A commenter wanted my view on the online offerings by the TV stations. I thought I might have posted awhile back on this, but think I have a few new things to say.
I really don't know the answer to this, so if you know, please reply back. Of the 3 stations, how many of them have staff dedicated only to the web full time? I think it is pivotal at this point as the medium develops and changes for stations to make strong commitments to the web and development. They should have staffs of at least one full time person, if not two, developing content exclusive to the web sites.
Looking at the stations I think they have a long ways to go. Thinking about what I was going to write, I think the local sites haven't developed to where they could be. I think they need to adapt with the philosophy of "Thinking Outside the Box." Blogs, viewing documents, seeing full length press conferences, and seeing stories aired on TV should be considered the standard of online sites and not something to get excited about as web extras or exclusives. If one of the stations put some resources into the web and had some unique offerings I think they really could run away from the competition and really set themselves apart as people become increasingly dependent on the web.
It seems like the stations have an idea of where they could and need to go, but still need to be devoted to it. The idea for fans and stringers to post videos is smart and great for high school sports, but still is a long ways off. As of 10:30 Saturday morning only 1 of the 3 stations had video of Friday's games posted. KWCH's site (Catchitkansas.com) had the most updated content from what appeared to be videos shot by KWCH staff. The video submitted by viewers needs some work as a homecoming game from North-Southeast game from '98 keeps popping up if you click on that. To be honest, none of the stations viewer submitted sites work that well yet.
Lets take KAKE as an example of something they could do as a web offering. With KAKE's vast archive stories you see on their cable show, "The Video Vault," I think they should have a time machine area where you can view big stories from the past. This might be a lame idea, but I do what I can on a Saturday morning. KAKers, use this idea if you want, I wont charge you. They have the video as seen on their cable show, and I would find it hard to believe that the others would have it as readily available as they do. Its about playing to the strengths you already have and repackaging them for the internet.
For KSN, the online offerings need work, but at least they have the BOGO channel. (That was said tongue in cheek.) Often viewed as the 3rd channel in town, I think they have the most to be gained from the internet. All bottom stations in any market could really gain a lot if they were able to win over the online audience. -Hal
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9 comments:
I can assure you that KAKE doesn't have anyone who is dedicated to the web full-time. Whoever is on the assignment desk is usually the one responsible for grabbing content from previous newscasts and posting them online. As far as your comment goes about a time machine feature on their website, I think that is a great idea. KAKE has thousands of hours of old local programming that is just sitting in their archive collecting dust. They definetly need to do something with it.
I same can probably be said about KWCH when it comes to archives. Both stations have been around for decades.
I would like to know how much an
intern reporter makes in Wichita and after being here for 3 years.
Maybe the pay is why most only stay
for about 3 years.
Whether pay is a thing or not, Wichita is really meant to be a middle market. However with some people it appears that it is their starting market. Whether it is a starting or middle market most of the time it is meant as a place to do your time on the contract, get experience and then move up to a bigger and better paying TV station or get out of the business. I think some KAKE reporters have had luck moving up to bigger markets lately.
I can assure you that the top anonymous poster has no clue about what he's talking about.
Reporters from all 3 stations have moved up to top 25 markets. I wish everyone would stop saying KAKE this and KAKE that. The reason it seems like they've had more is because a lot of people have left RECENTLY. That's it. Anyone in this business knows it comes in spurts. Their talent had been here quite awhile.
What size market is Wichita?
Now, I'm curious what Wichita intern reporters make. Is Wichita
a stepping stone for most
professions? Engineering, business
or medical? Seems like the
big bucks are elsewhere.
An icon in the Wichita news businesspassed away today, local weatherman Jim O'Donnell who was one of the pioneers of KAKE passed away at the age early Tuesday. I hope everyone pays him respect to not just what he did for KAKE and tv broadcasting in Wichita, but how he helped the community for many years and was a great person to be around. He will be missed
Agreed all should pay tribute to the passing of a legendary person like Jim O'Donnell. But lead with it at 6pm when the other stations are leading with emotional reaction to the death of a firefighter. Come on KAKE-- that's tacky. But we should expect no less.
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