Click here for the new Sirius/XM combined channel lineup. It went into effect at 11 p.m. Central tonight.
Updated 7:31 a.m. on 2008-11-12 (changed link)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
T Dog's Groovy Grab Bag
- WLIT has added a new afternoon guy: His name is Kevin Gossett, and he takes over the 2-7 p.m. time slot beginning yesterday at the Clear Channel-owned Adult Contemporary station. One problem, though: he's being voiced tracked from Phoenix, where he works as PD and afternoon personality at KEZ-FM. So if you hear him talk about how nice and sunny it is - but it's snowing outside, now you know.
Gossett should be a name familiar to Chicago radio listeners - he was morning personality on WNND-FM from 1998-2002.
- Heroes hits an another low: Monday's episode of the battered drama drew its lowest audience yet - just 7.8 million viewers, down tremendously from this time last year, and even losing to CBS' Worst Week. And the ending to last night's episode was just utterly disgusting. Is this Heroes or Friday the 13th? The show is just desperate now, and the ratings prove it.
- The Simpsons will have a crossword crossover: This Sunday's episode features a crossover between the show and the New York Times world-famous crossword puzzle. In the episode, Lisa enters a crossword competition. On the same day, The Times features a "Simpsons" themed crossword puzzle. Puzzlemaker Merl Reagle and New York Times crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz.
And no, the competition isn't the now-on hiatus (but probably canceled) Merv Griffin's Crosswords - so Lisa won't be bored to death listening to Ty Treadway stumble though questions in front of only 44 viewers.
- Drew or Judge Milan? On Monday, Drew Peterson - the person suspected in the disappearance of his wife Stacy, appeared on Dr. Phil, telling the quack on the CBS Television Distribution program how he can't find love (how about trying to find your missing wife, you jagbag...)
Anyway, the episode on WBBM-TV drew a 2.5 household rating and 6 share - but among adults 25-54, it was Warner Bros.' People's Court on WCIU-TV that drew more viewers in the 4 p.m. time period - 1.1 to Phil's 0.6. Both trailed WLS-TV, which usually leads in households and key demos during the time period.
- Additions: The T Dog Media Blog is proud to add two new links to The Sidebar: a new blog from Chicago Tribune media columnist Phil Rosenthal titled Tower Ticker and Lewis Lazare's Sun-Times column, which now features local TV and radio items, somewhat taking over from Robert Feder, who retired last month.
Gossett should be a name familiar to Chicago radio listeners - he was morning personality on WNND-FM from 1998-2002.
- Heroes hits an another low: Monday's episode of the battered drama drew its lowest audience yet - just 7.8 million viewers, down tremendously from this time last year, and even losing to CBS' Worst Week. And the ending to last night's episode was just utterly disgusting. Is this Heroes or Friday the 13th? The show is just desperate now, and the ratings prove it.
- The Simpsons will have a crossword crossover: This Sunday's episode features a crossover between the show and the New York Times world-famous crossword puzzle. In the episode, Lisa enters a crossword competition. On the same day, The Times features a "Simpsons" themed crossword puzzle. Puzzlemaker Merl Reagle and New York Times crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz.
And no, the competition isn't the now-on hiatus (but probably canceled) Merv Griffin's Crosswords - so Lisa won't be bored to death listening to Ty Treadway stumble though questions in front of only 44 viewers.
- Drew or Judge Milan? On Monday, Drew Peterson - the person suspected in the disappearance of his wife Stacy, appeared on Dr. Phil, telling the quack on the CBS Television Distribution program how he can't find love (how about trying to find your missing wife, you jagbag...)
Anyway, the episode on WBBM-TV drew a 2.5 household rating and 6 share - but among adults 25-54, it was Warner Bros.' People's Court on WCIU-TV that drew more viewers in the 4 p.m. time period - 1.1 to Phil's 0.6. Both trailed WLS-TV, which usually leads in households and key demos during the time period.
- Additions: The T Dog Media Blog is proud to add two new links to The Sidebar: a new blog from Chicago Tribune media columnist Phil Rosenthal titled Tower Ticker and Lewis Lazare's Sun-Times column, which now features local TV and radio items, somewhat taking over from Robert Feder, who retired last month.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
"Help us CNN. You're our only hope."
On Tuesday night, CNN introduced a new way of interviewing people, via "hologram". Yes, hologram.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer spoke with both Jessica Yellin and Anderson Cooper spoke with Will I Am from The Black-Eyed Peas using the technology which looked something out of Star Wars:
Here's how it was created: Yellin was shot in a tent filled with green screens in Chicago using 35 high-def cameras, or so. A screen with Blitzer and Yellin was constructed, a bunch of computers created Yellin's image and made it ready for the camera with infrared technology - and volia! You see an image of Yellin at CNN election headquarters, but she's not really there.
Yes, it's like Princess Lela speaking with Luke Skywalker.
And the tent was meant from the crowd from taking over the shot in Chicago (or in sci-fi speak, the "stormtroopers") so that's another reason why they put her in the specially constructed tent.
No word on how much the holographic fun cost CNN, but it's believed to be quite expensive - in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. You think Blitzer will end up with the bill?
Use the force, Wolf Blitzer. Use the force.
No word on when the "hologram" will be used again, but I hear it might be used later this year in The CNN Clone Wars Christmas Special.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer spoke with both Jessica Yellin and Anderson Cooper spoke with Will I Am from The Black-Eyed Peas using the technology which looked something out of Star Wars:
Here's how it was created: Yellin was shot in a tent filled with green screens in Chicago using 35 high-def cameras, or so. A screen with Blitzer and Yellin was constructed, a bunch of computers created Yellin's image and made it ready for the camera with infrared technology - and volia! You see an image of Yellin at CNN election headquarters, but she's not really there.
Yes, it's like Princess Lela speaking with Luke Skywalker.
And the tent was meant from the crowd from taking over the shot in Chicago (or in sci-fi speak, the "stormtroopers") so that's another reason why they put her in the specially constructed tent.
No word on how much the holographic fun cost CNN, but it's believed to be quite expensive - in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. You think Blitzer will end up with the bill?
Use the force, Wolf Blitzer. Use the force.
No word on when the "hologram" will be used again, but I hear it might be used later this year in The CNN Clone Wars Christmas Special.
T Dog's 4 Pack
It's another edition (and another new name) of the weekly winners and losers list, now called The T Dog's 4 pack. Let's hope this one sticks, as the last two titles were quite clunky. There are two 4-packs: one Fab, another Flop. Simple for you? I know it is for me...
- T Dog's Fab Four-Pack:
President-Elect Barack Obama. Yes, he can and he did. The first African-American elected to the White House. And change is coming. You hear that, Big Media?
Adult Swim picks up King of the Hill. Well, only repeats of the long-running Fox show. Beginning in January, AS will double-run the show every night from 9 to 10 p.m. This deal is separate from the current deals it has with FX and in broadcast syndication. The pickup comes as another Twentieth product (Futurama) shifted to Comedy Central last January.
The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror: The nineteenth edition of The Simpsons' annual Halloween show drew a 6.5 rating in the 18-49 demo, and 12.5 million viewers, the highest in several years. As for the episode itself, great job, especially the hilarious "It's the Grand Pumpkin, Milhouse".
Heroes. For not airing this past week and not making us sit through another mind-numbing episode!
T Dog's Flop Four-pack:
Deal or No Deal (network version). For the second week in a row, no less. At the beginning of last Monday's show, the producers promised to show The Banker's face as part of the show's 200th episode celebration. Instead, we get Howie Mandel falling into a cake, thus coining the phrase "Jump the Cake". At least he didn't put try to blow up a plastic glove over his head.
South Park vs. Family Guy. Personally, I'm tired of this inane rivalry. Not to defend Family Guy, but can Trey Parker shut up about how much the show sucks? Look, this isn't WLS-WCFL in 1973 or Tampa-St. Pete's Q105 and The Power Pig (WFLZ) in 1989 and 1990, as those Top 40 wars were more compelling - and interesting. In this DVR age we live in, TV show rivalries are quite outdated. And yes, this also includes Lost vs. Heroes. Let's keep the rivalries to Cubs vs. White Sox, Yankees vs. Red Sox, and Bears vs. Packers (when the teams are good) - you know, the ones people actually care about.
NBC picks up Kath & Kim and Life for full season. Man, does this network ever cancel anything? With Ben "partying while sniffing white powder up my nose" Silverman and Marc "I'm Dick Cheney, the real Dick Cheney" Graboff in charge, no wonder the network is still in fourth place. Must-Flee TV, indeed.
ESPN. For those Presidential Candidate interviews during halftime on Monday Night Football with Chris Berman lobbing softie questions about sports to Barack Obama and John McCain. Talk about pointless, which pretty much describes Chris Berman...
Toss Up
DeAnna Pappas breaks up with Jesse. Yep, another Bachelor/Bachelorette breakup. But the cute DeAnna is now available... Woo Hoo!
- T Dog's Fab Four-Pack:
President-Elect Barack Obama. Yes, he can and he did. The first African-American elected to the White House. And change is coming. You hear that, Big Media?
Adult Swim picks up King of the Hill. Well, only repeats of the long-running Fox show. Beginning in January, AS will double-run the show every night from 9 to 10 p.m. This deal is separate from the current deals it has with FX and in broadcast syndication. The pickup comes as another Twentieth product (Futurama) shifted to Comedy Central last January.
The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror: The nineteenth edition of The Simpsons' annual Halloween show drew a 6.5 rating in the 18-49 demo, and 12.5 million viewers, the highest in several years. As for the episode itself, great job, especially the hilarious "It's the Grand Pumpkin, Milhouse".
Heroes. For not airing this past week and not making us sit through another mind-numbing episode!
T Dog's Flop Four-pack:
Deal or No Deal (network version). For the second week in a row, no less. At the beginning of last Monday's show, the producers promised to show The Banker's face as part of the show's 200th episode celebration. Instead, we get Howie Mandel falling into a cake, thus coining the phrase "Jump the Cake". At least he didn't put try to blow up a plastic glove over his head.
South Park vs. Family Guy. Personally, I'm tired of this inane rivalry. Not to defend Family Guy, but can Trey Parker shut up about how much the show sucks? Look, this isn't WLS-WCFL in 1973 or Tampa-St. Pete's Q105 and The Power Pig (WFLZ) in 1989 and 1990, as those Top 40 wars were more compelling - and interesting. In this DVR age we live in, TV show rivalries are quite outdated. And yes, this also includes Lost vs. Heroes. Let's keep the rivalries to Cubs vs. White Sox, Yankees vs. Red Sox, and Bears vs. Packers (when the teams are good) - you know, the ones people actually care about.
NBC picks up Kath & Kim and Life for full season. Man, does this network ever cancel anything? With Ben "partying while sniffing white powder up my nose" Silverman and Marc "I'm Dick Cheney, the real Dick Cheney" Graboff in charge, no wonder the network is still in fourth place. Must-Flee TV, indeed.
ESPN. For those Presidential Candidate interviews during halftime on Monday Night Football with Chris Berman lobbing softie questions about sports to Barack Obama and John McCain. Talk about pointless, which pretty much describes Chris Berman...
Toss Up
DeAnna Pappas breaks up with Jesse. Yep, another Bachelor/Bachelorette breakup. But the cute DeAnna is now available... Woo Hoo!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
WKTI kicked to curb
A poignant part of Milwaukee's call letters is history. WKTI-FM dropped its Hot AC format today and flipped to adult hits "The New 94.5 The Lake", an obvious reference to Milwaukee's proximity to Lake Michigan (as is our city.)
Also gone is the WKTI call letters, which have been used at the frequency for 34 years. Pending approval by the FCC, the station's new call letters are WLWK-FM.
The Journal Communications-owned station says the station was created by listener feedback: "Over the last several months, thousands of Milwaukee radio listeners were interviewed, and their feedback helped craft this new radio station, designed to meet their changing tastes," according to Operations Manager Tom Land.
In other words, they used a lot - and I mean a lot - of "market research".
One could wonder why WKTI was eager to make a change - the station tied for twelveth place, in the summer book (no PPMs in Milwaukee yet), which is quite respectable ranking, even for Milwaukee.
The adults hits format is similar to what Nine FM had the last four years - We play anything. However, it has struggled here, as Jack FM (WJMK-FM in Chicago) isn't doing as well as hoped, and Newsweb pulled the plug on Nine FM a few weeks ago. Whatever the case, the switch made by Journal Communications is a very huge risk.
Trivia: Of course, this isn't the first time "Lake" has been used as a moniker of as part of a station's call letters or its' slogan. Remember the old WLAK-FM, 93.9? It was a "beautiful music" station, then switched to a soft AC format around 1983. The call letters switched to WLIT-FM in 1989, a.k.a "Lite FM", which it still uses today.
Updated at 7:23 a.m. on 2008-11-07
Also gone is the WKTI call letters, which have been used at the frequency for 34 years. Pending approval by the FCC, the station's new call letters are WLWK-FM.
The Journal Communications-owned station says the station was created by listener feedback: "Over the last several months, thousands of Milwaukee radio listeners were interviewed, and their feedback helped craft this new radio station, designed to meet their changing tastes," according to Operations Manager Tom Land.
In other words, they used a lot - and I mean a lot - of "market research".
One could wonder why WKTI was eager to make a change - the station tied for twelveth place, in the summer book (no PPMs in Milwaukee yet), which is quite respectable ranking, even for Milwaukee.
The adults hits format is similar to what Nine FM had the last four years - We play anything. However, it has struggled here, as Jack FM (WJMK-FM in Chicago) isn't doing as well as hoped, and Newsweb pulled the plug on Nine FM a few weeks ago. Whatever the case, the switch made by Journal Communications is a very huge risk.
Trivia: Of course, this isn't the first time "Lake" has been used as a moniker of as part of a station's call letters or its' slogan. Remember the old WLAK-FM, 93.9? It was a "beautiful music" station, then switched to a soft AC format around 1983. The call letters switched to WLIT-FM in 1989, a.k.a "Lite FM", which it still uses today.
Updated at 7:23 a.m. on 2008-11-07
WLS-TV, ABC dominate Election Night
ABC and its O&O in Chicago (WLS-TV) took home the ratings crown on Election Night, a night where Barack Obama was elected the nation's first African-American president.
ABC led all networks on a national basis with 13.6 million viewers. Locally, ABC's coverage led with WLS-TV leading the 10 p.m. hour (when Obama gave his victory speech) with a 17.6 household rating and 25 share, with NBC-owned WMAQ a second, with an 11.7/17.
In all, more than 71.5 million viewers tuned in nationwide to election coverage across all platforms.
CNN also scored well with 12.3 million viewers, ahead of Fox News' 9 million.
In Chicago, CNN pulled off a bit of an upset with the all news channel beating CBS-owned WBBM-TV, Tribune's CW affiliate WGN-TV, and Fox-owned WFLD-TV. WBBM only averaged a 4.3 household rating and a 6 share, finishing even behind WGN and WFLD (ouch!)
WFLD outperformed WGN in early fringe at 5 p.m. with their special newscast (WGN ran Millionaire and its 5:30 p.m. news.) WFLD is considering launching a newscast in this time period as soon as next fall, to pair up with the newly acquired Dr. Oz.
ABC led all networks on a national basis with 13.6 million viewers. Locally, ABC's coverage led with WLS-TV leading the 10 p.m. hour (when Obama gave his victory speech) with a 17.6 household rating and 25 share, with NBC-owned WMAQ a second, with an 11.7/17.
In all, more than 71.5 million viewers tuned in nationwide to election coverage across all platforms.
CNN also scored well with 12.3 million viewers, ahead of Fox News' 9 million.
In Chicago, CNN pulled off a bit of an upset with the all news channel beating CBS-owned WBBM-TV, Tribune's CW affiliate WGN-TV, and Fox-owned WFLD-TV. WBBM only averaged a 4.3 household rating and a 6 share, finishing even behind WGN and WFLD (ouch!)
WFLD outperformed WGN in early fringe at 5 p.m. with their special newscast (WGN ran Millionaire and its 5:30 p.m. news.) WFLD is considering launching a newscast in this time period as soon as next fall, to pair up with the newly acquired Dr. Oz.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Chicago DTV test scheduled for November 12
All of Chicago's TV stations are planning two digital TV tests for November 12 - from 6:53 a.m. to 6:58 a.m. and again from 5:23 p.m. to 5:28 p.m. This is to see if viewers are ready for the digital transition happening on February 17, 2009, when all analog broadcasts are shut off for good.
Viewers who are watching television with the ol' rabbit ears (analog) will see information on how to switch to digital TV by February. Viewers watching via digital tuners, digital converters, cable, and satellite will see a message noting they are prepared for the switchover.
Nielsen estimates 10 percent of Chicago's households watch their television exclusively over-the-air from analog sets, without converter boxes.
For more info on the digital switchover, scroll down to the "DTV Transition Center" on the Sidebar of this blog.
Viewers who are watching television with the ol' rabbit ears (analog) will see information on how to switch to digital TV by February. Viewers watching via digital tuners, digital converters, cable, and satellite will see a message noting they are prepared for the switchover.
Nielsen estimates 10 percent of Chicago's households watch their television exclusively over-the-air from analog sets, without converter boxes.
For more info on the digital switchover, scroll down to the "DTV Transition Center" on the Sidebar of this blog.
Chicago PPM numbers for October
Click here to see the PPM numbers for 6+ and here for adults 25-54 for the month of October.
Winners:
The Drive (WDRV-FM), WBBM-AM, WLS-AM, V103 (WVAZ-FM), Kiss FM (WKSC-FM), WOJO-FM
Honorable Mention:
The Mix (WTMX), WLS-FM, WLUP-FM (The Loop), US 99 (WUSN-FM)
Losers:
Fresh 105.9 FM (WCFS-FM), Love FM (WILV-FM), WNUA-FM, Power 92 (WPWX), Jack FM (WJMK), Nine FM
Among 6+:
WBBM-AM surged past WGN to finish first, with WDRV down a bit to tie for fourth. WOJO and WKSC just keeps on rising, while WGCI went up a tick, keeping it off the loser's list. The Score (WSCR) smoked ESPN 1000 (WMVP), though the key male demos will proabably show them a lot closer.
Despite an uptick for one of Nine-FM's signals (WRZA-FM), the ax swung and Nine-FM is in radio heaven - or hell. Another station that can't get arrested (Power 92) finished a pathetic 30th, the lowest-rated powerful stick on the dial.
Among 25-54 (6 a.m. to midnight only):
WDRV-FM finished first in the key demo, but second in the cume, behind all-news WBBM. With The Mix and WLS-FM dropping a bit in the demo, it knocked them from the winner's list to honorable mention, but still a good performance. The Loop did well, finishing sixth. V103 also had a good month, leaping three notches to #5.
On the flipside, Fresh 105.9 dropped from 13th to 16th place, Jack dropped from 18th to 20th, Love FM slid from 14th to 17th, while WNUA didn't show up in the top 20.
Winners:
The Drive (WDRV-FM), WBBM-AM, WLS-AM, V103 (WVAZ-FM), Kiss FM (WKSC-FM), WOJO-FM
Honorable Mention:
The Mix (WTMX), WLS-FM, WLUP-FM (The Loop), US 99 (WUSN-FM)
Losers:
Fresh 105.9 FM (WCFS-FM), Love FM (WILV-FM), WNUA-FM, Power 92 (WPWX), Jack FM (WJMK), Nine FM
Among 6+:
WBBM-AM surged past WGN to finish first, with WDRV down a bit to tie for fourth. WOJO and WKSC just keeps on rising, while WGCI went up a tick, keeping it off the loser's list. The Score (WSCR) smoked ESPN 1000 (WMVP), though the key male demos will proabably show them a lot closer.
Despite an uptick for one of Nine-FM's signals (WRZA-FM), the ax swung and Nine-FM is in radio heaven - or hell. Another station that can't get arrested (Power 92) finished a pathetic 30th, the lowest-rated powerful stick on the dial.
Among 25-54 (6 a.m. to midnight only):
WDRV-FM finished first in the key demo, but second in the cume, behind all-news WBBM. With The Mix and WLS-FM dropping a bit in the demo, it knocked them from the winner's list to honorable mention, but still a good performance. The Loop did well, finishing sixth. V103 also had a good month, leaping three notches to #5.
On the flipside, Fresh 105.9 dropped from 13th to 16th place, Jack dropped from 18th to 20th, Love FM slid from 14th to 17th, while WNUA didn't show up in the top 20.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
"Legend of the Seeker" improves time periods (updated)
More rating upswing news: The new syndicated action hour from Disney-ABC titled Legend of the Seeker improved time periods by 15 percent from October 2008, including an 80 percent jump in the ratings at WGN-TV here in Chicago, which aired the premiere Saturday at 4 p.m.
Among demos, Seeker sook and got big rating increases among men 25-54, women 18-49, and men 18-49.
This is the first syndicated first-run action hour to air in many years, with WGN and other stations airing Xena and Hercules and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the 1990's. The syndicated scripted action show actually had its roots in the early 1970's, when the FCC's Prime Time Access Rule created opportunities for syndicators and filled time periods with (cheap) fare such as The Protectors (with Robert Vaughn), UFO, The Starlost (and you thought this season of Heroes was bad), and Space: 1999.
After first-run sitcoms dominated time periods in the mid to late 1980's, it shifted back to action hours by the early '90's with the success of Star Trek: The Next Generation, whose production was budgeted at $1 million per episode.
Beginning Nov. 8, Legend of the Seeker airs every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. on WGN.
Update: Disney-ABC has now made Seeker available for download via iTunes for $1.99 for standard definition and $2.99 for high definition. The program becomes the first first-run syndicated series to be made available on iTunes.
Seeker is also available on XBox Live marketplace.
Among demos, Seeker sook and got big rating increases among men 25-54, women 18-49, and men 18-49.
This is the first syndicated first-run action hour to air in many years, with WGN and other stations airing Xena and Hercules and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the 1990's. The syndicated scripted action show actually had its roots in the early 1970's, when the FCC's Prime Time Access Rule created opportunities for syndicators and filled time periods with (cheap) fare such as The Protectors (with Robert Vaughn), UFO, The Starlost (and you thought this season of Heroes was bad), and Space: 1999.
After first-run sitcoms dominated time periods in the mid to late 1980's, it shifted back to action hours by the early '90's with the success of Star Trek: The Next Generation, whose production was budgeted at $1 million per episode.
Beginning Nov. 8, Legend of the Seeker airs every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. on WGN.
Update: Disney-ABC has now made Seeker available for download via iTunes for $1.99 for standard definition and $2.99 for high definition. The program becomes the first first-run syndicated series to be made available on iTunes.
Seeker is also available on XBox Live marketplace.
Blackhawks big winners - in ratings
The Chicago Blackhawks may have a so-so record in the standings, but their ratings were soaring through the roof.
During the month of October on Comcast SportsNet, the hockey team saw its ratings grow 150 percent - from a 0.4 Nielsen Media Research household rating in October 2007 to an 1.0 rating in 2008.
More importantly, the Hawks ratings among its core demo - men 25-54, were up a whopping 333 percent from October 2007 and up 300 percent in the adults 18-49 demo.
This comes as the Hawks - for the first time, air all 82 regular-season games - home and away, with WGN-TV carrying 20 of those contests.
During the month of October on Comcast SportsNet, the hockey team saw its ratings grow 150 percent - from a 0.4 Nielsen Media Research household rating in October 2007 to an 1.0 rating in 2008.
More importantly, the Hawks ratings among its core demo - men 25-54, were up a whopping 333 percent from October 2007 and up 300 percent in the adults 18-49 demo.
This comes as the Hawks - for the first time, air all 82 regular-season games - home and away, with WGN-TV carrying 20 of those contests.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Your election night guide
So how local TV and radio plan to cover tomorrow night's historic election? Like the Super Bowl, of course.
Here's how the Chicago media plan to cover the big night on both the television and radio sides. One interest of note is WGN-TV's decision to pre-empt new episodes of The CW's 90210 and Privileged for expanded election coverage. Ouch!
WFLD is also discarding regular programming to air expanded election coverage, beginning at 5 p.m.
Here's how the Chicago media plan to cover the big night on both the television and radio sides. One interest of note is WGN-TV's decision to pre-empt new episodes of The CW's 90210 and Privileged for expanded election coverage. Ouch!
WFLD is also discarding regular programming to air expanded election coverage, beginning at 5 p.m.
Allison Payne sidelined
Allison Payne, the co-anchor of WGN-TV's 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. newscasts, is being sidelined again for the third time this year due to complications from "mini-strokes" she has been having for quite sometime now.
Ms. Payne made the decision to take some time off so she can "fully rehabilitate".
Micah Materre will fill in alongside Mark Suppelsa on the station's 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. newscasts, while medical reporter Dana Blair replaces Materre on the midday newscast.
The T Dog Media Blog wishes Allison Payne a speedy recovery, and a quick return to the news set.
Ms. Payne made the decision to take some time off so she can "fully rehabilitate".
Micah Materre will fill in alongside Mark Suppelsa on the station's 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. newscasts, while medical reporter Dana Blair replaces Materre on the midday newscast.
The T Dog Media Blog wishes Allison Payne a speedy recovery, and a quick return to the news set.
"Heroes" producers get canned
The Oakland Raiders of primetime just made a shakeup: Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb were fired as co-executive producers of Heroes, a program that's been slumping in both the creative and ratings department this season.
NBC Universal exces has been pretty frustrated with the creative direction of the program, which was cited as the main reason why the duo were shown the door. The program has also experienced cost over-runs this season, which has gone over the $4 million budget this season. Budget over-runs + low ratings = deficit.
It doesn't take a genius to realize it's going to be Heroes shown the door if the ratings - which hit record lows recently - don't improve.
I'll have a Think Tank on the plight of Heroes coming up soon.
NBC Universal exces has been pretty frustrated with the creative direction of the program, which was cited as the main reason why the duo were shown the door. The program has also experienced cost over-runs this season, which has gone over the $4 million budget this season. Budget over-runs + low ratings = deficit.
It doesn't take a genius to realize it's going to be Heroes shown the door if the ratings - which hit record lows recently - don't improve.
I'll have a Think Tank on the plight of Heroes coming up soon.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
WLS celebrates 10 years with "190"
At a time when stations across the country are slashing local non-news related programming, one station's local magazine show is still going strong.
Tonight, ABC-owned WLS-TV is celebrating 10 years of 190 North tonight with a 30-minute retrospective of the show's run. Hosted by Janet Davies (who is also the show's executive producer), the special takes a look back at the people, places, and things the program has talked about and/or visited the last ten years.
For example, 190 North would visit a restaurant, a concert, or something else cool in the city. In a few cases, the program would devote an entire program to a single subject, such as 9/11 and the death of John Drury.
Airing at 10:35 p.m. Sunday nights, 190 North constantly wins its time period and households and key demos.
North has two correspondents, Doug Banks and Michelle Alegria. The third (Lou Canellis) left the show earlier this year to join WFLD-TV's Bears-related programming. An announcement on his replacement is coming shortly.
190 North, of course, is the address of WLS-TV's studios in the Loop - 190 North State Street.
Tonight, ABC-owned WLS-TV is celebrating 10 years of 190 North tonight with a 30-minute retrospective of the show's run. Hosted by Janet Davies (who is also the show's executive producer), the special takes a look back at the people, places, and things the program has talked about and/or visited the last ten years.
For example, 190 North would visit a restaurant, a concert, or something else cool in the city. In a few cases, the program would devote an entire program to a single subject, such as 9/11 and the death of John Drury.
Airing at 10:35 p.m. Sunday nights, 190 North constantly wins its time period and households and key demos.
North has two correspondents, Doug Banks and Michelle Alegria. The third (Lou Canellis) left the show earlier this year to join WFLD-TV's Bears-related programming. An announcement on his replacement is coming shortly.
190 North, of course, is the address of WLS-TV's studios in the Loop - 190 North State Street.
T Dog's Four on the Floors - Edition 10
This week's winners and losers:
T Dog's Fab Four
- Obama's campaign infomercial. Great marketing ploy to get your message out by buying time on three major broadcast networks and a few cable outlets simultaneously, as the move scored 30 million viewers across all platforms Wednesday night. But will this translate to votes?
- 'Til Death goes on hiatus. Hopefully for good.
- Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror. All this series has to do is sneeze and it picks up a three-year renewal (though it hasn't happened yet. But it will.) But those Treehouse of Horror specials are always a hoot to watch.
- WTXF's big score. The Fox-owned station in Philadelphia notched one of the highest ratings in the station's history (besides the Eagles-Patriots matchup in Super Bowl XXIX) with a ratings peak of a 54.5 household rating and a 73 share when the Phillies clinched the World Series win, which they won for the first time since 1980. But that's the only good news the Series has scored (see below.)
T Dog's Flopulous Four:
- The 2008 World Series. Commenter "c.r." called this one. Suspended games, bad weather, deplorable conditions, and an unappealing matchup. Mix all of this together, and you have the lowest World Series ever. And guess what? Next year, Game 7 of the fall classic could be played on November 7. Swell. If they play the game in a northern city, have the snow plows on standby.
- Disrespecting Philly. All right, we know Philly fans are about as lovable as Dennis Franz, but all the crap from the New York and Los Angeles based-media outlets regarding Philadelphia is uncalled for. From Michael Wilbon of PTI (and being from the Midwest, he should know better) to TV Week dismissing Philadelphia as a "small market", it's more proof the press' obvious bias against anything not from the three largest markets, Boston, and D.C. But the city that gave us American Bandstand, Cheesesteaks, and Rocky has a championship for the first time in 28 years. So check your feelings at the door, and show Philly some damn respect! (But only for the next month or so...)
- Deal or No Deal (network version). Around the same time the Phillies clinched the World Series championship Wednesday, a woman named Tomorrow (yes, Tomorrow - presumably without Tom Snyder) won a million dollars. And nobody watched. Guess in this faltering economy, a million doesn't go as far as it used to.
- William Shatner. Let me start off by saying this: You are a great actor and made great contributions to the medium of television, especially in your roles on Star Trek, T.J. Hooker, and as host of Rescue 911. But your whining about not being invited to your former Trek co-star's wedding (George Takei) is absolutely pathetic. Who do you think you are, Terell Owens? You're 78 years old. Grow up.
In the words of Boers and Bernstein, William Shanter, "Who Ya Crappin?"
T Dog's Fab Four
- Obama's campaign infomercial. Great marketing ploy to get your message out by buying time on three major broadcast networks and a few cable outlets simultaneously, as the move scored 30 million viewers across all platforms Wednesday night. But will this translate to votes?
- 'Til Death goes on hiatus. Hopefully for good.
- Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror. All this series has to do is sneeze and it picks up a three-year renewal (though it hasn't happened yet. But it will.) But those Treehouse of Horror specials are always a hoot to watch.
- WTXF's big score. The Fox-owned station in Philadelphia notched one of the highest ratings in the station's history (besides the Eagles-Patriots matchup in Super Bowl XXIX) with a ratings peak of a 54.5 household rating and a 73 share when the Phillies clinched the World Series win, which they won for the first time since 1980. But that's the only good news the Series has scored (see below.)
T Dog's Flopulous Four:
- The 2008 World Series. Commenter "c.r." called this one. Suspended games, bad weather, deplorable conditions, and an unappealing matchup. Mix all of this together, and you have the lowest World Series ever. And guess what? Next year, Game 7 of the fall classic could be played on November 7. Swell. If they play the game in a northern city, have the snow plows on standby.
- Disrespecting Philly. All right, we know Philly fans are about as lovable as Dennis Franz, but all the crap from the New York and Los Angeles based-media outlets regarding Philadelphia is uncalled for. From Michael Wilbon of PTI (and being from the Midwest, he should know better) to TV Week dismissing Philadelphia as a "small market", it's more proof the press' obvious bias against anything not from the three largest markets, Boston, and D.C. But the city that gave us American Bandstand, Cheesesteaks, and Rocky has a championship for the first time in 28 years. So check your feelings at the door, and show Philly some damn respect! (But only for the next month or so...)
- Deal or No Deal (network version). Around the same time the Phillies clinched the World Series championship Wednesday, a woman named Tomorrow (yes, Tomorrow - presumably without Tom Snyder) won a million dollars. And nobody watched. Guess in this faltering economy, a million doesn't go as far as it used to.
- William Shatner. Let me start off by saying this: You are a great actor and made great contributions to the medium of television, especially in your roles on Star Trek, T.J. Hooker, and as host of Rescue 911. But your whining about not being invited to your former Trek co-star's wedding (George Takei) is absolutely pathetic. Who do you think you are, Terell Owens? You're 78 years old. Grow up.
In the words of Boers and Bernstein, William Shanter, "Who Ya Crappin?"
Friday, October 31, 2008
MRC pulls plug on "Valentine" and "Easy Money"
Media Rights Capital, who is buying time to program CW's Sunday night lineup, has canceled Valentine and Easy Money.
Both programs had achieved numbers usually seen for late-night infomercials and religious programming - really bad. And I mean WJYS-TV, Channel 62 bad.
Yep, you know you failed when your show can't even outdraw Joel Osteen and Paula White Today.
No word on any replacements, but with numbers these low, it's perhaps time to give Sunday nights back to the affiliates next season, as they can't be happy with these ratings.
Both programs had achieved numbers usually seen for late-night infomercials and religious programming - really bad. And I mean WJYS-TV, Channel 62 bad.
Yep, you know you failed when your show can't even outdraw Joel Osteen and Paula White Today.
No word on any replacements, but with numbers these low, it's perhaps time to give Sunday nights back to the affiliates next season, as they can't be happy with these ratings.
Studs Terkel dies
A true Chicago treasure has passed away at 96. Louis "Studs" Terkel, the literary giant and Pulitzer Prize winner who had a radio show on WFMT for an amazing 45-year run, died Friday afternoon.
Terkel was a well-known author, activist, and Chicago icon. His latest book, P.S. : Further Thoughts From A Lifetime of Listening, was due out this month. His first, Giants of Jazz, came out in 1957. In all, he wrote eighteen books.
Terkel also contributed to Chicago's television history: In 1950, he hosted a unique talk show called Studs Place, which was basically set in a tavern. It was there people discovered his interview style, where he basically engaged in conversations with his guests.
Terkel was a well-known author, activist, and Chicago icon. His latest book, P.S. : Further Thoughts From A Lifetime of Listening, was due out this month. His first, Giants of Jazz, came out in 1957. In all, he wrote eighteen books.
Terkel also contributed to Chicago's television history: In 1950, he hosted a unique talk show called Studs Place, which was basically set in a tavern. It was there people discovered his interview style, where he basically engaged in conversations with his guests.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
"King of the Hill" canceled
After a run of fourteen seasons, King of the Hill is stepping down from its throne.
Fox officials confirmed the venerable animated series will end its long run during the 2009-10 season, which it is scheduled for thirteen episodes.
The program, created by Mike Judge, was about a propane salesman living in Texas with his wife Peggy and his son Bobby, along with niece Luanne and his three hapless buddies. Judge (who also created the controversial Beavis & Butt-head for MTV) voiced the lead character, Hank Hill in a voice similar to the Tom Andersen character on Beavis.
Hill debuted on January 12, 1997 and became a big success, but instantly faltered when it moved to Tuesday nights during the 1998-99 season, when it went up against ABC's Home Improvement. Hill moved back to Sundays in the 1999-2000 season, where it has been ever since.
Hill earned $3 million per episode in off-network syndication sales, but the program had been deemed a disappointment for stations, which thus far, has failed to measure up to the syndication success of The Simpsons. Hill is currently in its eighth season in off-net syndication.
Meanwhile, Fox has renewed American Dad for a fifth season, basically ensuring a place for the animated series at the syndication poker table.
Fox officials confirmed the venerable animated series will end its long run during the 2009-10 season, which it is scheduled for thirteen episodes.
The program, created by Mike Judge, was about a propane salesman living in Texas with his wife Peggy and his son Bobby, along with niece Luanne and his three hapless buddies. Judge (who also created the controversial Beavis & Butt-head for MTV) voiced the lead character, Hank Hill in a voice similar to the Tom Andersen character on Beavis.
Hill debuted on January 12, 1997 and became a big success, but instantly faltered when it moved to Tuesday nights during the 1998-99 season, when it went up against ABC's Home Improvement. Hill moved back to Sundays in the 1999-2000 season, where it has been ever since.
Hill earned $3 million per episode in off-network syndication sales, but the program had been deemed a disappointment for stations, which thus far, has failed to measure up to the syndication success of The Simpsons. Hill is currently in its eighth season in off-net syndication.
Meanwhile, Fox has renewed American Dad for a fifth season, basically ensuring a place for the animated series at the syndication poker table.
Emmis cuts positions in Chicago
The economic downturn has affected every corner of our economy, and the radio industry is no exception. Layoffs were prevalent today at Emmis' classic rocker WLUP-FM (The Loop) and WKQX-FM (Q101). A total of five individuals were laid off.
The causality list: WLUP Program Director Bill Klaproth; Imaging Director Kevyn Howrd; Marketing Director Tommy King; Sales Assistant Carly Keenan; and Webmaster Jessie Goodman.
Replacing Klaproth as PD at WLUP is afternoon jock Eddie Webb, and two others were promoted to promotions - Jeannine Moose and Jimi Hendrix (no, not that Jimi Hendrix...)
The causality list: WLUP Program Director Bill Klaproth; Imaging Director Kevyn Howrd; Marketing Director Tommy King; Sales Assistant Carly Keenan; and Webmaster Jessie Goodman.
Replacing Klaproth as PD at WLUP is afternoon jock Eddie Webb, and two others were promoted to promotions - Jeannine Moose and Jimi Hendrix (no, not that Jimi Hendrix...)
The six degrees of Chicago radio seperation
Patrick Kampert of the Chicago Tribune gives you six reasons why morning radio has become so tame (or lame... yeah, you saw that one coming.)
Among the factors include the absence of Howard Stern, the crackdown of lewd material by the FCC (which is one of the reasons Stern left terrestrial radio), and the maturing of the jocks themselves - not to mention the audience.
Then there's cost-cutting - another reason why don't see the "morning zoos" around anymore.
Mix all of these together and a you have a recipe for morning radio "jumping the shark."
Among the factors include the absence of Howard Stern, the crackdown of lewd material by the FCC (which is one of the reasons Stern left terrestrial radio), and the maturing of the jocks themselves - not to mention the audience.
Then there's cost-cutting - another reason why don't see the "morning zoos" around anymore.
Mix all of these together and a you have a recipe for morning radio "jumping the shark."
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