MediaMaven

I'm going with Eric Thomas on KIRO. Better than the talent on the other three stations.  Strong delivery, authoritative, smooth, too.  I also love his versatility in handling sports.   He has grown on me.   The others are solid but not as strong.   Thoughts?

Effective March 1, KXLY , the ABC affiliate in Spokane will be producing morning (7-9 am) and evening newscasts (10 pm) for Fox 28 there, taking the partnership away from KHQ.  The Fox changed ownership in July, perhaps paving the way for KXLY to take over the territory.    KREM will likely have a new owner soon itself, if and when the Nexstar-Tegna deal is done.

Somehow I thought a story about a weather anchor at KXLY was new, but I totally botched the poat.    My apoligies to the two gentlemen involved, to the station for causing any confusion and to my eagle-eyed readers here.   No excuses.

Numerous press and social media reports say Nexstar has fired many key longtime staffers at its stations in NYC, LA and Chicago.  Big names with big salaries now gone at big stations to lower expenses prior to the apparent deal to acquire Tegna.   It won't stop with just the Nexstar stations when the deal goes through in markets where the two companies own properties.   Consolidation looms.   Portland is a good example. 

Ryan Rowland-Smith, one of the baseball analysts for Mariners broadcasts, has been named an analyst for the upcoming World Baseball Classic games scheduled for Puerto Rico.  He's on one of four broadcast team.    All games in the WBC will be on Fox channels.   Starts on March 4 with the title game on the 17th.   More at the link: https://x.com/i/status/2026381858791907700

Michael McCabe at KEPR in Pasco celebrates 29 big ones!  Previously at KIMA. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CYDSnHEYj/

As they depart Milan, KING Olympic reporters Chris Egan and Jake Whittenberg pitching Mike Tirico to head for the PNW after his Milan achievements. https://x.com/i/status/2026410560942755898