| Topic Name: |
WGHP 411 |
| Message Name: |
Thanks for the update |
| Date Posted: |
05/17/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
The triad market has done somersaults since the mid-90's for several reasons.
Fox bought WGHP, changed its affiliation, and poured tons of money into it. They had more photogs for spot news, more staff, and do a great 10pm hour -- and moved up from there.
They stole a good bit of WFMY talent, too, both in front of cameras and behind the scenes to shake up the long-standing stranglehold WFMY's morning show had on the market.
NBC programming became "must-see TV" at night, and along with the olympics, WXII overcame WFMY at 11.
Gannett bought WFMY and turned it into a bean-counting machine instead of a news operation. They eventually flushed out veteran talent (because they made too much money) and brought in a news director so tight he squeaked when he walked. Then they gave up Oprah (duh!) to WXII. That took care of WFMY's 5pm.
At least Jeff Varner has a degree in journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. He'll learn quickly whether or not he's got what it takes for TV News, and if he likes it or not.
All in all, folks up that way tell me WGHP is not a bad place to work, though not as good as it was a few years ago (don't shoot the messenger -- that's just what I hear!)
And also, they tell me the News Central and WB are decent too -- having also picked up some market veterans who just want to do their jobs without being hassled daily about piddly stuff like the number of nat sound breaks in a package.
Overall, a nice market to work in. |
| Message: |
hadn't heard much about that market in years although I have family living there. And I agree, WGHP is a good place to work.
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