MediaMaven

With the layoff of KING anchor Steve Soliz, it will be interesting to see how the late afternoon and evening shows will stack up.   We already know Joyce Taylor's name is on the 5 p.m. branding and she works well with Greg Copeland on the signature 6:30 pm show following NBC Nightly News.  There is speculation that more newscasts will only have solo anchors from here on in, except for the mornings. But could Madison Wade, who does weekend nights, get some weekday double anchor action three days a week.   We shall see.

Food for thought:    My friends at  ftvlive.com  posted today that Tegna (owners of KING, KGW, KREM and KTVB) have pulled  a DEI page from the company's web site.   Previously, that page included a line "We are committed to ensuring our content reflects the diverse communities we represent."   Last week I posted that KING's "Facing Race" segments could be jeopardized under Trump.  This makes me wonder even more.    According to ftv, the page showed this when called up today:

          Does anyone know what former KOMO main anchor Eric Johnson is doing since retirement last spring?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Confirmed that star investigative reporter Taylor Mirfendereski and anchor Steve Soliz were let go by King5/Tegna today. Here is Taylor's message on Facebook, followed by Soliz's: Taylor Mirfendereski t o n s S o p d e r 8 t t h 8 1 9 6 1 9 5 9 u 6 g t 4 c 1 7 0 c m l 3 4 8 1 6 1 l 4 a i l g 4 m i h a g 2 8 g u u 7 0 h    ·  It’s hard to write this. After nearly a decade at KING 5, I am getting laid off. Now, I’m looking for my next opportunity to do what I love. My career as a multimedia investigative reporter has brought me so much fulfillment and purpose. I’ve exposed injustice and watched my stories lead to meaningful changes in public policy, state law and lives. Our democracy needs watchdog journalists with my skillset now more than ever — to hold the powerful accountable The secret is out. I’m leaving @KING5Seattle in March. Our parent company is cutting costs, eliminating my position. It comes as I hit 20 years in broadcast journalism. What’s next? Not sure yet, ...

Well, I did a little research. ABC World News with David Muir used the word TONIGHT 30 times in less than 30 minutes (less commercials) and THIS is the #1 network evening news.  Shameful writing and hype and much of it happened earlier today.

I wish Seattle TVnews ratings were readily available like radio's are because the stations no longer publish them like they did in the past.   With cord cutting and less viewing, it's like being first in a mediocre race.  Of course, with Nielsen overnights, every day is a ratings day, but the Feb book pushes sales until Memorial Day when the May book is over.   This sweep got a tremendous news boost with the new administration, the Musk cuts, new WA Gov., new top cop and all of the plane mishaps, including ones with Seattle connections and some wild weather.  Also wonder how the Kraken did on broadcast TV.  The only big talent change was the abrupt departure of new anchor Chris Nguyen.  He wasn't here long enough to make a difference.   Post here if you smuggle out some info.   

This was the first rating period under new measurement rules:   The credit for listening will now be  three minutes every quarter hour  rather than five.  KUOW jumps back into first place with solid lead over KZOK's music (post-Danny Bonaduce).   Of course, lots of news during the period with the Trump admin moving back in and a new Gov. in WA.    KWRM took a cold shower dropping 6.5 points after holiday music had put them first.  KIRO-FM was fourth, just a half point bettert than KNWN.    KIRO AM Sports radio fell to 24th to a 1.8, a hair ahead of KJR to round up the first 25. Check out the numbers for January and recent trends here: https://ratings.radio-online.com/content/arb039 And here is a more detailed look from Research Director: SEATTLE-TACOMA: Back On Top Santa’s arrival in the market ended a six-book 6+ winning streak for UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW. The station returned to its more familiar position and opened...

  Matt Gray gets bumped up from weekends to weekday mornings at KXLY Spokane replacing the retiring Mark Peterson. Meanwhile Hayden Herrera, Sports Director at Sinclair's KVAL in Eugene, is leaving after 10 years. NO word on what's next.

Tom Llamas has gotten the nod from NBC to take over anchor duties on NBC NIghtly News sometime this summeer.  Lester Holt will is stepping down from the job, although no official date has been set for Llamas to take the big chair. https://www.nbcnews.com/media/tom-llamas-anchor-nbc-nightly-news-rcna194961

Rick Boone is the new Asst. News Director at KIRO in Seattle.  Drip dry resume.   Can't keep a job from my research.  More markets than a produce dealer.  Rick, rent don't buy, you are already a short-timer with this background.  Cox/Apollo must be blind to resumes and reference.   One unimpeachable source tells me KIRO pushed out the previous black Assistant News Director and ended up hiring this guy.  Yikes.  Musta been cheap. Here are some of his short stops: WXXV-TV/Morris Network · Full-time WXXV-TV/Morris Network · Full-time Jul 2023 - Feb 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos Jul 2023 to Feb 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos   Gulfport, Mississippi, United States Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Full-time · 3 yrs News Director WHNT-TV News Director WHNT-TV Jul 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo Jul 2022 to Jul 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo Huntsville, Alabama, United States Huntsville, Alabama, United States Dept Head leading the great team of News, Sport, Digit...