An interesting opinion on the economic problems and how it affects local TV news. The following two columns say it won't effect the National media nearly as bad has it is set up to effect local media, because often they depend on auto dealers and small businesses for advertising. The article continues to say even aggressive efforts on the internet will not be able to make up for the difference. So, is this a major moment in local TV and will TV news be forced to downsize even quicker? Will we see one-man bands now even sooner than expected? -Hal
http://www.lostremote.com/2008/09/30/the-perfect-economic-storm-for-local-tv/
http://www.lostremote.com/2008/09/26/economy-has-profound-effect-on-local-tv/
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8 comments:
KAKE and KSN maybe. KWCH is expanding so no. Also LostRemote is an anti-TV, pro-web website so take a look at your source.
Anon 414,
You are in denial in regards to KWCH. I think local ad revenue is down across the board. Sure the lower ranked stations may have issues, but on the otherhand if the top ranked station still commands top ranked prices in a slumping economy, things could get rough for them as well. They may have no choice but, to command the high prices if they are expanding like you claim they (You) are.
KWCH may be expanding.
But how?
HD? Their female anchor is worried about that one.
But where else?
With a sports website? That's right..the one they can't sell. Oh sure, on paper its "making money"... but advertisers are staying away in droves.
Adding shows to the CW? Please.
Someday, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, but someday ... a cold reality will set in, and the arrogant won't know how to cope with reality.
Robotic studio cameras are heading there, aren't they?
And they're about to debut a fancy graphic system that has the potential to eliminate graphic positions over the long haul. Hmmmm.
And don't think 12's owners will hold onto to them forever and ever. When the price is right, and they can turn a profit by selling 12... they will.
I will agree that LostRemote is a poor source for assessing local TV... those pocket protector geeks are championing the death of TV... while trying to figure out how to cope with having acne in their late 20s.
KSN had added more people.
No one is worried and they are going to beat everyone in this like they do everything else so nice try.
No robotic cameras, not like those at KSN. Just HD cameras.
I can guarantee you Catch It Kansas makes money. And the way you are talking like you are, you don't work there and you don't know.
5:14 is obviously a big wig over at KAKE and the fact that they are imploding, can't pay the bills to keep the lights on, having part timers do full timers work and are worried about KSN shows he knows nothing.
KWCH expanding? Is that why they "promoted" Chad Cross to news director? I would argue that they eliminated a position and simply gave Chad the title, because they have no plans to hire an assistant news director. We all know Joan is back to running that shop now anyway, although I wish Chad the best of luck. I do believe that all three shops in Wichita now have no assistant news director, but I could be wrong.
The first poster is in total denial. Money speaks clearly.
Local TV is in absolute crisis. Retail and Autos are the life line for TV. GM and Ford are likely to file for Bankruptcy protection.
Even if they don't --they cut Ad spending radically already. GE CEO Jeff Immelt, who owns the NBC O and O's says the Nets have problems, but the locals are in full fledged disaster.
Look at Gray TV in Wichita. Investors value the group of 30 stations as worth about 1 station. Its a buck and change a share. Its not alone. Young Broadcasting, which owns a large local TV group-is a NICKEL a share. The whole company is worth $1 Million, less than some of its workers 401-ks!
We are past finger-pointing time. This site is so fixed on "who had the great/dumb lead", whatever.
This local TV patient is in cardiac arrest. It is literally dying in front of us.
We need to find a way to rescuscitate. You've heard the endless babble about "new paradigms". Well, its time for TV to re-invent itself...in a much smaller form.
The answer clearly involves the Internet, but as the posted analysis says--the money is just not there YET.
KWCH is hiring back a Managing Editor (AKA an Assistant ND) according to the job listing.
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