low ratings. I hope you're not serious about Action News or NewsChannel monikers though - they are extremely dated. Eyewitness News is something I can tolerate, it has been modernized at some of the stations that use it... but the other two scream late 80s/early 90s. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47468 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProButtonPusher 230 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 One would think they'd attempt to sell it before cutting newscasts. Yeah, I'm sure they'd still like to have a major market station, but if they were to do it for money, why not just sell it? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47472 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link 3 Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 I hope you're not serious about Action News or NewsChannel monikers though - they are extremely dated. Eyewitness News is something I can tolerate, it has been modernized at some of the stations that use it... but the other two scream late 80s/early 90s. Well I don't care for NewsChannel myself, but Action News is still widely used in large markets like Philadephia, Detroit, Cleveland, and Atlanta. Maybe they just need to simply go by Channel 2 News--a title they used when they were #1 in the past. CBS network programming isn't highly rated in Chicago so using "CBS 2" doesn't really help the station's image any. Channel 2 sounds more local. If ABC wasn't so strong in Chicago, would WLS have switched from Eyewitness News to ABC 7 News? I highly doubt it. It wasn't long after that WMAQ began using NBC 5 News and WBBM started CBS 2 News. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47492 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAVY 10 Fan 233 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I really don't think that suggestion is realistic at all. Not only would they instantly lose whatever audience they have, they'd also lose all of the viewers' trust. Take a whole year off from reporting the news? Not to mention the gap in the tape library and collected information... they'd be at an instant disadvantage at covering ongoing stories. You don't need to shut down to reevaluate the situation. Most of the senior management isn't even involved with day-to-day decision making, they plan ahead. Not sure how bad things are, but there HAS to be another way to cut costs without effectively committing ratings suicide. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47508 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtmclaug 67 Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 They probably wouldn't consider a "doomsday" move. Considering the history that CBS 2 has in Chicago, they wouldn't do anything too drastic. I just hope that people don't get fired or laid off with this poor economy. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47625 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amra 171 Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 Ratings: In the ratings-obsessed world of television news, everyone knows a single monthly ratings book does not a trend make. But in the February 2009 ratings book that concluded Thursday, CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 was the only one of the five major Chicago television stations with 9 or 10 p.m. evening newscasts to register an uptick in its Monday through Friday ratings. And it was a small uptick, as the station climbed to a 4.5 rating from a 4.1 a year ago. WBBM executives admit the small jump may be attributable -- in part at least -- to WBBM's big newscast lead-in rating, which at 6.2 last month was much larger than the 4.7 a year ago. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47765 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjohnson 17 Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 That's a decent pickup. Hopefully that will hold through to next sweeps. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/5050-cbs-considering-doomsday-move-in-chicago/#findComment-47784 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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