tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18624121461247154672024-03-13T11:33:53.344-04:00PHILLYmediaWATCH(an unbiased/honest view of radio/television news in Philadelphia)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-28133080860465314672013-08-23T16:58:00.001-04:002013-08-23T17:00:20.174-04:00Anchor Change Toteboard TallySome anchor changes are on tap at channels 10 and 3 next month. The big "get" is at 10 where Jim Rosenfield takes the main anchor seat on the 5, 6 and 11 weeknight broadcasts. Rosenfield arrives from D.C. powerhouse WRC-TV where he will be paired with Jacqueline London and Renee Chenault Fattah. Rosenfield has also anchored in New York and Chicago and the anticipation is that he brings an extensive news experience to the table. In the weather department Michelle Grossman departs, giving way to newcomer Tedd Florendo. Florendo worked previously at Las Vegas' KLAS-TV as a reporter, anchor and weather presenter.
Meanwhile, at Channel 3, Jessica Dean joins Chris May on the anchor desk. Dean replaces the departed Susan Barnett who chose to depart a few months ago. Dean comes to Philadelphia from Little Rock's KARK-TV where she anchored. Prior, she reported and anchored at KATV.
At FOX29, new-hire Chris Murphy joins Good Day Philadelphia's early team where he will anchor the 4:25 to 6 a.m. segment. Murphy anchored weekends in San Diego.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-27154501099435858252013-08-05T18:57:00.001-04:002013-08-05T18:57:25.634-04:00Condolences to Dann Cueller6ABC's ACTION NEWS reporter, Dann Cuellar, has been off the airwaves of late. Dann's wife of 32 years, Marilyn, passed away Thursday July 25th at Taylor Hospice after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 60 years old. Marilyn is survived by a son and two daughters, a grandson; and a nephew. I send my condolences to Dann and his family.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-46423519699122497032013-03-09T16:28:00.001-05:002013-03-09T16:28:07.577-05:00March 2013 Update****NBC10's Michelle Grossman is back from her maternity leave. With that return made for the departure of Dave Warren whose last broadcast was Sunday March 3rd. Warren continues to tweet weather and is home enjoying life with his wife and twins. Dave Warren joined NBC10 as a weekend meteorologist and weather producer in April 2003. Prior to joining NBC10, Warren was chief meteorologist at KPAX-TV in Missoula, Montana.
****February 25th was the debut of NBC10's newest newsgathering tool to its arsenal, SKYFORCE 10. The Bell 206 L-4 chopper flies weekdays during the morning and 4p-5p newscasts. Check it out here-->http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MKcx98BGkk4
****Jacqueline London joins NBC10 as a weekend anchor and reporter from Orlando, FL. London replaces Aditi Roy, bound for marriage in Los Angeles.
****Iain Page joined FOX29 as anchor of the 5p newscast. This puts Thomas Drayton on the 6p newscast. Page came from Houston's KPRC-TV.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-67908137425221329932013-01-30T21:12:00.000-05:002013-01-31T06:39:24.862-05:00Problems at Tango TrafficSources say most of the on-air talent at Tango Traffic have been kicked to the curb in a financial reorganization. Tango Traffic debuted January 1, 2011 on WPHL-TV digital 2 to become the country's first 24/7 network devoted to traffic.
Vittoria Woodill, former 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. anchor, confirms her layoff on her Facebook page as well as her "lifestyle confidence blog" polishedforpennies. An excerpt of her January 24 2013 writing: "I’m going to start this post with this… Business is Business. If you’ve learned this or not, unfortunately, business can be a bit heartless. Not at times the reflection of the company, but the current “times”. My dad told me that a long time ago, and for any GREAT BUSINESS to succeed it comes with making TOUGH decisions. Laying people off is a tough decision, but sometimes that’s what has to be done for the betterment of a product to succeed, to deal with economic changes, yada yada. You can agree with me on that or not, but that’s how I see it and how I feel. With that said there are NO hard feelings in this post… It’s just another chapter of the story."
Others let go include Stephanie Humphrey, Woodill's former co-anchor. Humphrey freelanced at KYW "Eyewitness News" as back-up traffic anchor for Bob Kelly prior to joining Tango Traffic.
Morning guy, Jason Lee, remains on board, I'm told. Going forward, the station plans to air with voiceovers till further notice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-19434209949594317662013-01-20T18:55:00.004-05:002013-01-20T18:55:59.051-05:00New York-bound...from PhiladelphiaCBS 3's Anne-Marie Greene heads to New York to anchor CBS "Up To The Minute" and "CBS Morning News". She starts at CBS News tomorrow, January 21st. Greene came to CBS 3 in 2004 and reported for "Eyewitness News" as well as anchored for the weekend broadcasts. She is a native of Toronto where she began her career. Green will definitely be New York's gain and Philadelphia's loss.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-89101527650980134132012-11-07T14:31:00.002-05:002013-01-05T14:33:22.453-05:00Random ObservationsWell, here I am! I return with some random observations.
*Tango Traffic continues to be as bad as ever. How this channel remains on-air is beyond me. The "talent", If that is what they're called, is horrible! Only Jason Lee, Rhonda Finkwhitman, Dale Shaw, Robert Block and Stephanie Humphrey would rate as "talent" in my opinion. In watching a "David Itelle" today, this guy attempted to tell his viewers that Wonder Woman is somehow tied to the meaning of Athena! Athena is the name of this first winter storm, as named by the folks at The Weather Channel. TWC announced this past summer their plan to begin naming winter storms this year. Itelle mentioned that "some big name weather types have decided to name this storm because its going to be so bad, and, on the heels of Sandy". His information couldn't have been more wrong. Basically, Wonder Woman has nothing to do with the meaning of "Athena". Rather, "Athena" was the Greek goddess of wisdom, handicrafts and warfare--to name a few. In fairness, a segment later, Itelle corrected himself and stated the accurate meaning of Athena. Gina Gannon who reports weeknights in the 7p-10p timeframe probably has to be their worst on-air type. She stumbles, mumbles and comes across as being totally out of contact with what she's trying to convey.
*The weather folks at "Action News" busted their butts with their nonstop coverage of Storm Sandy throughout the region. Joseph tweets quite often, allowing viewers into a look into his life within and outside of his television life. Joseph tweeted recently that he began a prescheduled move the weekend of Sandy. He had just sold his Manayunk digs after seven years of being a homeowner there. So, on top of storm Sandy's planned "ramped-up coverage", Joseph had total chaos in his new place as well as having to attend a funeral for the passing of a cousin. Joseph and Cecily Tynan put in long hours with Melissa Magee and the news team to provide nonstop storm coverage.
During the height of the storm, Tynan tossed her airtime over to Joseph when he began speaking and realized his microphone was not on. In fumbling for his mic pack, one could hear Tynan offering hers--and saying "more on?" Joseph managed to get his mic turned on, but not before leaving some viewers to think they heard something different. Viewers turned to Twitter and Facebook that Tynan called Joseph a "moron" Jim Gardner set the record straight in the next segment that the Action News family are that. Family. And therefore, would never resort to name calling...something beginning with "M", ending in "N" and "O, R and O" in between! He then laughed, said Tynan and Joseph are best of friends and that Joseph indeed is "a big moron"! Joseph can be found on twitter at @6abcadamjoseph Adam Joseph definitely comes across as very down-to-earth and approachable. He's probably the top tweeter at 6abc making himself available to his viewers.
*Word from former FOX29 weather guy, John Bolaris, tweets that he is now doing weather reports for Howard Stern's satellite radio show. Bolaris tweets local weather information quite often. Bolaris can be found at @johnbolaris Bolaris wasn't successful in finding a weather gig in the Philadelphia market. He is writing a weekly column for The Metro which began last week.
*Online reports indicate former CBS3 "Eyewitness News" anchor Alycia Lane (now anchoring early mornings in Los Angeles) made it known she would have liked to return to a TV gig here! Prior to resigning with her current station in L.A., Lane's agent put the feelers out here on behalf of Lane. Unfortunately for her, there were no takers who could compete with her salary at KNBC. Lane dated Q102 DJ Chris Booker at one time who also relocated to L.A.
*FOX 29's Lauren Cohn, a former reporter/anchor at NBC10, has announced she is leaving FOX once her contract ends. Cohn was once thought to be the replacement for Kerrie Lee Halket's main anchor seat. That, unfortunately, did not come to pass.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-4772064002184288812012-12-17T18:13:00.000-05:002012-12-17T18:13:00.659-05:00Changes Ahead at NBC10NBC10 News Director Anzio Williams is under the microscope of NBC management to bring more viewers to the NBC10 newscasts. Former News Director Chris Blackman was sent walking six months ago followed by Assistant News Director Dave Parker.
Now, changes have begun to effect on-air talent as Williams begins to weed out some in the newsroom. Long-time anchor Tim Lake was let go December 7th after his last on-air appearance that night. He had been at CAU for over eleven years. Now, Dawn Timmeney has also been shown the door this past Friday. Word has it that the next individual will be weather guy Dave Warren. An announcement has been made of new hire Nefertiti Jaquez joining the team in January. Jaquez comes from Houston where she has spent the last three years. Prior to that she was here--at FOX29. Also coming on board is Meteorologist Brittney Ship from Phoenix. Shipp starts in January as well and is rumored to be Warren's replacement.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-53692880466685299572012-08-10T06:21:00.002-04:002012-08-10T06:21:48.413-04:00ON HIATUSDue to time constraints these days--I must put the blog on hiatus.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-50620479544408936602012-05-08T21:30:00.000-04:002012-05-08T21:30:17.927-04:00Bolaris Leaving Philadelphia?John Bolaris, former Chief Meteorologist at FOX 29, has taken to Twitter to announce he may possibly be leaving his "beloved city" and "beloved daughter". There are rumors he's headed to New York's WNBC. However, Bolaris tweeted he cannot comment on anything.
He did tweet that he just has had no luck in landing a position here and hoped to finish out his weather calling here in Philadelphia.
Best of luck in wherever he lands.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-432182173381122922012-04-19T18:54:00.002-04:002012-04-19T18:58:16.180-04:00The Return of Erin O'Hearn to PVIWPVI "Action News" favorite, Erin O'Hearn, is set to return to the station after more than a year on maternity leave. O'Hearn is scheduled to join Walter Perez as co-anchor of the Sunday morning/midday newscasts. In addition, she will work on special projects for the station as well. Meanwhile, Nydia Han who has been anchoring the Sunday shows with Perez, is out on her own maternity leave.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-38621418723625756152012-03-12T18:09:00.004-04:002012-03-12T18:39:52.122-04:00Pat Ciarrocchi at KYW 30 YearsPat Ciarrocchi celebrates 30 years at KYW-TV's CBS-3. Her broadcast career began at WAMS radio in Wilmington DE in 1974 where she remained for the next five years. By 1979, it was time for a new challenge--to television that is. She went to WHAG-TV in Hagerstown Maryland where she served as a producer, reporter & anchor until her arrival in Philadelphia some three years later. Pat grew the morning's "KYW-3 Today" morning newscast from a thirty minute broadcast to a two hour show. She transferred to the 5:30 newscast in 1988 to co-anchor "Eyewitness News" with Jerry Penacoli. She was anhor for a year of "Evening Magazine" and has anchored the noon newscast off and on over the years and continues today--"Talk Philly", with fellow broadcaster Uke Washington. Below is a link to a clip I found on YOUTUBE from 1988 as she bid farewell to the dawn patrol with the late Gary Geers.<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC0WMuH80iY<br /><br /><em>CHECK OUT THE LAST "EVENING MAGAZINE" on KYW-TV. Pat co-anchored with Ray Murray the last year.</em>Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUQ6QcR9TkI<br />Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mgdXnJcY7UUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-54297329141759453982012-01-12T20:09:00.003-05:002012-01-12T20:29:04.325-05:00Local BlurbsNews from KYW's CBS-3 is the departure of Investigative reporter, Jim Osman. He and the station were unable to come to terms on a new contract and he made the decision to pursue other opportunities.<br />At WCAU's NBC-10, morning anchor Terry Ruggles hits the streets beginning Monday. Management made the decision to relegate Ruggles back to "reporter" status and to promote weekend anchor, Stacey Stauffer.<br />Across the street at PVI's "Action News", reporter Sarah Bloomquist returned to the air this week following her maternity leave and we said goodbye to long-time reporter Cathy Gandolfo who retired.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-70725819429042005692012-01-10T17:00:00.002-05:002012-01-10T17:04:16.140-05:00FOX 29's John Bolaris Given the Heave-HoDan Gross reports today on philly.com that FOX 29 meteorologist John Bolaris has been given his walking papers. Bolaris was suspended last month over an interview he did with Playboy magazine. The formal word is "both parties have agreed to part ways". This very well may be Bolaris' swan song for Philadelphia TV news. He began in this market at WCAU's NBC 10 until he departed for New York's WCBS where he was eventually let go. The position is now open until management makes their next move.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-6036660920776505742011-12-28T21:16:00.003-05:002011-12-28T21:30:59.252-05:00Changes on the Horizon for FOX-29 Weather<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THpIppBChXk/TvvQ1Hsg1jI/AAAAAAAAAMM/fwUVMK_M5t4/s1600/WTXF.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THpIppBChXk/TvvQ1Hsg1jI/AAAAAAAAAMM/fwUVMK_M5t4/s200/WTXF.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691372165130147378" /></a><br />TV Spy's Merrill Knox reports on a new arrival for FOX 29's "Weather Authority". Caitlin Roth, a Philadelphia native, worked at Accuweather prior to her stint at NBC affiliate WOWT-TV. Plans for Roth are for covering the weekend shifts taking the place of the departing Sally Ann Mosey.<br />Mosey, a former WPVI alum, recently endured contract negotiations and agreed to take a pay cut. However, according to reports, Mosey decided to hit the pavement when a request for additional "paid time off" was denied.<br />Things seem to still be up in the air for the outcome of John Bolaris' situation with the station. Bolaris, who is the Chief Meteorologist, has been suspended "indefinitely" because of a recent interview Bolaris did with Playboy magazine. The situation is now in the hands of attorneys.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-65925954082193014892011-12-20T18:37:00.002-05:002011-12-20T18:51:27.927-05:00Departures at 6 ABC & CBS-3WPVI-TV recently announced the retirement of long-timer Cathy Gandolfo. She joined the station in 1975 and moved up from writer to reporter two years later. By 1978, she was named New Jersey correspondent. Gandolfo leaves the airwaves at the end of this year.<br />Meanwhile, across the city at KYW's CBS-3, Dave Huddleston tweeted this past Sunday that he's leaving Philadelphia for a new job in Alanta at station WSB-TV. Huddleston arrived in Philadelphia back in 2002 when he worked at FOX 29's "FOX 29 News". He was let go and moved on to CBS 3 in November 2008 as the new weekend co-anchor of "Eyewitness News". Three months later, he launched the new 10:00 p.m. newscast on sister station, CW 57. Huddleston will anchor on WSB's "Action News" beginning in January.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-88985130718138417912011-10-04T19:30:00.004-04:002011-10-04T19:37:37.058-04:00WPHL-17 "Eye Opener"WPHL-TV announced a newcomer to the morning TV newscape is on the horizon. Coming the end of October is "Eye Opener", a two hour morning news/features show that will compete with news on the other four stations which include KYW, WPVI, WCAU & FOX29. Eye Opener will air weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and include news, weather, consumer and entertainment/feature type segments. Also, traffic will be provided by Tango Traffic. Reports will be provided by five one-man-band types which means each person will be soley responsible for their report from interview, taping and editing their piece. With such a small staff I cannot believe this show will be much competition for the existing "big four" as far as covering breaking news. Reports indicate this show will focus more on features than news.<a href="http://vimeo.com/29838080"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-53371099677619363152011-09-24T22:56:00.005-04:002011-09-24T23:09:10.938-04:00Steve Schwaid Making His Mark at FOX29<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtR8r8eQOCQ/ThzH_l_FtPI/AAAAAAAAAME/KdlpTObtj7M/s1600/WTXF.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtR8r8eQOCQ/ThzH_l_FtPI/AAAAAAAAAME/KdlpTObtj7M/s200/WTXF.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628593529648690418" /></a> <br />UPDATE TO JULY '11 POST: According to Philly.com's Marnie Hall, News Director Steve Schwaid has begun the revamp process at FOX29 by cancelling the popular Friday night segment, "Mob Talk", with Dave Schratweiser. Word is the plan is to return the newscasts to hard news and abandon the unpopular "<em>interview, conjecture, opinionated</em>" style ordered by former News Director Kingsley Smith which sent the newscasts and staff morale into a downward spiral. Smith left the station after 3-1/2 years for KTTV in Los Angeles. Check out Hall's video column <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/">HERE</a>.<br /><strong>JULY 12, 2011 POST:</strong><br />Former NBC10 News Director, Steve Schwaid, returns to Philadelphia to take the same post at WTXF FOX29. The position also includes the title of "Vice President" in addition to News Director, a post Schwaid will begin in August. Schwaid was News Director across town at WCAU and responsible for the station nipping the heels of WPVI's 11 p.m. news rating as well as introducing the EARTHWATCH brand and bringing weather into the lead of most newscasts. Schwaid joins fellow alums Dave Schratweiser and John Bolaris. Schwaid comes to Philadelphia from his post as News Director at Atlanta's CBS station, WGNX. Read the story of Schwaid's return <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wtxf-names-steve-schwaid-vp-and-news-director_b14694">HERE</a>.<br />There's also some interesting reading on Steve's blog, though, it hasn't been updated since March 28th. Check it out <a href="http://steveschwaid46.wordpress.com/">HERE</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-68450186371611219302011-08-29T21:39:00.003-04:002011-08-29T22:11:36.897-04:00Hurricane CoverageUnless you live under a rock OR don't own a television--you would know that Philadelphia news teams covered Hurricane Irene nonstop throughout the storm. Personally, I switched back and forth between Channel 6 and Fox. I checked out 10 several times but not being a fan of Tim Lake or Bill Henley made me watch less than I would have otherwise. I did not watch channel 3 at all. Not a fan of Bob Kelly, Justin Drabick or Kathy Orr.
<br />That being said, I found the coverage informative and repetitive. Of course, how can it not be repetitive when it's continuous for 30+ hours? Being in the business myself--it is very difficult to talk about the same thing over and over and to talk continuously to the point of mental exhaustion. I found Brian Taff and Shirleen Allicot to be effective and informative. Alicia Vitarelli got alot of face time as well and the jury is still out for me whether I've warmed to her or not. There is a likeability to her, yet, I find a bit of phoniness to her as well. A bit of self-involved maybe? Self-impressed, perhaps? David Murphy and Adam Joseph were very good under pressure. Joseph seems very genuine, no ego...and I like that. Again, especially for the weather and traffic people, keep in mind that all that they do is AD-LIB! Imagine doing that for 12 hours nonstop? Not easy. I also found John Bolaris, over at FOX29, to be good. SallyAnn Mosey was effective, but I personally find her to be weak. Maybe just my own thing, who knows? Kerry Barrett is very good and I like her presentation. I couldn't help but feel bad for her when I read one tweet from a person who I believe only meant well, asking within her first 30 minutes on-air "are you feeling okay? You don't look well." Another tweet asked if she had John Bolaris' pubic hair caught in her throat. She handled that one well too in her response. Thomas Drayton provides his delivery in a calming, authoritative manner. Meanwhile, Lauren Cohn seems to be in downward slope. And a question came to mind when watching Jeff Cole in the middle of the storm wearing a ball cap, clutching with one hand. That hand didn't move--it kept a firm grip on that ball cap the entire report! WHY DO REPORTERS WEAR HATS WHILE REPORTING IN A FRIGGIN' HURRICANE, I ask? The new Social Media reporter, "Kelly", could have taken a few extra minutes to do something with her appearance. Her hair looked like she may have been related to IRENE!
<br />In flipping by Channel 10, I certainly found Glen Schwartz to be very good as well. His delivery is to the point, spot-on, no hype, just the facts. I appreciate that! Monique Braxton reported from a fatal accident scene in N.E. Philadelphia in a heavy downpour with no umbrella. Looks pretty silly to me to do that. A new Social Media reporter debuted as well with some good information to pass on.
<br />All-in-all, a good job by all. I do find it noticeable that all the stations tend to cover the same places over-and-over. The true and tried locations. What about the flooding that ALSO occurs in Chester, Delaware county? Or in areas of Chester county?
<br />I had to wonder where Jim Gardner was, though? He finally appeared on Sunday. Who knows, maybe he wasn't able to appear or was on vacation as was Rick Williams who returned today.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-59653692172505790372011-08-01T20:41:00.002-04:002011-08-01T20:47:49.535-04:00Kathy Orr Cuts Back at 3KYW-TV has announced that Kathy Orr is cutting back her hours at CBS3 beginning this month to spend more time with her fast growing children. Orr will concentrate on the 10 p.m. "Eyewitness News at 10" on the CW as well as "Eyewitness News at 11" on CBS. Early-morning weekday weather caller, Kate Bilo, moves up to the 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts while CBS-3 welcomes new addition, Katie Fehlinger to the fold. Fehlinger, a Lehigh Valley native, comes from WCBS-TV New York where she has been the weekend morning weather talent. Previously, she worked in State College, PA at Accu-Weather. Fehlinger hits the air here in September with Ukee Washington, Erika Von Tiehl and Bob Kelly on the early-morning "Eyewitness News 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the CW57.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-80625621626192316642011-07-12T18:16:00.004-04:002011-07-12T18:36:10.209-04:00Former NBC10 News Director Returning to Our City<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtR8r8eQOCQ/ThzH_l_FtPI/AAAAAAAAAME/KdlpTObtj7M/s1600/WTXF.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtR8r8eQOCQ/ThzH_l_FtPI/AAAAAAAAAME/KdlpTObtj7M/s200/WTXF.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628593529648690418" /></a> Former NBC10 News Director, Steve Schwaid, returns to Philadelphia to take the same post at WTXF FOX29. The position also includes the title of "Vice President" in addition to News Director, a post Schwaid will begin in August. Schwaid was News Director across town at WCAU and responsible for the station nipping the heels of WPVI's 11 p.m. news rating as well as introducing the EARTHWATCH brand and bringing weather into the lead of most newscasts. Schwaid joins fellow alums Dave Schratweiser and John Bolaris. Schwaid comes to Philadelphia from his post as News Director at Atlanta's CBS station, WGNX. Read the story of Schwaid's return <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wtxf-names-steve-schwaid-vp-and-news-director_b14694">HERE</a>.<br />There's also some interesting reading on Steve's blog, though, it hasn't been updated since March 28th. Check it out <a href="http://steveschwaid46.wordpress.com/">HERE</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-2147857076693906882011-07-01T20:51:00.006-04:002011-07-03T16:28:30.176-04:00Six Months of TV TrafficSo, let's see how much has changed in six months. It was six months ago today that Navteq's "Tango Traffic" signed on WPHL-TV's digital OTA 17.4 and carried by Comcast and Verizon Fios.<br />I wrote an honest critique of Tango six months ago tomorrow--on January 2nd. There were all sorts of things to write about, mostly negative. And there hasn't been a post I've written before OR since that elicited more comments!<br />I must begin by saying this writing will be much kinder in that Tango seems to have worked out many of the problems that plagued their efforts early on. Things like shoddy production, bad audio, poor delivery, etc.<br />Jason Lee gets my vote as the star of the effort. His delivery is smooth, top notch and perfectly concise and clear. Lee has previous traffic and radio experience to back-up those compliments having worked for B101 and Metro Traffic. Lee provided the traffic updates for "Action News" back in the days post-John Valario.<br />Kristin Cellins has improved and I enjoy her delivery as well. The team of LEE & CELLINS is a good one.<br />Then, there's the midday team of Dale Shaw and Rhonda Fink-Whitman. I'm not familiar with Shaw's past experiences. Though, a broadcast background is in there I'm sure. Check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abzKIdmgqEs">this clip </a>of Shaw's adlibbing an accident not long ago involving a vehicle veering off Kelly Drive and plunging into the Schuylkill River. Great work. Adlibbing is not easy, speaking from first-hand experience. It becomes a talent that not all can do or at least are good at.<br />Fink-Whitman is another traffic reporter from days gone by whom you may have heard doing Shadow Traffic on any number of local radio stations. Her delivery is spot-on, concise and delivered in a easy-to-understand mode.<br />The "ride home, rush/drivetime" is the show I can only watch in small doses. Vittoria Woodill and Stephanie Humphrey's chemistry bothers me. It comes off as unnatural and forced. Woodill's delivery still needs more work and experience. The shenanigans they do only pull from any credibility either might have earned from the viewer thus far. Of course, strictly my opinion. Are they here to provide traffic information or to entertain with air guitar, signing, glow worm comments, etc.? I caught Tango Thursday 6/30th in the 4:30 p.m. timeframe when Woodill and Humphrey were in the midst of providing continuous comprehensive coverage of all the closures of highways in the area due to the arrival of President Obama. I must say, I was impressed with both. They did a good job throughout as you keep in mind that this type of delivery is all ad-lib. You must think quick on your feet and be able to do it calmly and effectively. So a pat on the back there! However, generally--these two seem to act like frick-n-frack most times. <br />Putting those points aside. We've seen big strides in the graphics and overall production of the programming. We now see a constant scroll of drive times versus specific incidents. Personally, I wonder how many people really use the drive time information? <br />And finally, the channel has gained more camera views through the use of NJ DOT cameras that appear to be pulled in from the internet. Whether they are or are from NJ DOT directly doesn't matter. They're yet another effective tool to get the information out and into the ears and eyes of the viewer. I applaud Tango for adding New Jersey camera coverage. The last to go is DELAWARE. That small "diamond state" to the south of Pennsylania. Tango doesn't need me to tell them that traffic delays do not begin and end on I-95 at Naaman's Road (near the Delaware state line).<br />The summer "shore thing" was a surprise. Tango provides Shore Traffic reports just as radio stations through the summer weekends. A separate team of Dale Shaw and Brian Ramona provide the information. Other hosts I've seen have been Robert Block and Vittoria Woodill.<br />Tango has even upgraded their website (tangotraffic.com). A live feed of programming is streamed via U-Stream LIVE for those times at work you might wish to see conditions before hitting the route home. However, their smartphone app once promoted has yet to materialize.<br />Here's to a toast of six more months of progress into your one year anniversary. I see more tweaks along the way and -- hopefully--management is always open to comments and suggestions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-64931715885014669172011-05-26T19:42:00.005-04:002011-05-31T20:02:59.954-04:00Action News at 4 Debut<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LC1NGsXusxE/Td75LMlKT8I/AAAAAAAAAL4/c05l-a-kYLY/s1600/6at4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 79px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LC1NGsXusxE/Td75LMlKT8I/AAAAAAAAAL4/c05l-a-kYLY/s200/6at4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611196156501184450" /></a><br />Today was the debut of "Action News at 4" (watch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJDWiG17LFY">HERE</a>) and quite an impressive one I must say! The new show is anchored by Shirleen Allicot and Brian Taff accompanied by Sarah Bloomquist reporting the top story from the field. Alicia Vitarelli rounds out the anchors from in the studio to report on the day's top national headlines as well as showbiz news and tweets from Twitter. Adam Joseph provides Accuweather from the newly revived City Avenue weather location, long known from the days of Dave Roberts. And last but not least, two traffic reports within the hour by Matt Pellman. The newscast looks a bit different than the other 5, 6 and 11 shows in that the anchors sit at the desk closer to the weather area of the set. Also, some new features such as the chat cam online at 6at4.com. Jim Gardner was the first candidate today where online viewers could chat directly with Jim in a separate "chat cam" window. Also, Hollywood buzz, a national news headliner, financial news from the New York stock market as well as lots of Big Board use! <br />The station debuted the new "Mobile 6" which was designed specifically for the 4 o'clock newscast. The vehicle has 2 onboard cameras, one for the reporter in the passenger seat while the other shows the road ahead...allowing for live updates enroute to the breaking story. The microwave transmitter uses GPS technology that automatically tracks their broadcast towers. In addition, there is a portable, battery powered transmitter that allows them to broadcast from anywhere a cellular signal can be had. Basically, this allows a live report from ANYWHERE one would make a cell call from. <br />So, check it out...6at4.com and "Action News at 4".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-69064952995377443962011-05-22T17:53:00.002-04:002011-05-22T17:59:53.189-04:00New Weather Guy...WPVI's "Action News" debuted new weatherguy, Chris Sowers, this past Saturday on the early-morning newscast. Sowers, a former Weather Producer, for Dave Roberts previously worked at Chicago's FOX affiliate. Sowers takes over the weekend morning shows moving Melissa Magee into the slot formerly occupied by Adam Joseph...the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. weekend shows. Joseph moves up to 4 p.m. weekdays beginning Thursday May 26th. That's when WPVI debuts the new "Action News at 4" which replaces the departing "Oprah". KYW's "Eyewitness News" moves their 4 p.m. newscast to 5 p.m. and replaces the 4 p.m. show with "Dr. Phil".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-34066207652887745562011-02-23T13:57:00.002-05:002011-02-23T14:05:59.563-05:00Larry Mendte's First Interview...There's an interesting read in the latest "Philadelphia Magazine" with the first interview with Larry Mendte who tells his story in the aftermath of the Larry/Alicia nightmare. We now get an idea of his personal struggle in "reinventing himself", as he shares, as well as the pain his children and wife, Dawn Stensland, have endured. It's an honest, straightforward inside look. Check it out ---><a href="http://www.phillymag.com/articles/larry_mendte_s_life_after_it/">HERE</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862412146124715467.post-22820879888890817562011-02-16T17:05:00.003-05:002011-02-16T17:10:09.028-05:006ABC NewsTwo tidbits out of the Action Newsroom. The debut of the new 4 o'clock "Action News" will be Wednesday June 1st. Oprah's last show is the day prior. The 4:00 show will be anchored by Brian Taff, Shirleen Allicot and Alicia Vitarelli. Adam Joseph provides weather. <br />Also, Orlando's Kenneth Moton joins 6ABC as a general assignment reporter, according to the <a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/?p=32764">Orlando Sentinel</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2