So, Sinclair has decimated its station in Yakima. And Tulsa, too. The Seattle News Director writes me and wonders why I am angry at him intruding on Mary Nam's goodbye reel, when he has known her for all of 15 months. I am not angry, I am dumbfounded and sad that anyone would want to be a manager for Sinclair. Sure, you need a job. I get that, but to pretend KOMO is doing well is wishful thinking, IMHO. I have seen some ratings shared by an insider, but it only signifies a lead in a dying race, so knock yourselves out, while the mass exodus continues. I wonder who's next? I am told that inside KOMO is a family. Really? It's pollyanna denial. I watch as one of their reporters makes crime the lead single day, homeless crime stories to boot. So much for holding the powerful accountable. Just a comedy. Keep mailing it in, guys.
And now, Yakima. Another Sinclair consolidation. When will they start hubbing weather out of Seattle? Just a matter of time.
KOMO would likely need to add another meterologist to its weather team to accomodate the increased workload before hubbing of Yakima and Tri-Cities weather out of Seattle could begin. It would save money, as there would only be five meterologists for KOMO, KIMA, and KEPR instead of seven (four at KOMO and three at KIMA and KEPR). But it might not deliver enough savings to be worth it, especially if KIMA and KEPR do end up being the last local newscasts over there not outsourced to Spokane, which is not an unplusable scenario at this point. Maintaining local meterologists could be key to convincing viewers not to tune out completely.
ReplyDeleteThis will be my final post on Media Maven, and I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and engage with the comments. Although I never had the opportunity to work with you when I applied at NWCN, I want to thank you Wayne for giving me the opportunity to share my news insights on your blog—it’s been a privilege. I chose to remain anonymous for a reason and if you know history and news, you will know the name "Mark Felt". Now, it’s time for me to focus fully to both family and my real daily job—as a game show host, a role I’ve proudly held since November of last year (yes, really!). Be safe and be well.
ReplyDeleteFarewell, Felt. And thanks for the kind words. I know we will all be searching for that game show to view your visage and skills. Your fans will miss you here. Good luck!
DeleteThanks Wayne. Not to do a shameless promotion, I am a host for Great Big Game Show with our studios located in Downtown (near the Amazon Spheres). While its not on TV, we take all of the shows you know and love like Wheel of Fortune, J! and others so you can play with family, friends and even colleagues for team building all in one hour. We are all over the country, so book ahead and come on down!
DeleteThat's a cool gig and very high techie. Kudos.
DeleteRight you are, Wayne. As Dave Garroway used to say on Today: "Peace".
DeleteI'm sorry to see you go, Mark. I've enjoyed reading your insights and learning from your vast local media knowledge. I look forward to checking out your game show. Best of luck to you!
DeleteKOMO was a family type atmosphere in the newsroom when it was owned by the scone family. That is a fact. I assume KING was the same when it was family owned. Sadly, those days of fellowship among the workers in the newsroom are gone. In some ways that lack of investment in the team shows in the product on the air.
ReplyDelete