Media: HOINews as we know it might end Monday
Two sources confirmed today that staff meetings are scheduled Monday at WHOI and WEEK. One source confirmed and another said it was highly likely that it will be announced that the news staffs will be consolidated.
One source says that no more than six people from WHOI would be retained by WEEK. Four will be on air people, and two would be engineers and/or sales people.
As has previously been reported, WHOI’s owners — Barrington Broadcasting — is essentially outsourcing its news programming to WEEK, which is owned by Granite Broadcasting. The end result will be a single newsroom producing news programs for two stations. WEEK has built a separate HOINews set within the walls of their spacious WEEK studios. The two stations will essentially be running the same news stories. I would expect the two stations to use different anchorpeople to try to create the semblance of different programming.
Who how does ONE station produce two separate news programs that air at the same time? Simple: Film of them an hour ahead of time. WHOI’s 10 p.m. show will be filmed at hour in advance of air time, surrendering the option of airing breaking news during its nightly news broadcast.
And the early deadline will cripple both local and national sports coverage. There won’t be enough time for video and scores to come in from high school or Bradley University. National sports video feeds often don’t arrive until after 9 p.m.
Oh, and apparently WEEK isn’t going to renew its contract with the Associated Press, leaving the station without access to any wire service.
And then add the previously reported fact that WEEK planning to begin using a canned weather report based in Indiana.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Well, if true, that set up won’t last long. May as well give that HOI time slot to another lame sit com rerun. I love Jen and all at HOI. I hope it’s all not true.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I will miss the early morning news on WHOI, at least the anchors have personality and are not being replaced by a substitute half the time.
February 28th, 2009 at 8:54 am
This breaks my heart. I love Mark and Gretchen.
February 28th, 2009 at 8:54 am
This breaks my heart. I love Mark and Gretchen.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Seems to me that WEEK is being smart and reacting to the new media reality. How much room is there for 6 local news agencies? Gateway is consolidating the print media and WEEK is consolidating the television market. WMBD is also in the consolidation game.
Dropping AP is not so dumb either. Besides my personal dislike for AP’s insertion of opinion in news stories, there are now so many other ways to get national news that local twice a day television just doesn’t seem very efficient.
The surviving local news sources will be the local sources of news. Stations which, for whatever reasons, decide that they are presentation and marketing businesses will focus on what they perceive that they do best.
It’s a brave new world and the local stations are trying to adapt, I wish them all well.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I would agree with Murrel. The media business is changing, fast. Newspapers like the one in Denver are going out of business, the next one is the San Francisco Chronicle. Who would have ever thought that could really happen?
Several different stations providing the same information with separate staffs can no longer work. Newspapers consolidated decades ago, which is why Peoria has one voice in that arena now. Radio consoldiated over the last 10 years. It is now time for TV to do the same. It has already happened in many markets, this is not a matter of “if”, it is simply a matter of “when” it occurs. WMBD has been operating WYZZ, and providing a rehash of WMBD news on it for a number of years. I have heard no wailing about that, no journalistic walls were shattered, the world did not end.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I’ve been religiously reading this blog, medialine and Edgar’s Market 117 blog trying to find out more information concernin this.
The Pundit is usally pretty good about these things, however I’m hoping his sources and information are wrong. However, one wonders why Tim McGinnis departed so quickly to head to WPDE. I think it’s obvious that change is on its way to WHOI-TV.
What’s odd to me though… isn’t WHOI’s morning team of Gretchen and Mark the #2 morning show in the area? My guess would be that Gretchen and Mark are two of the on-air staff that will go on over to WEEK-TV. Surely the station will want to keep “Daybreak” in some capacity?!?!?!
As for the other two on-air staffers… no doubt Jim Mattson goes over to WEEK. And I’m assuming, like I have already in these comments, that Jen Christensen will remain as well.
Saddening. Not just that we are losing another source for local news, but that this station has been a STAPLE in this community. Any sort of change to it IS a change to our community – if that makes sense… LOL -
Keep us informed Billy.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
One other quick question… concerning WEEK using the Indiana station for their weather reports. This is only on the weekend right?
They don’t plan on getting rid of Lee Ranson or Sandy Gallant do they?
That would be even MORE upsetting!
February 28th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Rumor has it that Jen Christensen, Jim Mattson, Gretchen and possibly 1 reporter will be kept on board.
February 28th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I don’t understand how they could do 2 shows at once still though. Taping the news at 9pm may fill the 10pm slot on HOI, but what about Daybreak, 5pm and 6pm? I can maybe see taping 5pm and 6pm earlier but Daybreak? And, isn’t there a 9pm newscast still on MyNetwork 59 that is produced by WEEK? That seems like a whole lot of newscasts to try and produce.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:44 am
I hope Ashley stays…although, she is way too talented for a market Peoria’s size
March 1st, 2009 at 9:45 am
Jeff N. sez: “They don’t plan on getting rid of Lee Ranson or Sandy Gallant do they?
That would be even MORE upsetting!”
I say: Really?
March 1st, 2009 at 11:08 am
Surely they will keep Ian on as the reporter of choice. They are all good but Ian can do it all. He is their jack of all trades – weather, reporting, anchoring, talking to Jen at night and filling in on Daybreak. You never know where he’ll turn up next and that should be worth something to them…
March 1st, 2009 at 3:19 pm
They did the same thing in Springfield, Missouri back in 2006. Here’s what happened……. KYTV (3) NBC, which is highly rated, took over the news operation of KSPR (33) ABC after an ownership change at the latter. The KSPR news is run out of the KYTV studios. The KSPR newsteam got a complete overhaul. I could not find out whether it was from people quitting or firing, but I would assume the former. They got Joe Daues and his wife to anchor the news, and put together a skeleton crew to run the news. Joe Daues is not exactly a household name in the Ozarks, but he is known from his previous stints elsewhere. In the beginning, it was the most painful newscast to watch ever. The camera always appeared to be in Daues face. You could literally see the veins in his forehead. They got the reject stories that KYTV didn’t air. They also made it a point to remind us everyday that KYTV was running the show. It seemed that KYTV was trying to help themselves by making the newscast on KSPR a piece of garbage and giving themselves only one real competitor, KOLR (10) CBS.
Could this happen in Peoria? Will WEEK give all their reject stories to WHOI? WIll WEEK make the WHOI newscast unwatchable as they did in Springfield with KSPR in order to bolster their ratings? Well I have an excuse to try out the new slingbox I installed at my dad’s house in central Illinois. The reason I share this story with you is that Springfield, Missouri is not much bigger than Peoria (155,000) and the news market there today is extremely concentrated with only 2 places to get different news. The Springfield, MO market is huge compared to Peoria though, but only in area size, not population. I lived 130 miles from Springfield, and was still in the market! I was thankful I was able to get all the St. Louis stations on cable because I could no longer tolerate the Springfield newscasts after KYTV became “uppity” when they took over KSPR, and the other outlet in town is run by Nexstar (enough said there).
March 1st, 2009 at 5:21 pm
First off Emtronics, Lee Ranson is an institution in this city. The longest service weather person of the three stations and it would be very upsetting if they were to let him go so that they could go through with getting their weather piped in from Indiana.
As for Sandy Gallant, she is a terrific broadcaster and meteorologist. There is no need to be sarcastic towards these talented folks. And I’m almost positive WEEk-TV wouldn’t dump them.
As for WHOI-TV. I too agree, Ian Schwartz is amazing. He’s a serious journalist and he’s also not afraid to do some off the wall stuff on TV as well. Perfect blend.
It’s just SO hard to pick 3 or 4 from 19. Very difficult decision for all those involved. And it must be hard for those that DO get picked to move on over to WEEK-TV knowing that others were let go.
I feel for the crew over at 19. Still wishing for the best on Monday.
March 1st, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Very well said, Jeff N.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Ian is a great asset to Peoria and a great, great friend. I have gotten to know a number of media folks over the years and it is sad to see anyone go that I have known. I would like to thank Nishi for also helping out with a neighborhood project and coverage from Ashley. Jim Mattson, we used to send over drinks at Chi Chi’s back in the college days. Photogs, Gil and Brent, I wish everyone well.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Did anyone else catch the sign off for the 10 p.m. show Sunday? Ian and Nishi thanked the viewers viewers for tuning in. Made me sad.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 am
This will happen today I know for sure. I built the HOI Set!
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:19 am
I predict WMBD will soon rule the market. Will anyone be fooled by the WEEK/WHOI nonsense? Bunch a goofs. Barrel of monkeys.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 am
I hope Ashley stays…also, but she is way too HOTTTTT for a market Peoria’s size…side note she is 7 feet tall…but worth the climb!
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:53 am
Does anyone else find Tom McIntyre & Lee Hall to be pompus gas bags? Retire already Big Mac! Lee Ranson is the best. He is Mr Natural. 25 has to keep him. How did WHOI let HIM go? One of the reasons WHOI is where they are at now! Great management. GM by committee.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
I thought their sign-off last night was bittersweet.
I think that their faces and the look in their eyes said more than their words every could have. That must have been so hard to do! I’m praying for the best for them today…
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:06 am
WEEK will prerecord WHOIs News For a time being until WEEK Builds the Real news set. They will eventually build a sound barrier between the sets.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:23 am
Jason Meyers Sucks he hasnt been to Peoria ever. He should just do his weather in Fort Wayne.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
It’s too bad that just about everyone’s economic security is held hostage by the ax of the corporate bean counters. I enjoy watching WHOI and appreciate the fact that WHOI also does coniderable coverage for my home town-Bloomington.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Official Week will Run WHOI
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
Have you heard what that means for their staff yet, Willy?
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
http://www.pjstar.com/homepage/x1959832349/Owners-of-WEEK-TV-taking-over-operations-of-WHOI-TV
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
The only people kept were Jen Christensen, Jim Mattson and Gretchen Wirtz. All other on-air staff were laid off.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
And where does this leave Jen’s blog?
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
When does this take effect?
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 am
It has happened.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Against all hope on many of our parts, it was done today. I have lots of questions that hopefully one can answer.
(1) Does this go into effect IMMEDIATELY? Are we going to see these WEEK-TV produced newscasts on our telly’s tonight?
(2) Does Jen, Jim and Gretchen officially join WEEK-TV’s news team? Or, will they remain seperate. I remember hearing something about how 25’s personalities are union and 19’s were not.
And I just have to say to the person who called Mac and Lee Hall pompous gas bags. Is that really called for?
There is no doubt in my mind that most of the folks over at WEEK and WMBD, for that matter, feel for those at WHOI who lost their jobs today and are not celebrating. (Well, perhaps management is… but not the others.)
One thing I remember well from my old blog is that although there is quite a bit of competitiveness in them all, but they all WERE truly friends off air. This has to be crushing to the friends of the folks who were let go today.
I’m sorry this happened to these talented folks.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
WEEK-TV’s Sandy Gallant just reported that Mark Welp WILL stay along with Gretchen Wirtz and Daybreak continues.
HOI News at 5 will move to HOI NEWS at 5:30
ABC’s WORLD NEWS will move to 6pm.
Lee Ranson will do the weather for HOI 19.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Good Year For the Outlaw reported that Mark Welp was staying about 2 hours ago, as well as the 5:30 news and the World News change, and the Ranson note. (pardon the pun).
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Thanks BJ… I’m heading over there. LOL
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
It has been a pleasure to serve this fine community. I learned a lot here and met many wonderful people. I will never forget you Peoria…from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
***please feel free to keep in touch…Schwartz.Ian@gmail.com
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
WEEK just made the official announcement on their website.
http://www.week.com/whoi
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I second the feelings about the jobs being let go. WHOI was still making money. And for the guy above, we only had 3 news sources, not 6! And to another comment: Yes, no one cared about WMBD operating WYZZ’s news because WYZZ never had a news cast to lay off to begin with. It’s just the same as WEEK operating WAOE.
But WHOI was running their own show. And over this past year, they were looking their best in more than 20 years! I preferred them over WEEK, I really did. WEEK is our most overrated newscast and have been living off of their name. When is the Peoria area going to wake up and realize this? WHOI had spent years struggling and fighting with what they have to get where they are now.
I can go on and on and on. But let me say that I give a station the greatest weight by their weather lineup. I believe it’s the most expensive piece of a television station you can see. So a lot can be said by how cheap a station is by how their weather presentations look.
When it comes to staff, I tend to rank stations who have actual “meteorologists” higher than those who do not. If anyone has compared the 3 newscasts over the last 2 decades like I have, they’d see the difference. Kudos to WEEK for keeping Sandy Gallant after she became one and after earning her AMS seal. If they let her go, WEEK will be dead to me. I was also impressed with Jeff Muniz’s accomplishments in the same field, but not with WEEK for demoting him to just a reporter. This puts them with just one real meteorologist when many stations in this market have at least 2. WHICH ties with WHOI’s (former?) Rick Kearby. But at least WHOI’s weekend newscast wasn’t piped in from Ft Wayne!
And let’s take a look at the weather equipment. Granite has no commitment here. Last year, they bought an out-of-date accu WX Galileo that is seldom touched by stations in markets this big anymore. The technology is almost a decade old and is the same thing that WMBD bought way back in 2002 when it was actually the rage. WHOI fires back, for the first time, with a state-of-the-art graphics system, from, I think, WSI. It was $125,000!!!! It blew the competing graphics away by FAR with the street-level imaging system.
I see that WEEK has bought slightly better-looking software for their computer which is about as good as that computer can look. This, and the fact that I hear Lee Ranson is taking over both weathercasts tells me that WHOI’S system is going to go in favor of WEEK’s inferior out-of-date weather system. And atop of all of this, the weekend weather cast, which is produced at a station that does weather for a dozen other Granite and it’s should-be-illegal shell company stations, has the exact same crappy system! Granite has no commitment to the weather whatsoever and that’s sad.
As far as severe weather crawls, WHOI’s is the most reliable. And WEEK, despite being a slightly updated version of WMBD’s is the least reliable. You can go an hour without seeing WEEK’s crawl. WHOI’S is up the second my weather radio goes off.
Lee Ranson is a fixture. And for that reason, I’m glad to see him stay. But he’s not thoroughly versed in weather like Chuck Collins or Rick Kearby, which is why I hate to see the latter go.
WMBD has 3 meteorologists. Also, they are the most consistent ones do severe weather break-ins 24/7 as advertised. WEEK, has managed to be the worst here. I just wish they would hold them all longer than they do! LOL And I’m sure they are going to step-up their competition with how they look very soon. Nexstar is strong right now and I’ve heard that SMBD plan on taking advantage of the shortcoming of the competition (what competition) in the near future. But god help us all when Nexstar’s fortunes start to go south. They about killed WMBD when they first took over. I hope they will stay superior like they have been this past year.
And I’m sure that Jason Meyers will be doing WHOI’S weather on the weekends? That really disgusts me. I watched WEEK’s weather+ station a couple months ago to see them give us Ft. Wayne almanac information! That screw-up would never have happened if the weather was local. Unlike the neighboring markets, our market has been fortunate not to have very many big storms in recent years. But unfortunately, that’s the reason why nobody takes weather seriously in this area. Than when stations decrease their commitment in weather, even less people will take our stations seriously! With the exception of WMBD, our stations are a joke compared to neighboring markets, even Rockford, who is technically a smaller market but bigger city. We will not always be lucky, as can be seen in the past. And one day this community will wake up and realize that weather should be taken seriously. I’d rather listen to WMBD, who has the foresight to warn people a few days out that something COULD happen. Even if it doesn’t. Than to watch a station that doesn’t warn you until it’s too late in order to avoid the cry-wolf syndrome.
And last but not least, I know many people watch the weather channel because they look so much better than our locals. But in recent times, WHOI had the graphics and WMBD has the personnel. I’m hoping that WMBD upgrades their graphics and we’ll have a local weather source that will totally match the weather channel in quality.
that’s my 2 cents, and a bit more
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Actually, I’ve been a WMBD fan ever since Mike Mquellen became our first broadcast meteorologist. Than WMBD took it a step further with Marcus Lynch for the weekends. WHOI picked up Rick Kearby by default of letting Lee Ranson. But for years, WEEK danced around hiring meteorologists because they cost more money. And since they got more of the viewers, they didn’t care. But to be 100% critical of them. They have managed to hold most of their personalities longer than the other 2 and they have the largest newscast. But I had always thought it was an outrage that they are so far ahead of WMBD in the ratings. Because, really, they don’t have much over them.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
WMBD Fan: I completely agree with you. I honestly don’t understand how WEEK has stayed #1 for so long. I used to be in the biz, and when I talk to people around Peoria about the news biz, most of them think WMBD is #1 and WHOI is #2. Obviously someone thinks WEEK is #1 because they, according to Nielsen, are but I don’t get it. As for the meteorologists, I don’t see why Lee has never gotten his degree and why other stations weren’t promoting the fact that they had a licensed meteorologists over other stations in Peoria that didn’t. I know other markets that will trample all over that fact. I do think what hurts WMBD (and what hurt WHOI) is the revolving door of on-air staff. Reporters and some (weekend) anchors don’t stay at WMBD or WHOI past their 2 or 3 year contract. But at WEEK, they do stay for the most part. I think a lot of people like that. I think WHOI was starting to pick up some steam because of Jen Christensen, Rick Kearby and Jim Mattson having all been around for a while. But I think the revolving door of reporters and weekend anchors hurt them. Same goes for WMBD.
At the end of the day though, regardless of what I or others think, a handful of very good reporters and photographers just lost their jobs today. I just hope they all land jobs elsewhere. I noticed on INBA.net today that WMBD is looking for a morning/noon weather anchor, general assignment reporter, weekend anchor/reporter and a news producer. Maybe we’ll see some of the HOI’ers on WMBD soon.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
First off Ian, the Peoria/Bloomington market thanks you for the service that you provided and no doubt your talents will lead you elsewhere. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
The notion that WEEK-TV doesn’t have to try and they are #1 is silly in my opinion. Most of you sound as if Mac were to just read a “Spongebob” script, people would stay tuned in.
That’s not the case. The station puts out a good product. It may not have the glitzy graphics or a fancy shmancy set, but it does have the viewers. It’s only smart management that you don’t fiddle too much with a good thing.
WEEK-TV struggled in the ratings with WHOI-TV at one time (atleast at 10pm, I think). Back when Lee Ranson was part of that station. The station’s personalities with community events and what not have stood out to many viewers in my opinion and that’s a good reason as to why they are #1.
WMBD does a damn good job too. I believe it does indeed deserve praise as many have mentioned above. Bob, Chuck & Kurt have been a staple on that station for years.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
FYI… the “yourhearofillinois.com” and “hoinews.com” websites now direct you to WEEK.com.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Former-Reporter, I agree 100% that it’s the revolving door that hurts these stations.
And to Jeff N. Yes, Mac is good. So is Lee Hall and Mark Strauss etc. I could never say anything bad about them. It’s just that WEEK has enough ratings that they should look more like KWQC or WAND, which are 2 stations that can hold their people longer & have the latest technologies. Even the Quincy stations look better. I understand that the WHOI studios were cramped, but why didn’t Barrington put the same investements into them like they did with KHQA, who enjoys an entirely new building?
My biggest disappointment with WEEK is that their weekend weather was farmed-out and so many errors plague the new setup.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
pjstar.com just quoted the GM at WEEK as saying there will be a 5:30pm newscast tonight on HOI, and there will be a 10pm newscast too. Daybreak will be produced in Creve Coeur for the time being.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
The “official press release” does indicate that WEEK/WHOI will have new “state of the art” weather technology. That official press release is at WEEK.com.
I see what you’re saying WMBD FAN.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Former-Reporter, I agree 100% that it’s the revolving door that hurts these stations.
And to Jeff N. Yes, Mac is good. So is Lee Hall and Mark Strauss etc. I could never say anything bad about them. It’s just that WEEK has enough ratings that they should look more like KWQC or WAND, which are 2 stations that can hold their people longer & have the latest technologies. Even the Quincy stations look better. I understand that the WHOI studios were cramped, but why didn’t Barrington put the same investements into them like they did with KHQA, who enjoys an entirely new building?
But my biggest disappointment with WEEK is that their weekend weather was farmed-out and now it looks horrible with technical glitches and dead air space galore.
And I was not aware that WMBD was looking for a morning news-weather anchor again. They need to try stop their revolving door. I’m still rooting for them though because their overall quality is the best and I hope they will now get the chance to shine once and for all.
And yes, WHOI was #1 at one time and WMBD was always the third. But those days have changed. Houli was about the best in those days. I had always thought that Rollie & Lee were ok. I just don’t’ think they’re on par with the people who do have a degree.
Oh, and Kudos to WMBD for having SEPARATE people doing the weather on their newscasts instead of doubling up with an anchor. I don’t have anything against doing this in the mornings since most stations do, but it just goes a step further and looks much better to have them separate. With their recent request of a morning/noon reporter/weather anchor, I’m now concerned that they are looking for just a regular person without a degree to do both. But as long as they have 2 meteorologists, I won’t knock them because that’s what most stations have, are 2.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I accidentally hit the “send button” before I was able to finish my comment. I tried to stop it, but I see that it went though anyway! LOL
Yes, WEEK says state-of-the-art weather technology, but I don’t see it yet. I’d love to see “REAL” LIVE Doppler make it’s way to the Peoria area. It’s in at least one station of all of our surrounding markets. But at $500K and up, I can’t see any of our stations spending that kind of money.
I think I’m done now. I hope everything works out for the best. For those who are still working and for those who are without a job. I do hope that Ian Swartz & Rick Kearby can find something somewhere very soon.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Only other question I have now is what does WHOI-TV program at 5pm?
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
You know, that’s the only thing I haven’t found out yet. And the direcTV guide reflects their old schedule. But of course, WTVP has always broadcast 24/7 on their digital feed. And it has been well over 2 months that they have switched to this feed for retransmission. Yet it STILL shows WTVP as signing off at Midnight when there’s shows on there. I’m wondering how long it will be before they get the WHOI lineup straight?
My guess would be a syndicated rerun or an paid programming slot. WHOI used to air at 5:30 years ago. I think their sudden move to 6 opposite the competitors may have been another thing that hurt WHOI.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
What happens to the weekend news?
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I forgot about the weekend news. By seeing all the people who have been let go, I’m afraid it will be a WEEK simulcast.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
but since WEEK has no Sunday newscast at 5:30, it’s hard to tell. I’m just disgusted over what happened. Everyone’s loosing jobs everywhere. This market was big enough to maintain perfect completion (3 or more) news sources. Each station, in itself, was profitable. But sadly, cooperate greed has taken over, is here to stay, and it’s appetite will never be quenched. And just look at what it has done to this entire country! Employers treat their employees like crap. The American dream is fast-becoming just that, just a dream. I find it sad that we’ve arrived at the point where fascist-style regulations will have to be taken. I’m just hoping the best for our stations and our country.
I had always wanted to be a meteorologist, but I really don’t think it’s a safe move for me now.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
It’s the first newscast over at WHOI-TV and I’m guessing their are technical issues with them switching over from the CREVE COUER building to the EAST PEORIA studios. There were several glitches during the 5:30.
It was so odd to see Jeff Muniz on 19.
I’ll give them a break right now though. Those techies are probably being so critical on themselves right now and are working on some fixes.
My guess is the 10 O’Clock runs smoother because it will be pre-recorded.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
WEEK has the video story of the takeover on their web site now. Jen looks like she is about to cry.
What did the HOI newscast look like? Didn’t get a chance to watch it. Was it completely WEEK newstories or all feed packages?
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I just came from the WMBD website and see that they are looking for a Weekend sports anchor, not a morning/noon weather anchor that I somehow misread from a comment that said nothing about morning, noon or weather. LOL I wonder how I managed to mess up that bad! It’s probably a good idea that I’m not in charge of any teleprompter. LOL
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I too noticed during the 5:30p newscast and on that video in particular that she appeared to be in a state of shock… heck, for that matter, I’m assuming everyone at the stations were. They knew this was coming, and then bam it hits and I’m sure it was a hard day for all involved.
I’m now wondering something new. When the stations start broadcasting BOTH News 25 and HOI News live at the same time (when the sound barrier is put in like the GM said over there), how is Lee Ranson going to appear on both shows?
I’m assuming that they would have Lee do the weather first on WHOI, as to not break the format of 25’s show, and then he just wouldn’t appear at the end of the show.
I must admit though, as someone who remembers the days when Jim and Lee were on the same set over at 19 prior to Ranson leaving, it felt quite familiar to see them together once again. (Plus their both Cubs fans…)
One other thing that REALLY annoyed me though… in Jeff Muniz’ piece that appeared on every 25 newscast and both 19 newscast, they talked about how Barrington provided a “generous” severence package along with help in finding new jobs.
I’d like to know just how “generous” that might be and how much Barrington is really extending to those employees who were shown the door. None of these folks actually got to FORMALLY say goodbye to the community. Sad.
With as poorly as these people are paid, “Generous” seems to be such a STRONG word.
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:19 am
Im sorry to say but granite broadcasting Corp and barrington Corp are two dirty businesses
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:51 am
Filty, dirty, look out for themselves, to hell with the publics, liars. Did either GM take a cut? Did they lose ONE perk? So wrong.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Not Hardly Pud if either one did it would make you puke on how much both of them make
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 am
It does make me puke & I have a strong stomach. So short sighted.
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
It appears, like at other Granite stations, WEEK.com and YOURHEARTOFILLINOIS.com will end soon. If you type in ILLINOISNEWSCENTER.com, it will direct you to WEEK.com