Thursday, June 11, 2009

Rowe looks into the changing landscape of local news anchors

The image “http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:7_j9_lS5-D2_gM:http://www.natsci.org/IMAGES/wfmy%2520news%25202%2520logo%2520copy.jpg%2520” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. N&R writer Jeri Rowe looks into why there are no more news veterans at local television stations, this in the wake of recent movements over at WFMY.

And yes, more reader comments. They are intense.

E.C. :)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing the responses to that article are so full of vitriol? Esp the gentleman ranting on about how great Fox News is. Sheesh

Oh well, I hope Greg and Kent stay in the area and continue to get involved. Greg's efforts to help publicize cycling in our area were very welcomed.

It's sad to see WFMY falling apart as it were. I can't stand all the personal injections of Frank Mickens. Sandra having to do the news, sports, etc. all alone seems a bit much. While I do think she stumbles a lot, overall I think she does a good job. The Formica guy seems like he's in a frat house with all his over the top efforts at attention. Eric does a good job with weather and seems to genuinely care about the community and tries to stay involved.

I asked some family members how long the family had watched channel 2. I believe it has been a source of news in the family since it began. Not a soul in the family as of two weeks ago watches the news broadcasts on the station any more. That's pretty amazing to me. They blew it.

I don't care for the timing of the Fox 8 broadcasts generally so they're out. WXII is all that is left and they don't cover Randolph Co. very well. So it seems we're out all the way around.

Anonymous said...

Guess they will wind up going the way of ABC 45.

Anonymous said...

They will. Mark my words. And this is not something I WANT to see happen. I pray they save it... but they are already looking at ways of outsoucing their news. Trust me.

If you work in the FMY newsroom PLEASE have your resume and tape ready. Or start looking NOW.

Anonymous said...

I agree with most of the first anonymous comment. All of the TV stations are in basically the same boat. Granted, News 2 seems to be feeling the brunt of it under Gannett's umbrella.

It is a good sign that they're hiring though. Most places these days are on a freeze, and hopefully it's a sign of a future for WFMY, or at least things turning around.

It's sad to see Sandra leave, but for years I've been wondering how long or much she has left in her.

Frank does an ok job, still a little rough around the edges, but I feel it's a solid effort to bring youth to a newscast that lacked any signs of it.

The Formica guy is getting better. He shows lots of potential, I just can't figure out if he's news or sports.

As far as Kent Bates and Greg Kerr goes, I find it fascinating that WFMY can now hire people with those two gone. Last time I checked there are four positions open...with only getting rid of two people.

This shows the ballooned salaries local anchors get nowadays. I'd rather see four fresh faces, than two whom I wouldn't recognize on Elm Street at noon in broad daylight.

Either way, it seems maybe, just maybe, News 2 can change. I agree with Huey, now is the perfect time to do something different.

Anonymous said...

Its funny that the only people who read this are actually IN the local media and their comments are completely geared toward pumping their own station. LOL Please stop...its completely "see through" LOLOL